News from the Air Force

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Aviation Hall of Fame's 2012 Class:

The National Aviation Hall of Fame in Dayton, Ohio, announced the names of the four individuals elected for enshrinement in 2012. They are: Geraldyn Cobb, record-setting pilot and the first and only woman to pass all of the Mercury astronaut selection tests; Keith Ferris, founder of the American Society of Aviation Artists and an expert and inventor of aircraft paint systems for military camouflage and high-visibility purposes; the late retired Lt. Gen. Elwood R. Quesada who helped develop and successfully demonstrate air-to-air refueling in 1929 and was the first commander of Tactical Air Command; and the late Richard T. Whitcomb, acclaimed as the most influential aeronautical researcher of his time for innovations, like winglets, that enable aircraft to fly faster, farther, and with less fuel. The formal enshrinement ceremony will take place in the fall of 2012.

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Overhead Vigilance Helped Keep Final Iraq Convoy Safe:

A lone U-2 Dragon Lady and an E-8C JSTARS were among the aircraft that flew the final intelligence-surveillance-reconnaissance sorties over Iraq to guard the last US convoy as it drove into Kuwait to complete the US military pullout. "We were able to cover and support, from the air, the last boots on the ground going across the border, bringing a close to a nearly nine-year war in Iraq," said Lt. Col. Curtis Bass, commander of the 7th Expeditionary Airborne Command and Control Squadron, a JSTARS unit, of the Dec. 18 mission. "It's a good feeling to watch those last [vehicles] roll out; it's a historic occasion," he added. "The best part about it was it was quiet," said Maj. Steve Eadie, a U-2 pilot with the 99th Expeditionary Reconnaissance Squadron. "There were no issues as they were leaving. . . . I'm proud to have been a part of it," he noted. Also providing overwatch for the historic final convoy were Predator remotely piloted aircraft and F-16s, Air Force officials have said.

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Fighters Are Good:

Air Force officials don't think the loss of the stealthy RQ-170 Sentinel remotely piloted reconnaissance aircraft to Iran means a major change in the status quo of air-to-air dominance—a balance that currently swings in favor of the United States. "Any operational assessment of a potential adversary would be speculative, but we are confident in our ability to retain the initiatitive with our fifth generation fighters, our superior training, and the advanced [tactics, techniques, and procedures] that our airmen have honed over the past several decades," Air Force spokesman Maj. Chad Steffey told the Daily Report.

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F-16 Pilot Reaches 4,000 Flight Hours:

Lt. Col. Brian Egger, an instructor pilot with the 480th Fighter Squadron at Spangdahlem AB, Germany, became only the 34th USAF pilot to amass 4,000 flight hours in the F-16, according to members of the unit. "This is very rare," said Lt. Col Aaron Piepkorn, 480th FS director of operations. "There are thousands of F-16s and tens of thousands of F-16 pilots, but only a small number to reach that hour mark. This is a very significant achievement." Egger achieved the milestone during a Dec. 14 sortie. He received the traditional celebratory dousing from his family and fellow airmen upon exiting his aircraft that day. "I'm very fortunate. A lot of people from mechanics to air-traffic controllers have to do a lot of work to make this happen," said a soaked Egger. Capt. Daniel Schreiber, an 480th FS pilot, called Egger "an awesome instructor."

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Historic View from the Cockpit:

Two F-16 pilots flew the final US manned combat mission over Iraq, protecting the last US military ground convoy until it passed through the gates at Khabari crossing on the Iraqi-Kuwaiti border, thereby completing the US military's phased Iraq withdrawal. Both pilots sensed the historical significance of their mission while they were still in the air on Dec 18. "Seeing the last vehicle cross the border, and watching them actually shut the gate in my targeting pod" was "the first realization," said one of the pilots, Col. Rodney Petithomme, 332nd Expeditionary Operations Group commander. He continued, "The second was talking to command and control and having them tell us, 'You are the last manned US Air Force aircraft in Iraq. You are cleared to return to base.'" The second pilot, Lt. Col. Jason Plourde, 79th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron commander, added, "When they spoke those words is really when [the significance] set in." While Plourde and Petithomme flew the last US manned combat aircraft in Iraqi airspace that day, MQ-1 Predator remotely piloted aircraft operating that same day were actually the last combat aircraft to leave Iraqi airspace.

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Santa delivers fuel in Afghanistan

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New showerheads help conserve water at Andersen AFB

12/13/2011 - ANDERSEN AIR FORCE BASE, Guam (AFNS) -- The Air Force prides itself in conserving energy and resources, and Airmen here are doing their part with the recent installation of low-flow showerheads in base housing.

Brig. Gen. John Doucette, the 36th Wing commander, was the first to install the energy efficient appliance Dec. 6.

"By lowering your hot water use you save energy and money," said Patrick Russell, the 36th Civil Engineer Squadron energy manager. "In a typical home, 73 percent of water used in a shower is hot water. By installing low-flow showerheads and aerators, this can lower a home's water use by up to 50 percent."

Aerators affix to a standard home faucet and introduce air into the water stream giving the illusion that more water is being released, but, in actuality, it's conserving water and energy, Russell said.

There are two types of low-flow faucets and showerheads: aerating (the most popular) and non-aerating. Aerating mixes air into the water stream. This maintains steady pressure so the flow has an even, full shower spray. Because air is mixed in with the water, the water temperature can cool down a bit towards the floor of the shower. Non-aerating adds a pulse to the water stream; maintaining temperature and delivering a strong spray.

"Initiatives like this allow the Air Force to become efficient in energy resources while saving money we can use elsewhere," Doucette said. "Although it may seem like a small step individually, the combined efforts of (Airmen here) making these changes can have a big impact on our carbon footprint.'"

The Federal Energy Policy Act of 1992 requires that all faucet fixtures manufactured in the United States restrict maximum water flow at or below 2.5 gallons per minute at 80 pounds per square inch of water pressure or 2.2 GPM at 60 PSI. This ensures that most faucet products available will offer at least minimal water efficiency benefits.

"The importance of Andersen going green sets the precedence for our future goals of sustainment on base," Russell said. "Not only are we saving tax payers money, but also showing that the Air Force leads the way in energy and water-reduction efforts. We are achieving these goals by changing the culture of the Airmen through leadership, training, education and communication."

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Go Falcons!:

The Air Force Academy Falcons host the University of Toledo Rockets Wednesday in the Military Bowl at RFK Stadium in the nation's capital. ESPN will air the football game nationally at 4:30 p.m. East Coast time. "The game is all about the men and women of our military and raising support and awareness for the USO, so having a military academy represented in the Air Force Academy versus an exciting, high-scoring Toledo Rockets team is great for our game," said Steve Beck, Military Bowl president and executive director, in a release. The Falcons, members of the Mountain West Conference, finished their regular season with a winning 7-5 record. They are making a bowl appearance for the fifth consecutive year, a school record. The Rockets, from the Mid-American Conference, finished their season with eight wins and four losses. This marks the two teams' first meeting.

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The Checkerboard Returns:

The eight KC-135s of the Air National Guard's 127th Air Refueling Group at Selfridge ANGB, Mich., will sport the distinctive checkerboard design long associated with military aircraft at the base, but absent since the group began flying KC-135s in 2008. The group's commander's aircraft already features the slanted checkerboard stripe—in a black and yellow paint scheme—on its fuselage at the forward edge of its wings. This design also features the group's logo, and the KC-135 also has a distinctive marking on its tail as part of this transformation. "This [artwork] not only represents our heritage, it also tells people that we are proud of the work our airmen are doing today, representing Michigan around the world in today's Air Force," said Lt. Col. David Brooks, 127th ARG commander. The checkerboard design dates back to Selfridge's days as a Strategic Air Command installation prior to transferring to Air Guard control in 1971, according to group officials. The group's other KC-135s are expected to get the checkerboard over the next year or so—albeit in a more subdued black and gray paint scheme.

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Future Bomber Program Gets Funding Bump:

The Air Force's new bomber program got a hefty funding increase in Fiscal 2012 from congressional defense appropriators. They added $100 million to the service's $197 million request, awarding a full $297 million for the bomber's development this fiscal year, according to the final version of the Fiscal 2012 defense spending bill. President Obama signed this legislation into law on Dec. 23 as part of H.R. 2055, the 2012 omnibus appropriations package, that Congress sent him. The lawmakers included no language in the omnibus bill or accompanying conference report explaining why they added the funds. In contrast, congressional defense authorizers approved the Air Force's $197 million request in the final version of their defense policy bill that went to the President earlier this month and still awaits his signature. The Air Force intends to field of force of between 80 and 100 new long-range bombers starting in the mid 2020s. Serve officials have not nailed down the specific requirements for the future platform yet.

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Bod Pod Battle:

The 50th Space Wing at Schriever AFB, Colo., has introduced a new twist to the age-old New Year's resolution of losing weight and getting in better shape. The wing's "Bod Pod" competition will pit squadrons against each other in a battle to cut body fat. Beginning on Jan. 1, participants will have two weeks to step into the Bod Pod at the base's health and wellness center to get their body fat measured. The machine, which resembles a giant egg from the outside, uses air displacement to calculate body density and body fat. Once measured, airmen will have until late March to tone up before entering the Bod Pod once again for final measurements to determine the winners. "We really want to encourage airmen to start the New Year on the right foot by learning exactly where their body fat numbers are," said Christopher Woodruff, Schriever's HAWC health promotions educator. He added, "Body fat, when in reference to health, plays a big roll."

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Saudi F-15 Deal Finalized:

Saudi Arabia will purchase 84 new, advanced Boeing-built F-15SA aircraft from the United States under a now-finalized $29.4 billion foreign military sale, announced the White House Thursday. The two nations signed the letter of offer and acceptance on Dec. 24. The deal also includes the modernization of 70 existing Saudi F-15s, along with a supply of munitions, spare parts, training, and maintenance support. "This agreement reinforces the strong and enduring relationship between the United States and Saudi Arabia, and demonstrates the US commitment to a strong Saudi defense capability," said White House spokesman Joshua Earnest. Delivery of the first new aircraft is anticipated in early 2015, said James Miller, senior Pentagon policy official, during a press briefing Thursday. The Obama Administration last year disclosed its intent to sell the Saudis these arms. Thursday's announcement came on the same day that US officials warned a bellicose Iran against attempting to close the Strait of Hormuz—a key Middle East route for shipping oil—as the Iranians have threatened. Appearing with Miller, Andrew Shapiro, assistant secretary of state for political-military affairs, said the Saudi arms sale "is not solely directed towards Iran."

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Super Tucano Picked as Light Air Support Platform:

The Air Force selected the A-29 Super Tucano as the Light Air Support platform, awarding Sierra Nevada of Sparks, Nev., a $355 million contract to supply 20 Super Tucanos and associated equipment and support services. The Air Force is procuring these aircraft for the Afghan air force to serve in roles like advanced flight training, aerial reconnaissance, and light air support. Sierra Nevada is teamed with Brazil's Embraer, the Super Tucano manufacturer. Embraer will build the aircraft in Jacksonville, Fla., with delivery expected by the end of April 2014. "We are honored by this decision and the opportunity to serve our country," said Taco Gilbert, Sierra Nevada executive, in the company's release on Dec. 30, the same day as the LAS award notice. Meanwhile, Hawker Beechcraft announced that it expects to learn as soon as Jan. 11 whether a federal judge will grant the company's request for a temporary restraining order to preclude the Air Force from moving forward with LAS. Hawker last week filed a federal suit against the Air Force after the Government Accountability Office dismissed the company's protest over the Air Force's exclusion of the company's AT-6 aircraft from further consideration.

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Obama Nominates Locklear to Lead US Pacific Command:

President Obama has tapped Adm. Samuel Locklear, the current commander of Allied Joint Forces Command, to lead US Pacific Command. If confirmed by the Senate, Locklear would replace Adm. Robert Willard, who has served in that position since October 2009. Locklear, a 1977 graduate of the Naval Academy, also currently serves as commander of US Naval Forces Europe, and head of US Naval Forces Africa. He commanded Joint Task Force Odyssey Dawn, the US-led portion of NATO's engagement in Libya last year. The President and members of his cabinet have said the Pacific region will remain a US priority in the coming years. "The United States is a Pacific power, and we are here to stay," said Obama during an official visit to the region in November.

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Airborne Laser Test Bed Put To Rest:

The Missile Defense Agency is dismantling the Airborne Laser Test Bed for permanent storage now that the Defense Department has terminated experiments with it. An MDA representative told the Daily Report that the agency is assessing the disposition of the test bed's assets. DOD invested more than $5 billion in the modified 747, which was designed to shoot down boosting ballistic missiles via a high-powered chemical laser shot out of a nose turret. Despite debate over its operational concept, cost, and employment limitations, ALTB succeeded in shooting down a solid-fueled missile and a liquid-fueled missile during tests in February 2010. Through those experiments, the agency said it gained critical insights to help it in the design of future concepts. In December, MDA Director Army Lt. Gen. Patrick O'Reilly said a new generation of anti-missile lasers would have to pack much more power in smaller packages than ALTB, and would have to operate at higher altitudes. MDA believes it is "very close" to having a prototype that will operate off of an "unattended air vehicle" at very high altitudes, he said.

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Three Cadets Accused of Sexual Misconduct:

Commanders at the Air Force Academy on Thursday preferred charges involving sexual misconduct against three male cadets for violations against the Uniform Code of Military Justice, according to an academy release. Each cadet's case is unrelated and occurred at different times over the past 15 months, said Col. Tamra Rank, the academy's vice superintendent. "Each case will be adjudicated independently and the accused in each case is presumed innocent until proven guilty," she said. Article 32 hearings—the equivalent to a civilian grand jury proceeding—are expected to occur in late January or early February. The academy superintendent will decide for each cadet if his respective case will go to trial. One cadet (class of 2011) is accused of misconduct, including engaging in an unprofessional relationship. The second cadet (class of 2012) had one charge preferred against him for aggravated sexual assault. The third cadet is facing four charges, including abusive sexual contact. "We expect the best from our cadets, and do not tolerate unacceptable behaviors," said Rank.

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Thank you for your service.

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Thank you for your service.

u r very welcome.......

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Air Frame: Year in Review, February 2011:

The Air Force on Feb. 24, 2011, selected Boeing's 767-based NewGen Tanker, shown here in an artist's rendering, to replace the service's oldest KC-135s starting late in this decade. The new tanker is now designated the KC-46A. Also in February, the New START agreement entered into force with Russia, with the goal of reducing US and Russian strategic nuclear forces to unprecedented levels. In mid month, President Obama asked Congress to provide $671 billion for the Defense Department in Fiscal 2012. The Air Force portion, including plans to field a new bomber in the mid 2020s, amounted to $166.3 billion. The Pentagon also released a new National Military Strategy and new National Security Space Strategy. The C-17 became the Air Force's first platform certified to operate unconstrained on fuel blends containing biofuels.

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Ramstein Hosts Bulgarians for Aeromedical Evacuation Orientation:

Airmen at Ramstein AB, Germany, hosted a team of doctors from the Bulgarian Military Medical Academy for a week-long orientation of the Air Force's aeromedical evacuation operations. The agenda "spanned the entire aeromedical evacuation process from 'A' to 'Z,'" said Maj. Daniel Zablotsky, an international health specialist with US Air Forces in Europe. He added, "The Bulgarians are currently at a crucial point in developing their own organic AE capability," so the visit enabled "valuable information cross-flow" and built "the foundation for future interoperability." The Bulgarian doctors toured the 86th Contingency Aeromedical Staging Facility and observed Ramstein's CASF team load patients onto a C-17 transport for a flight back to the United States. The Bulgarians also learned how aircraft are configured for aeromedical evacuation. During the mid-December visit, they also toured the Landstuhl Regional Medical Center and participated in an AE training flight aboard a C-130J.