-Caveat Lector- WJPBR Email News List [EMAIL PROTECTED] Peace at any cost is a Prelude to War! 0217. Edwards shoulders share of energy crunch by Master Sgt. Stefanie Doner Air Force Flight Test Center Public Affairs EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. (AFPN) -- As the energy crisis continues in California, Edwards AFB, is stepping up efforts to conserve electricity and natural gas. "While utility providers haven't requested that we cut energy consumption by a specific amount yet, it's important that we all do our part as good neighbors to conserve energy resources and keep the base's utility costs low," said Capt. Amy Hoffer, 95th Civil Engineer Squadron. Those efforts are paying off. In the first month of the new year, main base operations cut natural gas consumption by 12 percent, which equates to $75,000 in energy savings. Additionally, the Air Force Research Laboratory's propulsion directorate here cut its natural gas use by 11 percent, saving another $10,000. Continuing to conserve electricity remains a hot topic at Edwards and throughout the state. While Edwards -- protected as a federal military installation -- should not be affected by the rolling blackouts the rest of the state has experienced, natural gas curtailments are a possibility. Examples of ongoing conservation initiatives on base include shutting down lights on streets and in parking lots. To ensure safety, however, intersections remain lit. The base, also, has turned off the information marquees and lowered the temperatures on thermostats to 68 degrees. Plus, hot water heaters to restrooms and the compressed natural gas station have been shut down to conserve energy. Base employees and housing residents are encouraged to shut off all lights not in use, to ensure their desktop computers are completely shut down at the end day and to dress more warmly rather than turning up the heat. Edwards officials are also formulating contingency plans should the situation worsen. These include a partial or total shutdown of natural gas service to the main base, which could last from a few hours to a few days. Although flightline operations have not been seriously affected to date, the possibility of shortening shift lengths and workweeks to help cut energy use are being examined should the problem escalate. "We would only shut down if Pacific Gas and Electric told us to do so because natural gas supplies were low and they couldn't support non-core customers," Hoffer stressed. To help people become more involved in the conservation effort, Edwards established an energy hotline and an e-mail account for people to report areas where energy may be wasted or to offer suggestions for improving conservation efforts. "Our conservation efforts are making a difference," said Maj. Gen. Dick Reynolds, Air Force Flight Test Center commander. "We've had a noticeable drop in our energy consumption. I appreciate the sacrifices ... made to help the base and the state through this crisis." (Courtesy of Air Force Material Command News Service) 220. Air Force recruiting vehicles take message on the road MACDILL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. (AFPN) -- The newest additions to Air Force recruiting efforts -- four Recruiter Outreach Vehicles -- were presented to Air Force senior leadership here Feb. 13. The four brightly designed vehicles, nicknamed "ROVers," are an expansion of "The U.S. Air Force Experience," a traveling road show which takes the Air Force message of career opportunities to high schools, shopping malls and special events across the country. Each of the self-contained ROVers," will be manned by traveling recruiters. The first public appearance for a ROVer is set for Feb. 17 and 18 at the Daytona 500 auto race. Wrapped in bold Air Force graphics, the four specially refitted recreational vehicles will circulate the country full time to help boost recruiting. Each RV has space for a public affairs noncommissioned officer and three recruiters. The ROVers are equipped to operate at remote locations and contain enough recruiting supplies and specialty merchandise to accommodate 5,000 visitors per month. Onboard, computerized equipment collects contact information provided by visitors, and also prints out a commemorative, embossed metal "dog tag" for each visitor that features the new official Air Force symbol. On the exterior of each ROVer, large, multimedia video screens with audio systems treat visitors to a "tour of duty" presentation highlighting the job skills and advanced technology offered by the Air Force. "The new ROVers will greatly expand our efforts to take the Air Force message to many more cities across America," said Brig. Gen. Duane W. Deal, Air Force Recruiting Service commander. "We've found that one of the best ways to reconnect with the American public and showcase career opportunities is by reaching out and going to the public directly, especially in high traffic areas like high schools and shopping malls. The boldly designed ROVers with their space-age appeal are attractive to young people and are self-contained with all of the tools our recruiters need to put their best foot forward." The four vehicles will be based at regional recruiting group headquarters at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas; Hill AFB, Utah; Robins AFB, Ga.; and Hanscom AFB, Mass., and can be dispatched to all 28 recruiting zones across the United States. For more information about Air Force opportunities, the traveling road show and the new ROVers, visit www.airforce.com. (Courtesy of AFRS) 0215. Portable digital inclinometer increases angle calibration accuracy by Tina Barton Arnold Engineering Development Center Public Affairs ARNOLD AIR FORCE BASE, Tenn. (AFPN) -- Arnold Engineering Development Center employees recently developed a portable angle-calibrating device that will save test teams time and save customers money. AEDC's digital inclinometer increases test article calibration accuracy tenfold and lowers recalibration time from hours to minutes. That, plus the ability to mount the transducer on the test article eliminates the need to remove and reinstall the test article for roll axis recalibration. A re-calibration procedure that previously took several hours, now takes only minutes, said Rob Mathis, an AEDC instrumentation engineer and co-designer. "By eliminating the need to remove the test article for re-calibration, we save time during testing," he said. "This allows us to pass the savings on to our customers and avoid scheduling conflicts." Although the inclinometer is primarily used in AEDC's wind tunnel facilities, it can be used in all AEDC test cells. Using NASA and Langley Air Force Base, Va., published research, AEDC instrumentation engineers Steve Carter and Mathis designed the digital inclinometer to calibrate test article control systems that measure pitch and roll during testing, and to calibrate inertial sensors mounted inside user test hardware. Andy Nelius, a senior electrical engineer helped with circuit board layout. "Accurately determining model attitude (angle) is fundamental to high-quality definition of flight characteristics for modern aircraft," said Rick Bishop, Svedrup's Aircraft Systems department deputy director. "Our present-day instruments have been adequate for testing current generation airframes, but instruments on the order of 10 times greater accuracy are required to develop new generation fighters, large commercial aircraft and military transports. This device meets that need." The heart of the Carter and Mathis design is an extremely accurate, microprocessor-controlled, analog-to-digital converter circuit board. A 6-inch wide by 10-inch long case houses the circuit board. The unit connects to an angular transducer containing two inertial sensors -- one on the top and one on the side -- providing a full 360-degree range of motion measurement capability. Typical inclinometers contain a single sensor limited to a plus or minus 45-degree range. The entire device weighs only 5 pounds and is stored in a customized briefcase-size carrier designed specifically to protect the delicate sensors. "We developed a technology that is not available commercially, much less in a portable design," Carter said. "Our commercial customers especially rely on highly accurate measurements during testing to help them determine the optimum cruise angle during flight. "The portable instrument provides an angular calibration accuracy 10 times better than existing AEDC systems. It contains internal temperature compensation with built-in safeguards to prevent inaccurate data output." (Courtesy of Air Force Material Command) 0214. Wind tunnel testing helps new Boeing engine design ARNOLD AIR FORCE BASE, Tenn. (AFPN) -- High-speed wind-tunnel testing in Arnold Engineering Development Center's 16-foot transonic wind tunnel will help evaluate new engine designs for the Boeing Longer-Range 767-400ER airplane. This test starts the recently ratified AEDC-Boeing three-year testing contract. "We're looking at increasing the operating range of the existing 767-400ER," said Larry Scholle, a Boeing engineer in the aero structures group. "By doing so, we need more thrust which translates to more powerful engines. The engines on the Longer-Range 767-400ER will have 72,000 pounds of thrust." During the test, which was completed in January, Boeing engineers from the aero configuration, stability and control, and structures groups collected data using a 4.6-percent-scale Longer-Range Boeing 767-400ER model. Two different mounting systems were tested. The aerodynamic data for each mounting system assessed the airplane's high-speed drag, handling characteristics and loads determination for the larger engine installation. "Boeing and AEDC have an excellent working relationship, which has developed over the years," said Dan Panich, Boeing test engineer for the Longer-Range 767-400ER test program. "I'm pleased that we were able to return to test this new airplane. We're also here to take advantage of the unique testing capabilities of 16T. The 16T facility has excellent flow qualities. The large size of the facility reduces aerodynamic corrections associated with wind tunnel testing." The Boeing Longer-Range 767-400ER, a derivative of the 767-400ER that went into service in September with Continental Airlines and in October with Delta Airlines, seats 245 passengers in three classes, and has a range of about 6,115 nautical miles. Besides the more powerful engines, the Longer-Range 767-400ER has an improved takeoff field length and increased fuel volume over the 767-400ER. The first Longer-Range 767-400ER is scheduled for delivery to Kenya Airways in spring 2004. (Courtesy of Air Force Material Command News Service) 0219. McGuire troops meet legendary aviators by Airman 1st Class Matt Donegan 305th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs McGUIRE AIR FORCE BASE, N.J. (AFPN) -- Retired Lt. Col. Howard Baugh, 81, sat in the cockpit of a McGuire KC-10 Extender wearing a half-smile on his face. Baugh not only garnered more than 6,000 flying hours in his 25-year career, he has lived through three different wars -- not just defending his country, but also battling for racial equality. Baugh is a living legend of aviation and a pioneer of equal opportunity. He was, is and always will be a Tuskegee Airman. Crew members from the 2nd and 32nd Air Refueling Squadrons here met Baugh and other warriors like him when McGuire supported the first joint Air Mobility Command-Air Combat Command Tuskegee Airmen orientation flight recently at Langley Air Force Base, Va. The flight commemorated African American History Month. The crew for the mission, all volunteers, said they were grateful for the chance to fly with their heroes. "I came into the Air Force because of these gentlemen," said Master Sgt. Derek Williams, a member of the 514th Air Mobility Wing, whose father used to refuel Tuskegee Airmen aircraft. "They are our forefathers who paved the way for African-Americans and all Americans in the Air Force. Some of the strategic and tactical maneuvers used by our fighter pilots in combat (today) were created and developed by these men." The day began with breakfast at Langley's Eagle Dining Hall. Baugh and fellow Tuskegee Airman Urtha Knox attended. Throughout the meal, several troops came over to greet the duo and pay their respects. Tuskegee Airmen Grant Williams and Francis Horne joined their comrades for a briefing and explanation of McGuire's mission and KC-10 Extender capabilities. The Tuskegee Airmen then toured a KC-10 leading up to an orientation flight with an African-American crew. Before leaving the aircraft, Baugh told the crew and passengers he and the other Tuskegee Airmen had always hoped to witness what he was seeing that day. "I hoped one day that an all black flight crew would be common-place in the Air Force. I just never thought I'd live to see it," he said. In addition, Baugh said he never thought there would be an opportunity for African-American women to be part of the crew. Senior Airman Mia Nixon, the crew's boom operator, discussed her career progression with the Tuskegee Airmen during the trip. Senior Airman Andre Smith from the Langley's 94th Fighter Squadron was maintaining an F-15 Eagle when the KC-10, with Capt. Raymond Barrows as the pilot, arrived on Langley's flightline. When he found out about the Tuskegee Airmen flight, he told his supervisor how great it would be if Langley airmen were invited on the mission. His wishful thinking turned into the experience of a lifetime when he joined the flight. "It's like a dream come true," Smith said. "I've read about the Tuskegee Airmen in history books, seen them on television and in movies. I've seen what these guys have been through. They are the ones who made it possible for me to get to this point in my life and I'm thankful for that." Baugh said only after the 1995 Home Box Office release of the film starring Laurence Fishburne did the Tuskegee Airmen begin to be appreciated. Before the movie, no one knew who they were, he said. "Ours was an organization designed to fail," said Williams, a retired chief master sergeant who entered service at Fort Dix, N.J., in 1942. "Nobody wanted to see us succeed. No one thought we would. By the time the war was over, black squadrons destroyed or damaged more than 400 enemy aircraft, flew more than 15,000 sorties, and never lost a bomber in 200 combat escort missions -- a record unmatched by anyone else. Quite an accomplishment for an organization designed to fail." Williams, who went on to become the official records keeper and administrative head of the Tuskegee operations office, explained how one of the Tuskegee pilots was shot down over enemy lines and held as a prisoner of war. Upon his return, he explained how the Germans marveled not only at the color of the Tuskegee pilot's skin, but also at their flying and fighting talent. Baugh said a German officer asked the airman, "Why do you fight so hard for a country that hates you?" Baugh repeated the answer to that question. "We were fighting for the only country we knew," he said. "If ordinary people are given an opportunity, they can do extraordinary things." Whether the Tuskegee Airmen realized it or not, they were displaying an Air Force core value known today as "service before self." The perseverance and combat record of the Tuskegee veterans paid off in 1947 when President Harry Truman gave the order for the services to integrate their ranks. "The armed forces, with the Air Force leading the way, broke the ground to integration in our society," said Baugh. But the veterans' mission is far from over. Williams and Baugh urged people to join their local Tuskegee Airmen chapter. "Learn from us who went through it because we won't be here much longer," said Williams. "Tell your children and grandchildren who it was that opened the door to help us live on." "We need young people to keep the legacy alive," Baugh said. More than 50 years after they flew P-40s, P-39s, P-47s and P-51s over the skies of North Africa, Sicily and Europe, not to mention opening the door for civil rights, the Tuskegee Airmen are still receiving the recognition they earned through it all. (Courtesy of Air Force Material Command News Service) 0218. Drug use ends 18-year career of NCO by 2nd Lt. Karee Greene 30th Space Wing Legal Office VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. (AFPN) -- Tech. Sgt. Glenn Thompson pleaded guilty to the use and possession of methamphetamines and to making a false official statement, ending more than 18 years of service following a court-martialed here recently. These violations of Articles 112a and 107, respectively, of the Uniform Code of Military Justice led to Thompson's conviction and sentencing to reduction in grade to E-1, confinement for one year, and a bad conduct discharge. Last year, Thompson was randomly selected for urinalysis testing. Instead of reporting, he left his duty station and could not be found. The next day, squadron officials located Thompson and ordered him to provide a sample. His urinalysis results came back positive for methamphetamines. When questioned by Air Force Office of Special Investigations agents, Thompson said he did not know why he tested positive because he had never ingested drugs. While awaiting court-martial charges, Thompson was directed to provide another urine sample. This sample also came back positive for methamphetamines. After AFOSI questioning, Thompson admitted to ingesting methamphetamines on multiple occasions between January and October. AFOSI subsequently found drugs at his residence in military family housing. (Courtesy of Air Force Space Command News Service) 0221. Making pay raise cover more than higher fuel costs by Senior Airman April D. Blumer 43rd Airlift Wing Public Affairs POPE AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. (AFPN) -- With high gas prices, rising heating bills and expensive name-brand clothing, military families are searching for ways to get the most from this year's pay raise. Money saving tips are available at various Web sites. Free financial management classes and one-on-one financial counseling are available at most base family support centers. "There is no magic formula to make our money go further," said Deborah Belin, FSC personal financial consultant at Pope Air Force Base. "We just have to quit spending more than we earn." Cutting down on spending does not mean leading a life of deprivation, but it does require using common sense and avoiding impulse buying. Reducing auto fuel costs -- In addition to reading the owner's manual for fuel efficiency tips, Belin recommends planning errands to coincide with trips to and from work. Instead of going home, fixing dinner, then coming back to town to pick up the dry cleaning, pick up the dry cleaning on the way home; -- Ensure tires are properly inflated, and change the oil, spark plugs and filters as recommended in the owner's manual. Changing the oil at a do-it-yourself center instead of having it done at a service station will also save money; -- Slow down. Driving at 65 mph rather than 55 mph increases gas consumption by 20 percent, according to a Federal Trade Commission publication. At 75 mph, gas consumption increases by 25 percent; -- Use the proper octane gasoline, no higher; -- Carpool. Cutting heating costs -- Set the thermostat near 70 degrees. That should help decrease electric bills, said Belin whose gas bill has tripled this winter. But beware of leaving the heat on all the time. Gas heat and electric heat differ in the way and speed in which they heat a structure. Know if keeping the heat on continuously is the most economical for your system; -- If the house has a fireplace, use it. Prior to burning the first stick of wood, check the flue for possible blockages; -- Only use space heaters for short periods of time and only use those with safety features; -- If you keep your heating on all the time, turn down the heat at night and when not at home; -- Set your ceiling fans to the "winter" rotation; -- Close off unused or rarely used rooms to conserve heat; -- Caulk and weather-strip doors and windows; Spend wisely on groceries "Some people have the misconception there is no savings at the commissary," Belin said. "If you figure up your grocery bill over time you will see a savings of 25 percent or more." -- Buy store brands; -- Purchase pre-packaged fruits and vegetables, such as bagged apples or carrots. They are often better values. Typically there is more produce, weight-wise, in the pre-packaged containers than what is advertised, yet the price remains the same; -- Prepare a grocery list and meal plans, then stick to them. Remember, convenience foods are typically more expensive than prepared meals; -- Never shop for groceries while hungry; -- Use coupons and refund forms only if you would buy the product anyway, and if it is cheaper than buying an alternative product; -- Compare unit prices to find the best deals. It may be a better deal to buy an item in a larger quantity; -- Buy fruits and vegetables that are in season; -- Use cheaper cuts of meat or less expensive meat than called for in a recipe. Save on clothing costs. Clothing costs can be reduced if people make wiser consumer decisions about the cleaning and purchasing of clothing items. For example: -- Although machine washable clothes help avoid dry cleaning bills, ensure you dry clean "dry clean only" clothes to prevent irreparable damage; -- Take advantage of off-season sales; -- Consider buying clothing from discount stores instead of high-priced shops. Purchasing an additional or new car can also be a headache for people. Some tips for buying a new car include: -- The premium time to buy a new car is when the next year's models are starting to hit the lots, said Belin. Dealers are anxious to make space for the new vehicles. Also buy near the end of the month when salespeople and dealers are trying to meet their quotas; -- When adding up vehicle costs, consider other factors such as gas mileage, financing charges, property tax, insurance and maintenance. Using a car buying computer program, and FSCs usually have one available, can help estimate yearly car expenses. Many times individuals make a New Year's resolution to start investing money. Potential investors need to face the investment world fully educated. Contact a credit union or a bank about investment possibilities," Belin said. "Through them you can become better educated about investing as they walk you through your goals and investing personality." For those in debt, regardless of the amount, free classes and counseling are available. Call the base FSC. Belin said the popularity of financial classes is on the rise, largely because people are finding themselves overwhelmed with "easy credit" bills. Belin challenges her class members and those she counsels to write down every dollar they spend for a month to find out exactly where their money is going. "When you know where your money is going, you'll find the leaks in your budget. These leaks are where your money is getting away from you. Then you can start to patch the leaks," Belin said. Costs are rising for nearly every product on the market. Learning how to stretch pay raises to cover these costs and still see extra cash at the end of the pay period can be challenging. However, through common sense measures, a little research and some old-fashioned ingenuity, a pay raise can purchase more than a tank of gas. (Courtesy of Air Force Material Command News Service) 0216. Pacific Air Forces hosts Korean War symposium in Hawaii HICKAM AIR FORCE BASE, Hawaii (AFPN) -- To commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the Korean War and honor those who served, Pacific Air Forces will host a Korean War Air Power Symposium June 25 to 29 at the Hilton Hawaiian Village in Honolulu. The symposium will feature panels that will cover virtually every aspect of the air war, including air-to-air, air-to-ground, aerial support and bomber operations; and the people aspect, including nurses, spouses, civilians and more. Speakers and panelists will include veterans who fought in the war and noted historians. "Our goal for this symposium is to provide an opportunity for a multi-dimensional discussion of the air war in Korea in one comprehensive package," said Timothy Keck, PACAF command historian. "We believe it will be an event like no other that has been done on the Korean War." Other activities planned for the symposium include a Korean War-era hangar party, a golf tournament and a historical tour. The symposium registration fee is $110 plus $55 per family member or guest. The fee includes an icebreaker at the Hilton, an evening party with hors d' oeuvres and two luncheons with speakers at the Hilton. Rooms at the Hilton Hawaiian Village are $112 for single and $147 for double. Those wishing to attend, can call (808) 949-4321 for reservations. For more information, call the PACAF history office at (808) 449-3936. (Courtesy of PACAF News Service) *COPYRIGHT NOTICE** In accordance with Title 17 U. S. C. 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