colorado s military newspaper g cchrieverhriever … · 2008. 5. 22. · resume normal operations...

Base BriefsRe-enlist with the Thunderbirds

Airmen can re-enlist or renew their oaths of enlistment with the Air Force Th underbirds at noon May 25 in Hangar 119 at Peterson Air Force Base.

Servicemembers should sign up for the event at https://afk m.wpafb .af.mil/safb _pdc_ft ac.

For more information, contact Master Sgt. Scott Dillingham of the 50th Mission Support Squadron at 567-5927.

Speakers wantedDo you like to speak in public? Are

you looking to support your commu-nity in a special way? Th e Speakers Bureau can be a great way to do both! Th e 50th Space Wing Public Aff airs Offi ce is recruiting civilian and mili-tary volunteers to speak at local schools, colleges, veterans meeting and more.

Topic of speech can extend beyond your career fi eld, and can also include your life, military experiences and travel. Speakers will also have the chance to speak at events such as Veteran’s Day, Memorial Day and Independence Day.

For more information, contact the Public Aff airs offi ce at 567-5044.

AFOSI closed May 28Th e Air Force Offi ce of Special

Investigations Detachment 803 will be closed May 28 for training and will resume normal operations May 29.

For immediate assistance, contact the Schriever Law Enforcement Desk at 567-5641.

50th OG to hold Maj. Gen. Morrell tournament, banquet

Th e 50th Operations Group will hold a Maj. Gen. Jimmy R. Morrell Golf Tournament at 1:30 p.m. May 29 at the U.S. Air Force Academy and an awards banquet at 6:30 p.m. May 30 at the Peterson AFB Consolidated Club.

For information about the golf tour-nament, contact 2nd Lt. Justin Roque of the 4th Space Operations Squadron at 567-4903. For more information about the awards banquet, contact Capt. April Wimmer of 50th OG at 567-7582.

Damaged goods claims can now be fi led online

Airmen may now use an online form to report household goods that were lost, damaged or destroyed in an offi cial move. Th e new online DD Form 1840 is available electronically at https://claims.jag.af.mil.

For more information, contact the 50th Space Wing Judge Advocate’s Offi ce at 567-5050.

CDC seeks volunteer readersTh e Child Development Center is

looking for volunteers each Tuesday in May from 9:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. to read books in honor of Asian American/Pacifi c Islander Month.

For more information, contact Tech. Sgt. Jennifer Pecqueur of the 3rd Space Experimentation Squadron at 567-6133.

InsideCommentary ......................... 3Morrell Awards ....................... 4Around the Air Force .......... 10

SCHRIEVERCHRIEVER SENTINELENTINELTh ursday, May 22, 2008 www.csmng.com Vol. 2 No. 21

COLORADO SPRINGS MILITARY NEWSPAPER GROUP

Comesee theThunderbirds!

U.S. Air Force photo/Tech. Sgt. Justin D. Pyle

Come out and witness the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds aerial demonstration team as they perform their fi rst-ever fl yby of Schriever Air Force Base May 25 at approximately

10:30 a.m. The fl yby will consist of one pass over the base and one “photo pass” near the Colorado Tracking Station here. Don’t miss this historic event!

By Ed WhiteAir Force Space Command Public Affairs

Air Force Space Command normally aver-ages two fatalities every summer (three to six for the year). However, in the summer of 2006, one death was recorded and in 2007, no fatalities occurred over the 101 Critical Days of Summer.

“I expect every commander, enlisted lead-er and front-line supervisor to be involved in targeting these two areas specifi cally,” said Gen. C. Robert Kehler, com-mander, AFSPC. “Personally visit with each of the mem-bers under your direct su-pervision ... and empha-size safety. We must learn from our mistakes, hold each other accountable and work hard to eliminate mishaps. Embrace our wing-man culture by looking out for one another, employ operational risk management practices and, above all, be safe.”

The two most common fatal incident classifications for AFSPC are drowning and personal motor vehicle accidents, whether the vehicle is a motorcycle or automobile.

“Th e drownings most oft en take place at the Northern Tier bases and the killer is hypothermia,” said Mark Pannell, AFSPC Safety. Th e buddy system and use of PFDs will save lives according to Mr. Pannell, along with a constant awareness, and con-sistent monitoring of your body. Know the

symptoms of hypothermia and get out of the water when you notice them.

“Personal Flotation Devices are great; however, most of the time our Airmen swimming in a river don’t have one on. Hypothermia sneaks up, and the next time their buddy looks for them, they are gone,” Mr. Pannell added.

Automobile and motorcycle accidents are harder to prevent because one

must drive with other people on the road and one has no idea the other’s capabilities

or what condition they are in – alert or tired, drunk or sober. Reduce your chances of getting into an automobile mishap by following a few simple rules:

First, when on a long road trip, stop oft en, get

out and walk around to get the blood circulating. Th is is true for

either motorcycles or automobiles. When in a car, drive with a buddy and switch off driving oft en as well.

Second, use the advice provided by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation: “Use the technique named SEE, an acronym for a safe driving process that everyone needs to practice,” said Mr. Pannell. “Search for potential factors or hazards; Evaluate the situation to anticipate problems; Execute superior maneuvering skills – adjust speed, adjust position, and communicate inten-tions. When a bad situation develops, you can be taking evasive measures as it hap-

pens, not reacting to it after the fact.”Mr. Pannell credits last year’s 101 CDS

success to increased awareness and the use of a driving simulator program that allowed Airmen to actually practice the SEE approach. “When they practice it, the next time they are in the car, they will use it,” he added.

Th e most common factor of at-work inju-ries over the summer, indeed throughout the year, is inattention. “Th is applies to fatalities as much as it does all lesser injuries” said Mr. Pannell. You need to stay focused on the task at hand. When your head is in the game, you signifi cantly lessen the chance of having a mishap.

“To help us repeat the success of last sum-mer, supervisors should target their eff orts toward vehicle and water sports safety,” said Chief Master Sgt. Todd Small, AFSPC com-mand chief. “Remember – responsibility is a two-way street. Each of us is accountable, both for our actions and for setting a good example.”

Th e wingman culture also plays a key role in the results. Being a good wingman includes doing a risk analysis for any given activity. Determine the risks and have mate-rial or equipment on hand to mitigate the risks if they occur. Th is goes for work or leisure time activities.

Th e success of last year’s zero-fatality 101 Critical Days of Summer means that two Airmen are still alive who otherwise might not have been. Th e objective of this year’s campaign is to increase that number to four.

Staying safe this summer

2 Schriever SentinelMay 22, 2008

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COMMENTARY

Commentary by Staff Sgt. Benjamin Rojek

30th Space Wing Public Affairs

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. — I don’t want to see how I’m going to die.

Th ose were the words that crawled through my mind as my car begin to turn over at 70 miles an hour.

Th ankfully (and apparently), I didn’t die that day. Call it luck, call it fate. I call it a seatbelt.

It was a warm, summer day in the Pacifi c Northwest, the type of day made for long drives. I called one of my friends who I knew had the day off work, and by 10 a.m. two 19-year olds were cruising up the highway.

At 19, I pretty much thought I was invincible. How else to explain all the stupid stuff I did: jumping off roof tops, skating off loading docks, never wearing a seatbelt. In fact, as a kid my parents never really enforced a seatbelt rule. I remember always thinking the belts were re-stricting and uncomfortable.

“I’m a good driver, so why should I wear a

seatbelt?” I always thought.Needless to say, as we headed north on Interstate

5, my friend George and I relaxed and enjoyed the rare sunshine without our silly seatbelts.

Aft er a few hours at “the big mall” and lunch at a diner, we headed back to our little town. George took off his shoes, put his feet on the dash and fell asleep, and I rolled down my window for the fresh air.

Okay, so I also rolled it down to keep me awake. I was tired from our running around and also had worked a late shift the night before. Th ere was no stereo in my beater car to blast, so the wind was going to have to do.

It didn’t do.Th e loud “thump-thump-thump” of my tires

rolling over the ruts on the side of the freeway woke me up. I-5 curved to the right and I was headed straight for the median. Being startled awake, I panicked and quickly veered to the right. However, I had turned the wheel too sharp and was heading for the shoulder. In hindsight, I realize I should have slowly and calmly corrected

my heading to my car’s port. It didn’t happen that way, though.

When the car began to fl y through the air, I closed my eyes not wanting to see how I would die. In the darkness I could hear the glass shat-tering, the metal twisting, George yelling. Th en ... silence.

People were yelling for us to get out of the car. Fuel was pouring out. I tried to move, but the seatbelt was holding me tight. How the ...?

As we crawled over glass through the hatch-back window, I remembered. For some reason I had put on my seatbelt when we started south on the freeway. George, who also never wore seatbelts, had put his on, too. To this day, I don’t remember why we did it. Actually, I really don’t care about the why. What matters is that I did and we’re alive to talk about it.

Upon seeing the mangled automobile, the cops said we were lucky to be alive. On the way to the hospital, the medics said fate was on our side.

Call it what you will.I call it a seatbelt.

Rolling down the highway ... literally

Commentary by Maj. Michael Johnson455th Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron

commander

BAGRAM AIR BASE, Afghanistan (AFPN) — I’ve always believed what you get out of an assignment or deployment is equal to what you put into it. No matter where we are or what we do, we can learn something.

Even when I was sent remote for a year, I had a very positive experience. It was the opposite of what I was expecting, and one in which I made lasting friendships.

Attitude and a positive outlook drastically aff ect our lives. Colin Powell said, “Perpetual optimism is a force multiplier.” Over the years, I’ve tried to implement a few simple principles

that have really made a diff erence, not only pro-fessionally but also personally.

Build relationships, not just contactsLife is so much more than simply knowing

who to talk to in order to take care of business. Building relationships is about getting to know people, what’s on their minds, and most impor-tantly, how you can help them. Take the time to talk about something other than work. I’ve found that sitting down at lunch or dinner with folks has been a great time. Not only does it tend to be a lot of fun, but also I get to know the people I’m working with better. While you’re here, take the time to plan a cookout or organize some kind of

get together. Th ese things build teamwork.

Leave the place better than when you arrived

Th ings can always be improved. Th ere are plenty of opportunities to leave your mark. It can be something to do with your job or just getting involved off -duty.

Solve problems, don’t just identify them

My fi rst commander told me to have one or two possible solutions for every problem I briefed

Your best and nothing more

See Commentary page 11


By 1st Lt. Robert Singleton50th Operations Support Squadron

Th e 50th Operations Group announced the enlisted nominees for the 2008 Maj. Gen. Jimmey R. Morrell Award. Squadron commanders personally selected nominees based on their outstanding contributions to satellite operations and their ability to provide those services and capabilities to the users in the fi eld.

Th e General Morrell Award winners will be announced at the annual awards banquet May 30 at the Peterson Air Force Base Consolidated Club.

The award is named in honor of General Morrell, who in 1986 served as Air Force Space Command’s director of space operations, overseeing all space combat operations including the establishment of command and control procedures for space defense and space surveillance operations.

Enlisted nominees announced for 2008 Gen. Morrell Awards

Senior Airman William Steward II50th Operations Group Standardization and

Evaluations DivisionAirman Steward led a team of GPS satellite system opera-

tors during the seamless transition to the new $850-million Architecture Evolution Plan ground system. He played a vital role in activating the now fully functional alternate operations center for the 2nd Space Operations Squadron, which is the fi rst ever alternate GPS location on Department of Defense soil, fulfi lling a Congressional mandate. Airman Steward’s expertise was crucial to the latest launch of GPS Block IIR Modernized satellite, which provided a new mili-tary signal to warfi ghters.

Staff Sgt. John Quitta50th Operations Support Squadron

Sergeant Quitta’s outstanding leadership directly contrib-uted to his selection as one of only two enlisted mission crew chief instructors, a cornerstone to crew force profi ciency. As an instructor and evaluator, he administered 135 training observations and evaluations covering 560 tasks. Sergeant Quitta was honored as 50th OG’s instructor of the year and the 50th Space Wing’s enlisted space operator of the year for 2007. His selfl ess drive was instrumental during the 2008 AFSPC Operational Readiness Inspection, as well as Defense Satellite Communications System professional team honors.

Master Sgt. Delores Speller4th Space Operations Squadron

Sergeant Speller’s leadership and technical expertise directly contributed to the most successful large-scale cryptographic roll-over event in recent unit history allowing for uninterrupted operation of the $31-billion Milstar satellite communications system. Her keen eye identifi ed and corrected 23 diff erent opera-tional documents. She was also vital to maintaining minimum mission-essential manning of 4th SOPS’ operations fl oor 24 hours a day as she helped schedule more than 270 crew shift s. She orchestrated the fi rst-ever unit Airmen mentorship program, providing guidance to more than 20 unit members in addition to the squadron sponsorship program. Her communications system expertise facilitated the rapid response to simulated dual crosslink break during the 2008 AFSPC ORI.

2008 Maj. Gen. Jimmey R. Morrell Award enlisted nominees are:

Staff Sgt. Aaron Frigaard3rd Space Operations Squadron

Sergeant Frigaard’s expertise in satellite operations was demonstrated when he became the Air Force’s fi rst certifi ed enlisted instructor for Wideband Global SATCOM, the new-est 50th SW satellite system in 13 years. His eff orts resulted in the training of 110 tasks to 11 offi cers and enlisted crew members in record time, which in turn allowed 3rd SOPS to take control of the $600-million satellite eight months ahead of schedule. Sergeant Frigaard further distinguished himself as a tactical operations center operator when he deployed to the 451st Air Expeditionary Group at Kandahar Air Field, Afghanistan. During his 197-day deployment, he relayed status to regional command for 2,990 enemy engagements, executed-time sensitive response for 24 rocket attacks and averted a suicide bomb attempt, which saved 70 Soldiers’ lives.

Staff Sgt. Corey Jarr2nd Space Operations Squadron

Sergeant Jarr ensured the successful execution of more than 21,370 satellite contacts providing 99.9 percent global naviga-tion and timing signal availability to U.S. Central Command warfi ghters and the best navigation accuracy while operating 32 satellites, the largest constellation in history. His direct contributions enabled execution of the $75-million Launch, Anomaly, and Disposal Operations mission, taking over as the fi rst cradle-to-grave GPS satellite squadron. Sergeant Jarr proved the new system’s operational capability by launching three Block II-R Modernized satellites and disposing of a failed satellite. He directly contributed toward the fl awless transition to the $850-million Architecture Evolution Program dur-ing sustainment of the legacy command and control system. Finally, his leadership was paramount to winning the Gen. Richard C. Henry Award for best space operations squadron in AFSPC and the Lt. Gen. Claire Chennault Trophy for best space operations unit in 14th Air Force.

Staff Sgt. Adrian Fernandez1st Space Operations Squadron

Sergeant Fernandez executed more than 200 satellite con-tacts, leading to the squadron’s 99.7-percent success rate. He led his crew to win the squadron Crew of the Quarter three times and the 50th OGs Crew of the Quarter and Top Gun Crew awards. Additionally, Sergeant Fernandez led the preparation eff orts for the $4-million Multi-Mission Satellite Operations Center and Space-Based Space Surveillance facili-ties projects. He was also hand-selected to be a subject matter expert for the $830 million Space-Based Space Surveillance Program. He reviewed more than 1,250 tasks to develop the training system requirements analysis document, saving the Air Force more than $300,000.


Th e northeast corner of Falcon Parkway will be closed from May 23 until July 31 due to a construction project that will provide access to the housing area without traf-fi c lights.

Th e northeast corner of Falcon Parkway will be closed for

construction starting May 23 to allow access to the housing area without traffi c lights.

Th e traffi c light at Hahn Avenue and Falcon Parkway will be activated to help control traffi c. Schriever personnel should use Hahn Avenue instead of Voyager Street to access

Hubble Avenue. Construction is tentatively scheduled to be complete by July 31.

For more information about the Falcon Parkway construc-tion project, contact Bill Leonard of the 50th Civil Engineer Squadron at 567-6246.

Falcon Parkway to undergo construction

Courtesy image

Colorado Springs Military Newspaper

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View our publication online at www.csmng.com.


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By Staff Sgt. Jason LakeAir University Public Affairs

MAXWELL AIR FORCE BASE, Ala. (AFPN) — More than 350 of the Air Force’s top enlisted leaders converged on Maxwell Air Force Base’s Gunter Annex to participate in the 2008 Senior Enlisted Leader Summit May 18 to 23.

Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Rodney J. McKinley, along with hundreds of Air Force command chief master sergeants, career fi eld managers, professional military education commandants and other key senior enlisted leaders representing the total force arrived to meet with senior Air Force leaders, includ-ing Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. T. Michael Moseley, and discuss the current state of the Air Force as well as the strategic goals shared by senior policy makers.

“We’re here to discuss Air Force priori-ties — winning the war on terrorism, re-capitalization and modernization and taking care of our Airmen — and everything else that falls in between these subjects,” Chief McKinley said. “My goal is for everyone to leave here with a strategic vision of where the Air Force is right now and where it’s going in the future.”

Chief Master Sgt. Ira Cutting, the enlisted space systems operations career fi eld man-ager at the Pentagon, said he looked forward to discussing issues with his enlisted coun-terparts and senior Air Force leaders.

“Our duty (as chief master sergeants) is to take care of our Airmen,” Chief Cutting said. “It’s our job to take care of every detail so they are able to continue focusing on the mission.”

Th e summit offi cially kicked off May 18 with a 2.2-mile formation run and sports day activities to build camaraderie among the participants and emphasize the importance of maintaining physical fi tness.

Lt. Gen. Stephen R. Lorenz, the Air University commander and who assumes command of Air Education and Training

Command in June, discussed the role of Air University as the Air Force’s “intellectual leadership center” and the important evolu-tion of both enlisted and offi cer education programs.

“Th e NCOs of today are the offi cers of yes-terday,” General Lorenz said comparing the number of bachelors degrees held by NCOs today — 5.6 percent — to the number

Top leaders unite for senior enlisted summit

U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Jason Lake

Chief Master Sgt. Brooke McLean carries the Air Education and Training Command guidon as he and hundreds of command chief master sergeants, career fi eld managers, professional military education commandants and other key senior enlisted leaders jog down the homestretch of a 2.2-mile formation run May 18 at Maxwell Air Force Base’s Gunter Annex in Alabama. The formation run offi cially kicked off the 2008 Senior Enlisted Leader Summit that brought together the Air Force’s senior enlisted leaders in key positions throughout the Air Force to discuss current and future Air Force topics with their peers and senior Air Force offi cers. Chief McLean is the Little Rock Air Force Base command chief.

of degrees held by offi cers in the early days of the Air Force. “Our job here at AU is to facilitate enlisted education.”

General Lorenz showcased Air University’s associate to baccalaureate cooperative pro-gram that off ers Airmen the opportunity to apply their Community College of the Air Force associate degrees toward a bach-elor’s degree with as little as 12 mouse clicks online.

“Th ere are still Airmen out there who don’t know about the ABC program,” General Lorenz said. “I ask that you help get the word out about this great opportunity.”

As more enlisted Airmen continue to pur-sue a degree, General Lorenz said today’s en-listed corps may have a unique opportunity as the cyber domain expands.

“I believe cyberspace is a growth industry for NCOs with the right degrees,” he said.

“I think the enlisted force will play a heavy role in this domain.”

Some of the other topics planned through-out the week include Air Force Cyberspace Command updates, air and space expedi-tionary force restructuring updates, the new Defense Integrated Military Human Resources System online personnel and pay system, and a two-hour panel discus-sion with former chief master sergeants of the Air Force.

Th e fi rst Senior Enlisted Leader Summit was held at Maxwell AFB in 2007. Prior to the summit, command chief master sergeants met annually during a worldwide command chief conference. Chief McKinley said the new summit format added other senior en-listed leaders holding key positions to help broaden the scope and impact of an annual gathering.

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Schriever, Actus break ground for new housingGroundbreaking took place May 16 for the construction of new houses on Schriever. Approximately 100 members from Schriever and person-nel from Actus Lend Lease, partners in the housing privatization project, were on hand to witness the event. The groundbreaking marks the twenty-fi fth anniversary since ground was fi rst broke for the construction of then-Falcon Air Force Base. Pictured left to right: Airman 1st Class Jeffrey McClung, 50th Space Wing Judge Advocates Offi ce; Andy Douglas of Actus; Col. Terry Djuric, 50th Space Wing commander; Bob Mathis of Actus; Col. Ottis Hutchinson, 50th Mission Support Group commander; Jim Mullen of Actus; Ed O’Gallagher, 50th Civil Engineer Squadron; Gary Wilson of Actus; and Airman 1st Class Jamie McClung, 50th Mission Support Squadron.

U.S. Air Force photo/Amber Whittington

Cool itA fi re that reportedly started near Highway 94 and Page Road on May 10 burned approximately 600 acres of grassland on the base property. There was no damage to facilities and no one was injured.

U.S. Air Force photo/Tech. Sgt. Martie Moore

Visit the Schriever Sentinel

online at www.csmng.com.

T h e G a m e s B e g i nBase Briefs

Do you like to speak in public? Are you looking to support your commu-nity in a special way? The Speakers Bureau can be a great way to do both! The 50th Space Wing Public Affairs Office is recruiting civilian and mili-tary volunteers to speak at local schools, colleges, veterans meeting and more.

Topic of speech can extend beyond your career field, and can also include your life, military experiences and trav-el. Speakers will also have the chance to speak at events such as Veteran’s Day, Memorial Day and Independence Day.

For more information, contact the 50th PA office at 567-5044.

The Maj. Gen. Jimmy R. Morrell Golf Tournament will be held at 1:30 p.m. May 29 at the U.S. Air Force Academy and the awards banquet will be held at 6:30 p.m. May 30 at the Peterson AFB Consolidate Club.

For more information about the golf tournament, contact 2nd Lt. Justin Roque of the 4th Space Operations Squadron at 567-4903. For more in-formation about the awards banquet, contact Capt. April Wimmer of the 50th Operations Group at 567-7582.

Drive a Servicemember Home needs volunteers from 10 p.m. to 3 a.m. May 16 and 17.

One weekend dispatcher and 14 driv-ers, 8 males and 6 females, are needed.

For more information, contact Staff Sgt. Adrian Fernandez of the 1st Space Operations Squadron at 567-2747.

For more information, contact Tech Sgt. Leah Wilson at 567-7329, or Barbara Fitz at 531-5501.

Ellicott Elementary School needs 12 volunteers, six in the morning and six in the afternoon, for a 4th-grade bike safety event May 19.

The morning bike safety session will begin at 9 a.m. and the afternoon ses-sion will start at 12:30 p.m. Volunteers will provide the fourth graders with bike and helmet inspections, safety tips, and guide children through six different stations on a bicycle course.

For more information, contact Denise Curtis of the 50th Space Wing Public Affairs Office at 567-5044.

Volunteers and donors are needed for a blood drive from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. May 21 in the Bldg. 300 auditorium.

For more information, contact Master Sgt. Michael Primo of the Space Innovation and Development Center at 721-9882.

InsideCommentary ......................... 3Morrell Awards ....................... 4Housing ................................... 5

Thursday, May 15, 2008 www.csmng.com Vol. 2 No. 20

COLORADO SPRINGS MILITARY NEWSPAPER GROUP

PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. — Guardian Challenge is 17 years old and going strong. About 500 participants, supporters and local dignitaries came together amidst ear-thundering hooting and hollering at the base theater for the kickoff ceremony for this year’s competition.

While there was an immense amount of spirit displayed by all the represented wings in Air Force Space Command, the competi-tion underlies the very serious mission that America’s space warriors perform every single day, keeping America, warfighters, Allies and friends safe in an unsafe world. Guardian Challenge is the showcase of the skills that as-sure mission accomplishment for AFSPC.

“You all can be very, very proud of the peo-ple you are representing here today,” said Gen. C. Robert Kehler, commander, AFSPC.

Colorado Springs Mayor, the Honorable Lionel Rivera, dubbed during the ceremony

SCHRIEVER SENTINEL

General C. Robert Kehler, commander of Air Force Space Command, visited the 50th Space Wing May 13, with his wife Marjorie Kehler, touring mission and community areas throughout Schriever.

General Kehler became the AFSPC com-mander in October 2007 and is stationed at Headquarters AFSPC at Peterson Air Force Base.

The general said he was impressed with wing personnel.

“Things done here at the 50th Space Wing have become a part of and have shaped the American way of life,” he said. “I cannot over-emphasize the importance of what happens here and the professionalism and pride I see in the people doing it.”

General Kehler opened his commander’s call by noting that this was a “terrific year” for 50th Space Wing.

“I had the great pleasure of presenting the wing with the Aldridge Award last Friday (May 9),” the general said referring to the top AFSPC award presented during the 2008 Guardian Challenge.

General Kehler said a white paper produced late last year by the Air Force Chief of Staff, discusses the 21st Century Air Force. The paper says we are to fly, fight and win in the three interdependent domains of air, space and cy-berspace, and if we lose control in any one of the three, we lose control in all three.

“That’s a phenomenal statement, I believe, for our Air Force to make as an institution. It says something different about what you do, and what all of us do in Air Force Command,” he said. “It says something about recognition at the highest levels of our Air Force ... and at the highest level of joint war-fighting today about the importance of space and what space brings to the fight.”

General Kehler told the audience that this recognition comes not only from our friends but also our adversaries. As a result, Airmen in the space business must recognize their changing roles.

G u a r d i a n C h a l l e n g e r e s u l t s

P a g e 7


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By Larine Barr88th Air Base Wing Public Affairs

WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio (AFPN) — Th e engine that naysayers thought could never propel an aircraft across the sky is now at the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force, where it will be displayed this summer and remembered for its 2008 history-making fl ight.

Th e pulsed detonation engine, developed by a team from the Air Force Research Laboratory here, fl ew its record-breaking manned fl ight Jan. 31 at Mohave, Calif.

Th e pulsed detonation engine, or PDE, was fl own on a modifi ed Scaled Composites Long-EZ aircraft by test pilot Pete Siebold. He achieved a speed of over 120 mph and 60 to 100 feet altitude, which produced greater than 200 pounds of thrust. A jet assist takeoff was used to minimize takeoff roll and provide more runway margin, but was subsequently shut down when the PDE provided plenty of thrust for fl ight.

“Th e aircraft is in our restoration facility awaiting transfer for exhibit in our Experimental and Flight Test Gallery — a most appropriate location for such a fi ne example of innova-tion,” said Terry Aitken, the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force senior curator.

What makes the PDE so unique is instead of burning fuel, called defl agration, to get propulsion, air and fuel are mixed, ignited and detonated in controlled explosions inside open-ended tubes that look like exhaust pipes. When detonation moves through the tubes, it creates a supersonic shockwave that continually pulses and generates thrust.

Th e increased thrust could be capable of powering future aircraft up to speeds of Mach 4, or four times the speed of sound, and beyond. Th e PDE can be combined with other engine cycles, such as turbines, rockets, or hypersonic scram-jets, to optimize fl ight envelopes, said Fred Schauer, assigned to the AFRL Propulsion Directorate.

“Th is engine off ers the capability of static to near hyper-sonic fl ight with good supersonic effi ciencies. Pulsed deto-nation engines could make sense for missions that require effi cient supersonic cruise and/or boost from low to high speeds,” Mr. Schauer said.

Another plus for the engine is its ability to run on a variety of fuels and maintain near-constant-volume combustion, which makes it highly fuel effi cient.

“Th is is a potential game-changer in terms of fuel effi cien-cy,” Mr. Schauer said. “For comparison, if we had operated this same engine with conventional combustion we would have made less than a third of the thrust for the same fuel burn. In comparison to traditional engines, fuel savings of 5 to 20 percent could be expected.”

Th ese fuel effi ciency savings are expected for typical pro-pulsion applications if pulsed detonation technology can be integrated into conventional systems. Current research is directed toward realizing these benefi ts, Mr. Schauer said.

Th e primary goals of the proof of concept demonstration were to show that the experimental PDE could sustain an aircraft , withstand the extreme acoustic pressure during detonations, and prove that the noise level was not prohibitive for a pilot or those on the ground. Mr. Schauer said some of the biggest doubts about the PDE concerned survivability of an airframe and personnel.

Th ough the fl ight demonstration engine, made from off -the-shelf automotive parts, was designed in 2002, Mr. Schauer and his team worked over the years to refi ne the engine and developed a method to burn the fuel and air in a way that

increased the intensity of the explosions.A major drawback that kept the team from fl ying earlier

was the excessive drag caused from all the accessories hang-ing under the aircraft .

“Th is was overcome by placing an aerodynamic cowling over the PDE, which was designed by Scaled Composites,” Mr. Schauer said. “Th e engine also endured 100 hours of durability ground testing and 30 hours of airframe inte-gration tests. “We never stopped working on pushing the technology.”

Th e engine was developed and manufactured in-house by members of the AFRL Propulsion Directorate’s Turbine Engine Division, Combustion Branch and its on-site contrac-

tor, ISSI. Th e successful fl ight test was a joint AFRL eff ort that included the activities of AFRL Propulsion Directorate for PDE developmental research and the propulsion pack-age; AFRL Air Vehicles Directorate for structural, aero and acoustics; AFRL Human Eff ectiveness Directorate for exposure limits and acoustic protection, AFRL Materials and Manufacturing Directorate for structural materials; and Scaled Composites, Inc. for vehicle integration and fl ight testing.

Th e next steps for PDE are to develop systems that have the durability of the fi rst engine, but with the performance of current innovations as well as hybrid turbine-based deto-nation cycles, Mr. Schauer said.

Pulsed detonation engine fl ies into historyCourtesy photo

The Long E-Z aircraft, powered by the pulsed detonation engine, makes its history-making fl ight Jan. 31 at Mohave, Calif. Soon it will be on display at the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio.

Page 12


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Dover Airman to receive CFC Hero AwardDOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. (AFPN) — A Dover Airman was recently awarded the

2007 National Combined Federa l Campaign Military Hero Award for his eff orts with the CFC and other volunteer activi-ties in the community.

Capt. Th omas Abell, the 436th Mission Support Squadron Military Personnel Flight com-mander, will receive the annual CFC Hero Award, which is presented to federal workers from the military, military civilian, civilian and postal commu-nities by the U. S. Offi ce of Personnel Management.

“Out of the entire coun-try and overseas, he was nominated, competing with a lot of people who are also just as deserving of the award,” said Phyl’licia Dixon, a resource devel-opment associate for the CFC of Delaware, who nominate the captain for the award and surprised him with a certifi cate at a CFC banquet.

Th e captain is one of three military members and 11 federal personnel to be recognized in four diff erent sectors of the federal government: military uniformed, military civilian, U.S. Postal and federal agency.

He was completely surprised to receive the award, Ms. Dixon said.“He thought I asked him several questions about his events and ideas so I could pass

down the information for the next CFC project offi cer for next year,” she said. “But I needed to confi rm and add information for his nomination for the projects and events he held such as the (CFC) kickoff , bowling and hockey tournaments, advertising that helped the campaign to be successful.”

Wing maintenance, logistics to merge with operationsWASHINGTON (AFPN) — On May 12, Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. T. Michael Moseley

signed the Global Wing Structure Program Action Directive 08-01. PAD 08-01 directs the re-alignment of fi ghter, rescue and bomber aircraft maintenance units under fl ying squadrons.

Th e Air Force will implement these changes between July 1 and Nov. 30. Major com-mand offi cials will determine on what specifi c dates each participating wing will imple-ment these changes.

“I believe the most eff ective formula is to structure Air Force units by mission and not by function, and aligning maintenance units responsible for sortie generation together with the fl ying squadrons they support is best for our Air Force,” General Moseley said when he made the announcement for such changes Dec. 7. “Aircraft maintenance is a vital element of a fl ying squadron’s mission, and the maintainers who directly support sortie generation belong in that chain of command.”

Maj. Gen. Robert H. McMahon, director of maintenance, deputy chief of staff for logistics, installations and mission support, believes these changes will strengthen the relationship between operators and maintainers.

AF Marathon offi cials spread word about upcoming eventWASHINGTON (AFPN) — Offi cials from the U.S. Air Force Marathon offi ce made

a stop at the Pentagon May 6 and 7 to increase awareness for the Sept. 20 event held at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton, Ohio.

Th is is the twelft h year for the annual marathon, and offi cials hope to make it the big-

gest year yet.“Our goal is to have 10,000 runners signed up for the events this year,” said Molly Louden,

marathon director. More than 6,700 runners participated last year.Marathon events will include the 26.2 mile marathon, a 13.1 mile half-marathon, a 10K

individual and four-person team race and a family-friendly 5K race the evening before on the grounds of neighboring event partner Wright State University. Th ere also will be a two-day sport and fi tness expo as well as a gourmet pasta dinner.

Bart Yasso, Runner’s World chief running offi cer, will conduct running clinics at the expo, speak at the dinner and talk with runners. He also will present awards on race day.

Th e marathon will begin and end at the National Museum of the United States Air Force, and includes a few new elements from previous years.

“Th e course is walker-friendly, and people will have up to seven hours to complete it,” Mrs. Louden said. “Th e course was also redesigned this year. Th ere used to be a challenging hill at mile 23, and we’ve changed the course to get rid of that hill.

Webcasts to allow deployed parents to watch graduationsWIESBADEN, Germany (AFPN) — Hundreds of troops deployed from Europe will be

able to see their children’s high school graduation ceremonies via live webcasts, Department of Defense Dependents Schools Europe offi cials announced.

DODDS Europe, U.S. Army Europe and U.S. Army 5th Signal Command have com-bined assets, talents and technologies to enable the live webcasts. Th e eff ort will allow at least 18 graduation ceremonies to be viewed by an estimated 211 deployed parents in Iraq, Afghanistan and other locations around the world.

Th e fi rst graduation ceremony will be webcast June 5; 10 graduation ceremonies will take place simultaneously on June 6; and the last ceremony will be webcast June 13. Schools identifi ed as having students with deployed parents are:

June 5: Hanau and Bamberg, Germany;June 6: Naples, Italy; Heidelberg, Hohenfels, Kaiserslautern, Ansbach, Baumholder,

Ramstein and Vilsek, Germany; Lakenheath, England; and Aviano, Italy;June 7: Mannheim, Germany; and Rota, Spain;June 8: Patch High School, in Stuttgart, Germany; H.H. Arnold High School, in Wiesbaden,

Germany; and Vicenza, Italy; andJune 13: AFNORTH International High School, in Brunssum, Belgium.Deployed parents will be able to see their graduating seniors cross the stage and view

student messages recorded for the occasion.

Airmen in Honduras host special day for local childrenSOTO CANO AIR BASE, Honduras (AFPN) — Members of the 612th Air Base Squadron

hosted an orphanage chil-dren’s day complete with games, swimming, lunch and piñatas May 18 at Soto Cano Air Base.

About 40 volunteers from the squadron came out to make sure chil-dren from the Hogar de Guadalupe Orphanage in El Conejo, Honduras, had a carefree-day of fun and activities.

“Every year we try to get the kids from our or-phanage (sponsored by 612th ABS) down here to enjoy a day on base,” said Staff Sgt. Erick Ruiz Herrera, the coordinator for the event. Th ey enjoy it greatly, and it is awe-some to see a smile on their faces. Spending time with the kids is great, and watching everyone come together and interact with the kids is just awesome.”

Th e visit to the base is a unique experience for the children, who oft en only experience things necessary for survival, Sergeant Ruiz Herrera said.

“For them, going to a pool or even breaking a piñata comes too seldom,” he said. “Th ey sometimes can’t even aff ord to have the necessary toiletries. Th e organization in charge of the orphanage spends more than 3 million Lempiras ($158,000) every month in just the day-to-day expenditures. Any extras are just not possible, so we try to give the kids, single moms and teachers a day to just relax and have fun.”

U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Shen-Chia Chu

Capt. Thomas Abell discusses processes with Staff Sgt. Brandon Nicely to improve customer service at Dover Air Force Base, Del. Captain Abell is the 436th Mission Support Squadron Military Personnel Flight commander and Sergeant Nicely is the 436th MSS assistant NCO in charge of force manage-ment. Captain Abell was recently awarded the 2007 CFC Hero Award.

U.S. Air Force photo/Tech. Sgt. John Asselin

Senior Airman George Schaultz plays a hoop toss game with a girl from the Hogar de Guadalupe Orphanage during kids’ day May 18 at Soto Cano Air Base, Honduras. About 40 volunteers from the 612th Air Base Squadron gave the children a care-free day of fun and activities. Airman Schaultz is assigned to the 612th ABS.


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By Jonathan Snyder354th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

EIELSON AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska (AFPN) — It’s not uncommon for tactical air control party Airmen, navi-gating through miles of rugged terrain, to carry nearly a hundred pounds of equipment in order to call in an air strike. In fact, it is their mission to advise Army command-ers about that capability and use of airpower to enhance combat operations.

Currently, there are 30 Airmen assigned to Det. 1, 3rd Air Support Operation Squadron, from Fort Richardson, Alaska, participating in Northern Edge 2008 and using this opportunity to test out new experimental equipment before it is used in future operations. Th e equipment is being evalu-ated during land navigation and close-air-support training in the Pacifi c Alaskan Range Complex.

A representative of the Air Force Research Lab at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, brought seven diff erent items to be tested before they reach the front lines.

“Th e whole concept of this new technology is to make (the TACP) lighter, faster and more deadly,” said Gregory Burnett, chief engineer with the AFRL.

Th is new technology decreases weight a total of 10-15 pounds and enhances the TACP’s capabilities.

One new technology is the battery renewable integrated tactical energy system, which is a self-suffi cient, light-weight generator capable of producing enough energy to power all

their equipment, Mr. Burnett said. Th e TACPs also were equipped with a head-mounted display enabling them to see any potential threats downrange while being able to view information from a small, rugged MR-1 notebook that can store and send information directly to pilots in the air.

One TACP who had the opportunity to test out the new equipment during NE ‘08 saw fi rst hand the eff ectiveness of the systems. While using it at this exercise he will better understand how it works and how to eff ectively use it.

“So far, I’m very impressed with the new equipment from the easy-to-use headset to the MR-1 small computer,” Tech. Sgt. Sean Field said.

Th e goal of this equipment test at Northern Edge is to gain operator feedback so they can provide a better fi nal product. Aft er a full day in the fi eld, he will have a chance to give his opinion on the new equipment.

“Th e cut of weight from carrying all those rechargeable batteries will help out a great deal when we are trekking up mountains in Afghanistan or walking through urban areas in Iraq,” Sergeant Field said.

“Th is has been very successful. All the gear has been work-ing as expected and everyone has been receptive to each technology,” Mr. Burnett said.

With TACP input, the developers from AFRL are able to make further improvements to this technology, which will ultimately save lives and provide a force multiplier to commanders.

New experimental equipment enhances Airmen capabilities

U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Jonathan Snyder

Gregory Burnett explains the capabilities of a MR-1 computer that can send Global Positioning Satellite coordinates to an aircraft to Senior Airman Nicholas Halladay during Exercise Northern Edge May 5 at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska. Tactical air control party Airmen are helping test new experimental equipment in the fi eld. Airman Halladay is a TACP assigned to Det. 1, 3rd Air Support Operation Squadron from Fort Richardson, Alaska. Mr. Burnett is a chief engineer with Air Force Research Labs from Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio.

From page 3

him about. Being able to provide solutions is invaluable to any organization. When you see a problem or something that needs improvements, fi x it. Th ere are a lot of things needing to be fi xed that may not necessarily fall into your job description. If you can fi gure a way to get the job done, you’ll make life better for everyone else around you.

Give credit to the team for success and take failure as your own

We rarely accomplish anything alone. In a past deploy-ment, Lt. Gen. Gary L. North, the 9th Air Force and U.S. Air Forces Central commander, gave out some coins to Airmen. General North asked them what they did to deserve his coin. I didn’t hear a single one start off with “I did.” Instead, they talked about their accomplishments as a team eff ort, “My shop ... our team ... we did ...” Th ese folks embodied the value of service before self. It is as a team that we can accomplish our greatest goals.

Volunteer for projectsMy commander at Pope Air Force Base, N.C., termed these

as CLP’s, or Crappy Little Projects. Th ere are always projects that need to be done at every assignment that do not neatly fall into a single career fi eld. Use these opportunities to learn and lead multifunction teams at an early age. Not only will you fi ll a gap, but you will gain invaluable experience that’ll pay dividends in the future. Th ese projects include things like airshow preparation committees, distinguished visitor visits, base appearance cleanup days, etc. Don’t be afraid to learn something new or to get out of your comfort zone.

Do your best in every aspect of lifeExcellence in all we do is not just a catch phase; it should

be a way of life in and out of the Air Force. No one can expect more than your best. I think Aristotle said it best, “We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence then, is not an act, but a habit.” Th is idea transcends our job and spills over into our personal lives and interactions with family, schools, church, and anything we’re involved with.

Never give upTh roughout our nation’s history, achievements have been

made by regular men and women who’ve achieved great things through hard work and perseverance. Th omas Edison tried more than 1,500 materials before fi nding the right one for the light bulb. Th ings may seem hard, almost impossible, to get accomplish but stick with it. You’ll be glad in the long run knowing you gave it your best. Nothing more can be asked for than your best.

Commentary:


As we honor those

who gave their lives for our country,

we remember them,

always.

colorado s military newspaper g cchrieverhriever … · 2008. 5. 22. · resume normal operations...

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