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0258. Combat controller brings in initial OEF airflow by Tech. Sgt. Ginger Schreitmueller Air Force Special Operations Command Public Affairs HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. (AFPN) -- Among an Air Force combat controller's many missions is the ability to provide air traffic control under the most austere conditions. Within the first few days of Operation Enduring Freedom, one combat controller proved his long years of training in this skill as a valuable asset to the mission. Master Sgt. Bart Decker, an 18-year combat control veteran, was among the first to arrive at a forward-deployed base in Uzbekistan in October to support America's war on terrorism. Within days of arriving, Decker put his expertise to work. In order to bring the force, needed supplies and equipment to the fight, Decker and fellow combat controllers had to tackle the antiquated air traffic control systems in place. "The tower and the runway [were] not in bad condition, and the host nation was actively using [them]," Decker said. "However, the control tower was set up with Cold War-era equipment with 1950's technology. It had fairly old systems that weren't in the best of shape." Since combat control teams had surveyed the tower equipment and runway systems in advance, the controllers came prepared to augment the existing gear. As a standard, controllers deploy with portable navigational and communications systems to establish austere runways and landing zones without the benefit of an existing tower or large communications or navigational systems. In this case, the controllers knew existing systems were useable but more modern equipment would better meet the needs of the mission. "The in-place radar system was not up to today's technology and would limit the ability to bring U.S. aircraft in bad weather and if visibility was not perfect," Decker said. This was a critical factor as winter was moving in and dust storms are common occurrences in the region. After integrating a U.S. navigational system and portable lights along the runway and approach end, the controllers set up their mobile microwave landing system. "MMLS is a mobile antennae system that enhances our ability to keep the airflow going," Decker said. "Weather and dust storms could limit the ability of the aircraft to get in and out of the airfield. The MMLS provides the aircrew a [means to] 'stair-step down' through clouds or dust storms, to bring them in to be able to see the runway. The radar system in place at the airfield was a basic system, which would limit our ability to bring the airflow in to the base." Though the MMLS was used during peacekeeping operations in Bosnia, this is the first combat employment of the system. "We train on the system and know it would provide us enhanced air traffic control capabilities under the circumstances in country," Decker said. "Based on information from the advance team, we arrived at the site with the system so we could begin air traffic control operations quickly," he said. "It worked perfectly and ensured we could bring in the aircraft safely. We averaged about 15 sorties a day, around-the-clock airflow; bringing the aircraft in, getting them moved and unloaded, and flying them back out again." A team of combat controllers worked 24-hour shifts throughout the first weeks of the operation to bring the force to the fight. "Our team brought in the initial airflow of C-17 [Globemaster III] aircraft to the forward location," Decker said. "The C-17s brought in everything needed to establish the base camp, from people to supplies." Despite the obstacles faced with the equipment, Decker said working with host nation controllers was a positive experience. The host nation controllers and combat controllers worked in unison to bring in the airflow. "They received the initial call from another tower that aircraft [were] inbound," he said. "From there, they passed us the information and we began interfacing with the main radar to pick up the in-coming planes." The working relationship did mean overcoming the language barrier, but Decker said the cooperation was good. "We had interpreters who helped with the language barriers, but after a few days of working in the tower together we developed a good rapport with our host nation controllers," Decker said. "One of the host nation controllers even brought in a chess board and we all started playing chess during any quiet times." After several weeks of providing critical air traffic control for the U.S. military transporters, Decker and his team of controllers brought in the bare-base support, supplies and people to turn the dot on the map into a forward operating site. 0264. Benefits, quality workplace vital to national defense by Maj. Paul Koscak Air Force Print News WASHINGTON -- Air Force and Department of Defense officials told members of the Senate Armed Services Committee on Feb. 13 that recruiting, training and quality-of-life incentives are key to ensuring the security of the United States. Investing in people through training, higher pay and bonuses must be as important as buying the latest weapon systems, said Michael Dominguez, assistant secretary of the Air Force for manpower and Reserve affairs. Specialties such as intelligence, security and communications will be particularly hard hit and must be offset by cuts in less critical career fields, he said. The president's 4.5 percent pay raise -- the highest in 20 years -- and "a robust and targeted bonus program" will help the Air Force compete with the private sector in both attracting and retaining quality airmen, Dominquez said. Nurses, dentists, aviators and some enlisted specialties now receive cash bonuses for continued service. "But the decision to either stay or separate is ultimately made around the family dinner table," he said. That calls for a "new social contract" to ensure families feel good about the benefits and support they receive, said David Chu, the undersecretary of defense. "Sixty percent of troops have family responsibilities," he told the committee. Family support programs such as child-care, youth activities and spouse employment must be "part of the equation." Chu said the number of servicemembers on food stamps has plummeted from 19,400 in 1991 to 4,200 in 2001. An anticipated 2,100 users are expected in 2002, thanks to DOD's family subsistence supplemental allowance program that cuts down on out-of-pocket expenses. The president's budget increases funding for family support centers by 8.5 percent or $17 million. Those issues are far more challenging for the Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve. Support must extend not only to activated citizen airmen and their families but to their employers as well, Lt. Gen. James Sherrard, chief of the Air Force Reserve, told the committee. More than 11,000 reservists are mobilized in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, he said, supporting everything from intelligence to aerial port to medical services. "The Air Force has enjoyed more than 30 years of unparalleled total force integration success," Sherrard said of the Reserve. "You can't tell us apart and that's the way it should be." Although the Reserve exceeded its recruiting goal for the first time in five years, with manning at 100.6 percent of its authorized strength, the command is not resting on its laurels, he said. Recruiting candidates without prior service still lags behind, and Stop-Loss has not helped, dwindling the traditional pipeline of potential reserve candidates. To enhance the pool of experienced reservists, retired military people are being encouraged to continue service in the Reserve, Sherrard said. "We save valuable training dollars and benefit from specialty skills, experience and knowledge these individuals possess," he said. "Once returned, members earn additional pay, retirement points, years of service and promotion opportunity." Like the Reserve, the Air National Guard exceeded its recruiting goal but continues striving to attract quality servicemembers through increased income and benefits, Brig. Gen. David Brubaker, deputy director of the Air National Guard, told the committee. Thanks to Congress, Servicemen's Group Life Insurance offers a $250,000 benefit and the Uniformed Service Thrift Savings Plan provides added retirement income, for instance. Emphasis is being placed on increased tuition assistance, computer access and child-care for guard members during drill weekends, he said. The Air National Guard is now funding a full-time family readiness center at each of its major bases. "The program significantly enhances mission capabilities by reducing pressures on Air National Guard personnel and their families, as well as improves their quality of life," Brubaker said. 0259. President wants more money, people for Air Force Reserve WASHINGTON (AFPN) -- The president's proposed defense budget for next year seeks $3.46 billion in funding and an end-strength of 75,600 reservists for Air Force Reserve Command. The fiscal 2003 request, which covers the fiscal year starting Oct. 1, asks for 900 more reservists and $249.6 million more than the budget approved by Congress for fiscal 2002. Senior Department of Defense officials announced the overall defense budget request of $379 billion Feb. 1. The Air Force is to get $87.2 billion. AFRC receives funding from three separate appropriations: operations and maintenance, Reserve personnel, and military construction. Although allocated separately as a DOD procurement account, the National Guard and Reserve Equipment Appropriation also supports command needs. Most of AFRC's portion of the fiscal 2003 president's budget request -- $2.19 billion -- is earmarked for O & M funds to train, organize and administer the command. The Reserve received $2.01 billion in O & M funds in fiscal 2002. Another $1.24 billion goes to the Reserve personnel appropriation. The RPA includes a proposed 4.1 percent across-the-board military pay raise, some targeted pay raises for certain grades, and the addition of 61 full-time active Guard and Reserve people. The requested Reserve personnel appropriation represents a $182.4 million increase compared to the fiscal 2002 budget. Requested funding for military construction in fiscal 2003 is $31.9 million, which includes four major projects at Portland International Airport, Ore., to initiate the 939th Rescue Wing's conversion to KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft. MILCON funding also covers unspecified minor construction, as well as planning and design. This year the Reserve is getting $74 million for military construction, $21 million more than the president requested. Under his 2002 budget, the president recommended $53 million, which included renovations at AFRC headquarters at Robins Air Force Base, Ga., as well as a construction project at Keesler AFB, Miss.; another at Grissom Air Reserve Base, Ind.; and two at Maxwell AFB, Ala. Congress added $21 million to the request to cover projects at March ARB, Calif.; Luke AFB, Ariz.; Homestead ARB, Fla.; and Minneapolis-St. Paul IAP Air Reserve Station, Minn. The fiscal 2003 president's budget proposal must pass both houses of Congress and be signed by the president before becoming law. (Courtesy of AFRC News Service) 0262. Officials release F-16 accident report LANGLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Va. (AFPN) -- The failure of the steering system caused the Oct. 17 crash of an F-16 Fighting Falcon fighter during takeoff at Hill Air Force Base, Utah, said Air Force officials who investigated the incident. The pilot, Capt. Casey J. Tidgewell, sustained minor injuries after ejecting from the aircraft. Tidgewell was assigned to the 4th Fighter Squadron at Hill. The aircraft left the runway and suffered heavy damage when its right wingtip hit the ground. According to the Accident Investigation Board report released Feb. 14 by Air Combat Command officials, the aircraft's front tire failed during takeoff, spraying debris that severed critical wires. The result was a loss of steering control. After several failed attempts to regain control of the aircraft, Tidgewell ejected. (Courtesy of ACC News Service) 0263. Digital modifications planned for C-12 Huron by Darren Heusel Oklahoma City Air Logistics Center Public Affairs TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. (AFPN) -- Installing a new digital flight instrumentation system in the C-12 Huron aircraft is one of several modifications planned to help keep the airplane flying another 20 years. Like the Compass, Radar and Global Positioning System modification, referred to as Pacer CRAG, on C/KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft, the Huron's modification involves a "glass cockpit" used to take advantage of newer avionics technologies. The contractor logistics support directorate here will manage the modifications. The Huron is a commercial version of the Beech 200 King Air twin engine turbo prop, and its primary function is to carry passengers and cargo. It is also used for test support. "Right now, we're working with our contractor to determine which systems are available and would be best for our aircraft to meet our users' needs," said 1st Lt. Jessica Scott, C-12 program manager. The base here manages 27 C-12 aircraft scattered around the globe, including some remote areas where the C-12 is the only transportation in and out of the area, she said. Defense Intelligence Agency and Defense Security Cooperation Agency officials use most of the C-12 aircraft for embassy support. The digital modification to the cockpit will replace the old analog system with three to five multi-function displays, depending on the avionics suite selected, Scott said. Along with the displays comes new computer software, allowing conveniences such as task automation. Other benefits should include savings in fuel consumption and maintenance costs, as well as improved safety and supportability. Scott said these improvements would allow crewmembers to focus on mission-related tasking. Installing new Line Replaceable Units will reduce time between failure and associated maintenance costs. "We haven't started the study yet," Scott said. "However, the contractor will be tasked to analyze the user requirements against the available components and recommend a system that best fits our users' needs and provide best value to the government. They will then be tasked to perform the modification or subcontract it out." The modifications would most likely be performed at a number of facilities around the world, Scott said. "CLS is responsible for engineering and program management, operational safety, suitability and effectiveness of the aircraft," said Maj. Robert Atkins, tanker-airlift assistant program manager. "We produce aircraft that meet the needs of the customer and FAA requirements. With CLS aircraft, all the depot work and modifications are typically done by contractors." Atkins said the C-12 is a small part of the CLS inventory, however, the aircraft "has a very important mission." "One reason we're doing this modification is to meet our (Global Air Traffic Management) requirements that are being levied by the FAA and European control," said Lori Brown, avionics equipment specialist. GATM is trying to "clear the air of congestion," and when they define the needs they have, the Department of Defense has "agreed to step up to the plate" to help meet those requirements, Brown said. "Because a lot of the equipment is digital, with all the new technology, we were having problems with the integration, so it's just smarter for us to go completely digital at one time," she said. Atkins said several organizations like the FAA are mandating requirements to manage aerospace effectively and DOD aircraft fall into that category. "We're trying to bring all of our fleets up to meet those requirements," Atkins said. Darrell Anderson, C-12 program manager, said many existing commercial technologies would be installed on this aircraft such as the Enhanced Ground Proximity Warning System and Traffic Collision Avoidance System. (Courtesy of Air Force Materiel Command News Service) 0260. Operational, test worlds collide at Edwards by Leigh Anne Bierstine Air Force Flight Test Center Public Affairs EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. (AFPN) -- Auto rolls, tail slides and inverted spins do not typically make their way into operational fighter sorties. But as three F-15 Eagle pilots from Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho, saw first hand Feb. 5, it's all in a day's work for their counterparts in the test world. The pilots' two-day visit here is part of a unique training program started by the 416th Flight Test Squadron. The program is a one-on-one exchange designed to bring operational pilots here to expose them to the role developmental testing plays in supporting the warfighter. In turn, test pilots are traveling to fighter bases across the Air Force to stay in touch with today's warfighters by flying tactical missions. The exchange is designed to open communication lines between the operational world and the test and evaluation community, said Lt. Col. Troy Fontaine, operations officer at the 416th FLTS. During their visit, Capts. Brian Van Matre, Jerry Reedy and Brian Farrar from the 390th Fighter Squadron at Mountain Home, spent their first day here in a classroom learning the finer points of advanced aircraft handling. The next day, each pilot took to the skies with a test pilot. While none of the academic briefings presented are new to the operational pilots, the difference, said Fontaine, comes in the air. "We put them in situations where they are typically not allowed to fly in," Fontaine said. "Edwards is the only place in the world where you can do some of the advanced handling maneuvers that we have all learned about. But here they are pushing the flight envelope in the air and experiencing the fundamental stability of the airframe for themselves." For Van Matre, his flight with test pilot Maj. Dan Daetz revealed how easy it is to get an aircraft in an unpredictable spot. Upon pulling out of a routine tail slide maneuver, their F-15 started to spin upside down. Daetz applied a recovery procedure to get out of the inverted spin and got the jet level with plenty of altitude to spare. "It's definitely not something very many (fighter) pilots have done," Van Matre said. "It's a good experience for us to see that it can happen and that you can recover if you do the right thing." In turn, Fontaine and Daetz said they agree the program is helping them and their fellow testers maintain credibility with the tactical Air Force. "We need to know how a jet is being used today," Daetz said. "We can read about it but it's much better to actually talk, on a regular basis, to the operational pilots who are flying it everyday." Having been an operational pilot before coming to the test community, Daetz said it is easy for the test side of the house to get sheltered from the end user. "We have to keep our mind on why we are here and have a vision beyond just meeting the specifications of our test plans," Daetz said. "If I go back to being an operational pilot, I want to know that I have helped to make a better airplane." Van Matre said that participating in the exchange program is also giving the tactical world a preview of future weapon systems. During the trip, he and his colleagues toured the base here to see some of systems in development and also spent time with students at the U.S. Air Force Test Pilot School. "It helps for us to get out here and meet with the people who are working to make what is coming down the road better," Van Matre said. "That is definitely a good thing for us to see." The program has been building over the last three years, and test pilots have hosted pilots from Nellis AFB, Nev., as well as the Strike Eagle squadron at Mountain Home. In turn, they have traveled to fighter squadrons at Shaw AFB, S.C., and Elmendorf AFB, Alaska. Fontaine said the program is flexible and the content is geared toward the needs and interests of each fighter squadron. "The more people we can get involved from the operational side, the more the Air Force will benefit in the long run," Fontaine said. *COPYRIGHT NOTICE** In accordance with Title 17 U. S. C. Section 107, any copyrighted work in this message is distributed under fair use without profit or payment to those who have expressed a prior interest in receiving the included information for nonprofit research and educational purposes only.[Ref. http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/17/107.shtml ] Want to be on our lists? Write at [EMAIL PROTECTED] for a menu of our lists! 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