News from the Air Force

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Leg Extension:

The Air Force's nuclear-capable B-2A and B-52H bombers "may emerge as the best means" of extending the United States' protective nuclear umbrella to friends and allies in coming years, especially as US strategic nuclear force levels come down, said Maj. Gen. William Chambers, assistant chief of staff for strategic deterrence and nuclear integration. "Bombers provide unmatched flexibility in weapons and delivery profiles to provide the most credible deterrent to our most likely threats, the regional non-peer nuclear states," said Chambers during an Oct. 28 speech on Capitol Hill. This is one of the reasons, Chambers told reporters after his speech, that the Air Force is "spending a lot of time to make sure that that bomber number is right—and a little higher than lower"—as the United States configures its nuclear forces to meet the reduced ceilings agreed to under the New START agreement with Russia. "When America sends a bomber overseas, it sends a signal. Call it what you will—conventional, nuclear—we believe that signal is part of deterrence, added Chambers. "And there are allies of the world who would probably like us to do it a little more.

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Gutierrez Receives Air Force Cross:

SSgt. Robert Gutierrez Jr., an instructor at the Air Force Special Operations Training Center at Hurlburt Field, Fla., joined an elite group of airmen when he became only the second living recipient of the Air Force Cross—the service's second highest medal for valor in combat—since 9/11. Gen. Norton Schwartz, Chief of Staff, presented the medal to Gutierrez during a ceremony at Hurlburt on Oct. 27. Schwartz said Gutierrez possesses "the modesty that is characteristic of the quiet professional" who "would hardly hesitate to claim" that he was "merely performing" as trained. On Oct. 5, 2009, Gutierrez, a combat controller, was part of a special operations team ambushed by insurgents during a night raid in Herat province, Afghanistan. Gutierrez suffered a bullet wound, two collapsed lungs, and a busted eardrum, yet he successfully directed repeated danger close air strikes against the determined enemy during the four-hour battle, saving the lives of everyone on his team. Gutierrez said his medal "is for every airman who is fighting" and "their sacrifice." He added, "I just get the honor of wearing [the medal] for them."

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Dyess Gets its 10th Super Herc:

A 10th factory fresh C-130J Super Hercules joined the 317th Airlift Group at Dyess AFB, Tex., after a ferry flight from Lockheed Martin's Marietta, Ga., production facility last week. The stretched C-130J-30 is one of 28 Super Hercs slated for delivery to Dyess by 2013 to replace the aging C-130H models. Speaking after the delivery flight, Brig. Gen. Jon Fago, Nebraska Air National Guard Chief of Staff, presented Dyess' 317th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron with the symbolic "key" to the aircraft in a flight-line ceremony, Oct. 28, according to a base release. Dyess first began flying C-130s in 1961, and is gradually phasing out its C-130H legacy fleet as the new J models arrive. The aircraft is the 100th C-130J delivered to the Air Force, according to a Lockheed release.

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USAF Continues Enlisted Date of Separation Rollbacks:

The Air Force will continue enlisted date of separation rollbacks as part of its overall force management plan. The rollback plan will accelerate the date of separation or retirement for senior master sergeants and below with less than 14 or more than 20 years of service. Airmen must separate by March 31, 2012, or retire by April 1, 2012, according to a release. Those wishing to submit their retirement request must do so through the Virtual Military Personnel Flight by Dec. 1. "Airmen with at least 180 days of active-duty service who are separated under the DOS Rollback are authorized transition and assistance benefits" that include "extended military care for themselves and their families and an ID card allowing base commissary and exchange privileges for two years," states the release. Those with more than six years of experience, but less than 20 years total active service, may receive one half of the separation pay, but they must also sign up for the Individual Ready Reserve for at least three years following the completion of their military service.

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Kadena Airman Awarded DFC:

TSgt. Scott Lagerveld, a flight engineer with the 33rd Rescue Squadron, was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for his heroic action in Afghanistan last summer. On June 27, 2010, Lagerveld was part of a search and rescue team charged with supporting direct operations and transferring patients. He and his crew were assigned to Bagram Airfield, when they heard "heavy gun fire." He ended up participating in eight back-to-back casualty evacuation missions, during which his "extreme discipline and actions" led to the recovery of 13 US soldiers and coalition forces that day. Four other crew members also received the DFC for their actions, but their names were not included in the release. "We don't do our job for medals or awards," said Lagerveld. "We do it for the guys on the ground." Lagerveld was presented the medal during an Oct. 17 ceremony at Kadena AB, Japan, where he is now assigned.

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Painful Decisions:

Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz told members of the House Armed Services Committee Wednesday that he expects the Pentagon's strategic review to be complete by year's end. That review is likely to outline the fate of the Air National Guard's newest airlifter, the C-27J, which embarked on its first deployment to Afghanistan this summer. The service already has purchased 21 aircraft, with plans to purchase 17 more. However, that appears to be under debate as service leaders grapple with fiscal uncertainties. Schwartz said the "decision is not final" over whether to put the remaining C-27Js on the chopping block, but he added that such a move "would be extremely painful to me personally." He explained that he made a "commitment" to retired Gen. George Casey, former Army Chief of Staff, "that I would not do this deal with him and then back out." The C-27J was originally an Army program, but was later transferred to the Air Force. "That was two years ago, so I've got personal skin in this," said Schwartz. But, Schwartz also said that budget constraints are forcing the Air Force to look at reducing entire fleets, "not a few here and a few there."

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AEHF Arisen:

Technicians activated the Advanced Extremely High Frequency military communications satellite, passing the first transmissions between Schriever AFB, Colo., and Lincoln Labs, Mass., last week. USAF and industry partners powered-up the satellite, successfully deploying its solar-panel array gimbal dishes, and jam-resistant antennas, Oct. 26-28. AEHF-1 will now enter four months of operational evaluation, before integration into the Milstar communication network and hand-over to 14th Air Force controllers. AEHF-1 is the first of its type to launch and its initial performance is under close scrutiny, especially given early malfunctions which delayed its arrival on orbit by 14 months. Officials are keen to identify and work out any bugs with the second satellite—SV-2, before its planned launch next April. "We should have completed sufficient testing to confidently make the decision" whether to launch SV-2 by month's end, said Air Force Space and Missile Center satellite communications director Dave Madden

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Randolph Airman to Receive DFC with Valor:

Gen. Edward Rice is expected to award Lt. Col. Gregory Roberts with the Distinguished Flying Cross with Valor during a ceremony at Randolph AFB, Tex., Nov. 10. Roberts served as an air advisor to the Afghan Air Force in July 2010 when floods devastated the region. Brig. Gen. Mohammed Barat, Kabul Air Wing commander, hand-picked Roberts and then-Lt. Col. Bernard Willi, who also received the DFC for his actions last summer, to fly the mission because none of the Afghans were completely familiar with the new Mi-17V5 helicopter. Roberts piloted the helicopter and led a combined US and Afghan rescue of more than 2,000 people in the Nangahar and Kunar provinces, according to a release. "The weather was not too bad at mission notification time, but everyone knew the weather in the mountains surrounding Kabul would be treacherous," said Roberts. The aircrews rescued 380 people by the end of the first day and moved more than 2,000 to safety by the end of the second day, even though the area was known as an insurgent "hotbed," according to the release.

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Rebalancing the Rated Pipeline:

The Air Force needs to boost fighter pilot production to 278 pilots a year as it works to rebalance the rated training pipeline, wrote Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz in a letter to Air Force major commands and members of the Air Staff. Schwartz said this will be accomplished primarily through the new active associations with reserve fighter squadrons. Specifically, the Arizona Air National Guard at Tucson will support "significantly more" B-course students each year and reduce the number of foreign military sales students. Air Combat Command will reduce the F-16 flight training unit syllabus. The A-10 crew ratio will increase and more aircraft will be added to the FTU in an effort to produce more pilots, wrote Schwartz in the Nov. 2 letter. Also, the F-15C aggressor squadron will be converted to an FTU at a location still to be determined, and F-22 FTU throughput will be increased significantly. Schwartz requested the major command take the lead and "rapidly implement" the specific decisions made at a recent Rated Summit. The Air Staff's Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations, Plans, and Requirements function will lead a working group charged with tracking and synchronizing the staffing and codifying a new program action directive, which must be submitted to Schwartz by Dec. 1 for signature."

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USAF Leadership Discusses Dover Investigation:

The Air Force inspector general found several cases of "gross mismanagement" on the part of mortuary officials at Dover AFB, Del., in handling the remains of fallen service personnel, said Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz. The IG began an investigation in June after three mortuary employees filed complaints the month prior alleging that the mortuary mishandled body parts of an airman and a soldier killed in action, among other issues, said Schwartz during a Pentagon press conference Tuesday. The investigation found that three mortuary leaders "failed to properly perceive, and then act upon these indications that there were systemic issues with respect to accountability of remains in the mortuary," he explained. The mortuary commander received a letter of reprimand and two civilian employees were demoted to non-supervisory roles, he said. "You have my commitment that we will continue to ensure the highest standards are met to provide dignity, honor, respect, and reverence for our fallen and care, service, and support to their families," wrote Air Force Secretary Michael Donley in a letter to airmen on this matter Tuesday.

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Air Force leaders send birthday messages to Marine Corps



11/9/2011 - WASHINGTON (AFNS) -- Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley, Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz and Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James Roy salute the Marine Corps on its 236th birthday Nov. 10.

Donley wrote a letter to the secretary of the Navy stating, "On behalf of the men and women of the United States Air Force, congratulations on the 236th birthday of the United States Marine Corps.

"For over two hundred years, America's Marines have embodied the finest traditions of military service, honor and commitment. Today's men and women who wear the emblem of the Eagle, Globe and Anchor display the fidelity, courage and valor that continue to build upon the Corps' proud heritage.

"America's Airmen are proud to protect our Nation's freedoms alongside the men and women of the United States Marine Corps. We wish you all the best as you celebrate the Marine Corps' birthday."

Schwartz wrote a letter to the commandant of the Marine Corps stating: "Congratulations to the men and women of the U.S. Marine Corps on the celebration of 236 years of dedicated service to our great Nation. With a heritage that is rich in courage, honor and commitment, today's Marine Corps embodies the same warrior ethos that has prevailed since 1775, before the Founding Fathers had even declared our Nation's independence.

"The men and women of the U.S. Air Force are proud to serve with the U.S. Marine Corps in defending our Nation and protecting our way of life. We wish the Marine Corps a very happy birthday."

Roy wrote a letter to the sergeant major of the Marine Corps stating: "Happy birthday to you and all of our Marines as you fight our country's battles in the air, on land and sea. You deserve to be proud to claim the title of United States Marine.

"Since 1775, our Marines have served with exceptional bravery and made extraordinary sacrifices for 236 years, and you continue to inspire others with your honor, courage and commitment. At a time when our country is dealing with scarce resources and rapidly advancing technologies, our Marines remain focused and ready to answer our nation's call.

"On behalf of Airmen everywhere, thank you for your service, and we look forward to serving together wherever the mission may take us."

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Change of Command in Alaska:

Lt. Gen. Stephen Hoog replaced Lt. Gen. Dana Atkins as the US military's senior leader in Alaska. "Here is an impressive leader with a distinctive career, uniquely well suited to assume this strategically important post and manage the multi-faceted nature of this assignment," said Adm. Robert Willard, US Pacific Command commander, of Hoog during the Nov. 7 change-of-command ceremony at JB Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska. "To the men and women who make up this team serving in the last frontier, my pledge is simple: Together, we'll accomplish the mission our nation requires, while focusing on our greatest asset, our people," said Hoog, who previously led 9th Air Force at Shaw AFB, S.C. In his new role, Hoog also oversees 11th Air Force, NORAD's Alaska region, and Joint Task Force-Alaska. Atkins, who led Alaska Command since May 2008, is retiring, effective Jan. 1, ending a 33-year Air Force career.


General Hoog

General Atkins

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New Walter Reed Opens:

The new Walter Reed National Military Medical Center officially opened in Bethesda, Md., last Friday. The hospital merges the now closed Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C., and the Bethesda National Naval Medical Center, as mandated by the 2005 Base Realignment and Closure Act. "This place performs miracles, it saves lives," said Defense Secretary Leon Panetta, who presided over the opening ceremony, Nov. 10. "And, it renews life for the future." The hospital, which boasts the latest equipment and facilities, is expected to service one million patients, ranging from those wounded in Afghanistan to military retirees. "If our military can be judged on how well we fight our nation's wars, then our national character can be judged by how well we treat those who fight for us," said Panetta. The tri-service facility, commanded by Rear Adm. Alton L. Stocks, is staffed by Air Force, Army, and Navy personnel.

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Strike Aircraft Stave Off Attack:

Air Force strike aircraft dropped more than 9,000-pounds of munitions through solid cloud cover to stave off an intense assault on a US combat outpost in Paktika province, Afghanistan, last week. According to reports, F-15E Strike Eagles from the 335th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron and F-16s with the 121st EFS killed up to 70 Taliban fighters while preventing a single coalition casualty during the battle, Nov. 8. "I requested the Dudes and Vipers because I needed a lot of ordnance and fast," said SSgt. Seth Pena, the joint terminal attack controller with the 817th Expeditionary Air Support Operations Squadron, who called in the strikes. "RPGs had already hit inside [COP Margah] and things were getting serious. There was a large enemy force moving towards us from multiple positions and we were taking a heavy amount of small arms fire." The severe weather prevented the aircraft from using targeting pods and flying below the cloud deck, so Pena relayed coordinates from the outpost. "There was a lot of coordination and confirmation that happened in a short amount of time before we dropped and everything worked out well," said Maj. Todd Dyer, 335th EFS F-15E pilot.

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Nellis Gets Thunderbirds Display:

After 18 months of restoration, an F-16C that formerly performed with the Air Force's Thunderbirds flight demonstration squadron now sits on permanent display outside the Thunderbirds Museum at Nellis AFB, Nev. The retired aircraft, tail number 87-0323, carries the Thunderbirds' paint scheme as it appeared for the 1992 show season—this F-16's first season in the squadron. It flew with the unit through 2008. Maintainers at Nellis spent 360 man hours preparing the F-16 for display, removing some $5 million in reusable parts, in addition to restoration and paint work. Since the Thunderbirds are away from Nellis much of the year, the static display will allow visitors to the team's hanger and museum the opportunity to view a Thunderbirds aircraft year-round. The Thunderbirds transitioned from the F-16A/B in 1991 to the F-16C/D for their 1992 season, according to Nellis officials.

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Air Force Participates in Dubai Air Show:

More than 150 airmen showcased static displays of a C-17, C-130J, F-15C, and F-16 and interacted with visitors at this week's Dubai Air Show that concludes Thursday in the United Arab Emirates. The Air Force contingent was part of the US military's larger overall presence at the event, the world's third-largest air show and premiere aerospace gathering of its kind in the Middle East. "The Dubai Air Show provides an opportunity for the US and nations of the Gulf region to come together in the spirit of friendship," said Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz. "The role of the airmen at the air show has been vital," said Air Forces Central Commander Lt. Gen. David Goldfein. "Their knowledge and expertise has helped in deepening the relationships with our UAE and global partners."

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Iraq Still a Dangerous Place:

Although the US military's withdrawal from Iraq is going according to plan so far, Iraq is still a dangerous place, said Army Gen. Bernard Champoux, commanding general of the last division headquarters under US Forces-Iraq. Speaking to reporters Thursday via teleconference from his headquarters, Champoux said the security situation remains demanding. For example, on Monday, an improvised explosive device killed a US soldier who was en route from a forward operating base in Taji to another base, he said. "There still are some areas that cause us concern, unfortunately," said Champoux. "Wherever our bases are, we've been receiving some indirect fire. And, the routes that we've been using to move on [have] been receiving attention from these extremist groups through roadside bombs and those kinds of things." Champoux said the Iraqis will continue to face challenges from extremists, including some backed by the Iranians, after the US pullout is complete in December. However, he said, "the trends have been fairly positive."

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Saving Before the Launch Pad:

Block buys of evolved expendable launch vehicles would save the Air Force "hundreds of millions of dollars" over the next few years, if properly implemented, said Gen. William Shelton, head of Air Force Space Command. In his address at AFA's Global Warfare Symposium last week in Los Angeles, Shelton said the Air Force has purchased 15 EELVs since 2007 from the United Launch Alliance. Like everything else, these rockets are getting more expensive, prompting service space officials to come up with the block-buy strategy as a means of saving money and stabilizing the industrial base, he said. The Air Force and the National Reconnaissance Office have proposed buying eight EELV core boosters a year from Fiscal 2013 to Fiscal 2017. The Government Accountability Office has already weighed in on the plan, citing some concerns.

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Going on Defense In Space:

Just because the Department of Defense will be hard up for cash in the coming years doesn't mean that the Air Force can just throw up the best deals into orbit, according to Gen. William Shelton, head of Air Force Space Command. Instead, the service has to find ways to harden and increase the survivability of its space assets in light of technological advances that present new threats to them, he said last week at AFA's Global Warfare Symposium in Los Angeles. "There are signs on the horizon that certain nations will continue to develop offensive capabilities in space," said Shelton in his symposium address. "That's why resiliency is so important." Because it "is almost physically impossible" to mount an active defense in space due to the vastness of space, "we're going to have to find ways to be more resilient in a passive way," he said. Accordingly, the Air Force should focus on making on-orbit capabilities more survivable, more flexible, and smaller, he said during his Nov. 17 speech.

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Former CENTCOM Commander to Lead Dover Review Panel:

Retired Army Gen. John Abizaid, former head of US forces in Afghanistan and Iraq, will head the independent panel that Defense Secretary Leon Panetta is assembling to review the procedures at the Air Force-run military mortuary at Dover AFB, Del., announced Defense Department officials Tuesday. Panetta "knows that Gen. Abizaid shares his commitment to ensuring we continue to do all we can to met the highest standards of caring for the remains of our fallen heroes," said Pentagon spokesman Navy Capt. John Kirby. The panel will evaluate the changes made at the mortuary in the wake of findings that mortuary personnel mishandled several fallen service members' remains. It will determine the soundness of those improvements and whether more are needed. The panel has until the first week of January to report back to Panetta. Originally former US Surgeon General Richard Carmona was tapped to head the panel, but he recused himself to run for the Senate in Arizona.