-Caveat Lector- WJPBR Email News List [EMAIL PROTECTED] Peace at any cost is a prelude to war! 992058. Edwards C-141 test program ends by 2nd Lt. Cris L'Esperance Air Force Flight Test Center Public Affairs EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. (AFPN) -- The C-141 Starlifter test program ended recently when the last test aircraft left Edwards for March Air Reserve Base. There are no further plans for flight testing here. The C-141, long considered the workhorse of the Air Mobility Command, first arrived at the Air Force Flight Test Center in June 1964 from the Lockheed plant at Dobbins Air Force (now Reserve) Base, Ga., marking the first cross-country flight for the airframe. Designed as the first jet cargo aircraft for AMC's predecessor, Military Airlift Command, to meet military requirements as a troop and cargo carrier, the C-141 matured in the Edwards test family. Only now -- after some 35 years and with an impending fleet retirement in 2006 -- does the Starlifter cease its test program. Yet, the C-141C aircraft departed from here only after having successfully completed a final program: incorporation of a new "glass cockpit" with computer displays and integration of a new flight management system, or FMS. The FMS incorporates Global Positioning System navigation, a capability new to the C-141. The new FMS with GPS capability is called the Global Positioning System Enhanced Navigation System. The GPSENS program, developed by Raytheon Systems Company and Honeywell Defense Avionics Systems, and tested by members of Edwards 418th Flight Test Squadron, began in spring of 1996 and was just recently completed, according to Capt. Roger Gonzalez, C-141 flight test engineer, 418th FLTS. The system offers control of communication and navigation radios, flight planning, lateral and vertical guidance to the auotpilot and navigation. "In order to generate its navigation solution, GPSENS integrates position information from the original C-141 inertial navigation system and the precise signals from the Air Force's GPS satellites," said Gonzalez. The GPSENS program literally has been evaluated to the ends of the earth. The team tested flight behavior when traversing the South Pole and the equator, locations that pose conditions of "extreme mathematics," even more so than extreme weather, according to Bob Plested, flight test engineer, 418th FLTS. Sixty-three Air Force Reserve and Air National Guard C-141Bs will be modified with the GPSENS and will be designated C-141 "C" models. AMC began transferring C-141s to the Reserve and Guard forces in July 1986 anticipating the follow-on core airlifter, the C-17 Globemaster III. "With developmental test and qualification test complete, the C-141 moves to operational test staged out of March [ARB] to be used for operational deployments which is where they'll prove the suitability and effectiveness of the airplane," said Capt. Mike Young, C-141 flight test project manager, 418th FLTS. "With that stamp of approval, they'll be cleared to be used throughout the Reserve and Air National Guard." The C-141 test team here consists of just eight people, making additional manpower a necessity to accomplish maintenance and flight test. Reserve and Guard manpower filled this critical role. Pilots, flight engineers and loadmasters were provided by the 452nd Operations Group, March ARB, Calif. Maintenance support was provided by the 164th Air Wing, Tennessee ANG; the 172nd Air Wing, Jackson ANG, Miss.; the 445th Air Wing, Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio; the 446th Air Wing, McChord AFB, Wash.; the 452nd Air Wing, March ARB; and the 459th Air Wing, Andrews AFB, D.C. "We give a lot of credit to those people... we couldn't have done it without them," Plested said. 992056. Edwards to ferry NASA scientists around world in 8 days to study Leonid by Ray Johnson Air Force Flight Test Center Public Affairs EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. (AFPN) -- After a weak celestial show in 1998, NASA's Peter Jenniskens dreamed of chasing Leonid meteor storms once again in 1999. "This will be our last shot at it for a century," he said after last year's effort. "The mission we have in mind would circle the world, and do that in just a few days." He's getting his wish with two Edwards airplanes: a modified KC-135 tanker called the Flying Infrared Signature Technology Aircraft, or FISTA, and an EC-18 that normally serves as an Advanced Range Instrumentation Aircraft, or ARIA. Both aircraft, which belong to the 452nd Flight Test Squadron, and 25 airmen will ferry 50 scientists on an eight-day, 18,000-mile journey that will take them from the Mojave Desert to Europe to the Middle East and back. The researchers' intent: to gather data during a natural fireworks show called Leonid. A Leonid meteor shower occurs every November when Earth passes close to the orbit of comet Tempel-Tuttle. Usually not much happens, according to NASA officials. Earth plows through a diffuse cloud of old comet dust that shares Tempel-Tuttle's orbit, and debris burns up harmlessly in the atmosphere. Typical Leonid meteor events consist of only 10 to 20 shooting stars per hour. But every 33 years, that meek shower surges into a full-fledged storm, when thousands of shooting stars rain down from the sky hourly. That's what Jenniskens and his crew hope to witness on this trip. The two-ship formation leaves here Nov. 13 with the first stop being a "gas and go" at McGuire Air Force Base, N.J., said Capt. Jeff Lampe, aircraft commander for FISTA. From there it's on to Royal Air Force Mildenhall, England, where they'll launch late Nov. 16 for a seven-hour mission to Tel Aviv, Israel, hoping to capture a streaking light display in clear, dark skies. The next night they will leave on their main flight, an eight-hour mission to Lajes Field, the Azores, a small island several hundred miles off the coast of Portugal. It's there scientists believe they will follow a trail of thousands to tens of thousands of meteors per hour. On this route, the two Edwards planes will fly 100 miles parallel to each other, giving researchers "an almost stereoscopic (three-dimensional) viewing," said Maj. Tracy Phelps, commander of the EC-18. Finally, the team will fly another seven-hour mission from Lajes to Patrick AFB, Fla., Nov 18-19, and then return home Nov. 20. With powerful telescopes scattered throughout the world, some people might wonder why take such a time-consuming trip. The answer: Only an airborne mission can bring scientists to the right place at the right time to view Leonid, and guarantee clear weather. Moreover, using both the FISTA and C-18 allows scientists to measure meteor trajectories and orbits in space along with triangulating data. Indeed, this mission centers on two Edwards aircraft serving as observation platforms for cameras and investigative instruments. Therefore, both planes have undergone modifications for the journey, including installation of optical windows, special camera gear and antenna mounts. And besides helping collect data for NASA, the C-18 also will downlink real-time video for Air Force Space Command. Capt. Jon Haser participated in last year's Leonid event and will be going again this year. He said the crews didn't get the expected meteor storm. "It was sporadic, but they were some persistent trails that lasted five seconds or so. Hopefully, the sky's alive this time." Maybe he will get to witness what James Young of the Joint Propulsion Laboratory's California Table Mountain Observatory did in 1966, when the last great Leonid storm occurred. He remembers a heaven "absolutely full" of meteors. Young called it a "sight never imagined ... and never seen since." 992059. Air Force officer commands new Naval training squadron by Capt. John N. Bryan Air Education and Training Command Public Affairs NAVAL AIR STATION CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas (AFPN) -- An Air Force lieutenant colonel stationed here made history by taking command of a newly commissioned Naval flying training squadron Oct. 29. Lt. Col. John J. Gomez, an Air Force Academy graduate, became Training Squadron 35's first commanding officer during a ceremony here attended by Rear Adm. Michael Bucchi, the chief of Naval Air Training, and Texas State Sen. Carlos F. Truan. "To my knowledge, this is the first time a Navy unit has stood-up under the command of an Air Force officer," said Bucchi, at the ceremony. Training Squadron 35's (VT-35) primary mission is to provide advanced multi-engine pilot training for Naval and Air Force students who will fly the C-130 Hercules, the C-12 Huron or the P-3 Orion. In addition, VT-35 provides training for Navy aviators going to test pilot school. Currently, VT-35 has 23 assigned instructor pilots (12 Air Force, 11 Navy) and 125 students projected for Fiscal Year 2000, according to Navy Cmdr. Richard J. Coston, VT-35's Executive Officer, or "XO." VT-35 joins its sister squadron, Training Squadron 31, which trains Navy and Air Force pilots as well as U.S. Coast Guard and U.S. Marine Corps pilots, and international student pilots from Italy, Germany, Mexico and Norway. VT-31 trains students for the C-130, the C-12 and the P-3, but also trains pilots to fly the Navy's E-2 Hawkeye and C-2 COD, according to Coston. "VT-31 trained about 400 students in Fiscal Year 1999 and is expecting an increase this year, so the creation of VT-35 will really help," Coston added. "Both squadrons essentially train with the same aircraft, so it made sense to open another unit to capture the best elements in pilot training." "We're carrying out the vision of the Defense Department of the early 1990s by combining Air Force and Navy training," said Navy Capt. James E. Droddy, commander of Training Air Wing Four at NAS Corpus Christi. "VT-35 is a smart thing to do. It saves money and pools together valuable resources to train pilots." "Although we've been training with the Air Force here since 1993, VT-35 will certainly help our projected increase in pilot production for years to come," added Droddy. "This is a great move and lead-in for joint training, and shows our confidence in Lt. Col. Gomez's abilities to lead." "This is a true joint environment with lots of Navy tradition, so I'm honored they put so much faith in an Air Force guy," said Gomez. "The Stingrays of VT-35 begin a tough journey today, but I am confident the "plank owners," original squadron members, will accomplish their mission of world-class pilot training." Gomez will serve as the commanding officer until the summer of 2001, when Coston will take command of VT-35. At that time, the squadron will gain an Air Force lieutenant colonel as the "XO," who will be next in line for command. "I'm learning something new everyday," added Gomez, referring to the differences between the Air Force and the Navy. "The language and culture can be very different at times, but our mission of training pilots is the same. The students we graduate here are the hallmark of this squadron and their respective services, and I'm proud to be part of their future." (Courtesy of AETC News Service) 992057. Veterans Day springs from hopeful Armistice Day KELLY AIR FORCE BASE, Texas (AFPN) -- A celebration of worldwide peace has in the past century evolved into recognition of those who keep the peace around the world. "Armistice Day" started in 1921 when an unknown World War I American soldier was buried in Arlington National Cemetery in Washington, D.C. According to officials at the Department of Veteran Affairs, similar ceremonies occurred earlier in England and France, where an unknown soldier was buried in each nation's highest place of honor --in England, at Westminster Abbey; in France, at the Arc de Triomphe. These memorial gestures all took place Nov. 11, giving universal recognition to the celebrated ending of World War I fighting at 11 a.m., Nov. 11, 1918 -- the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month. Armistice Day officially received its name in America in 1926 through a congressional resolution. It became a national holiday 12 years later by similar congressional action. The national holiday recognizing peace on Earth would still be Armistice Day had WWI indeed been "the war to end all wars." But only a few years after the holiday was proclaimed, war broke out in Europe. Sixteen and one-half million Americans took part. Four hundred seven thousand of them died in service, more than 292,000 in battle. An answer to the question of how to pay tribute to those who had served in this latest, great war came in a proposal made by Rep. Edwin K. Rees of Kansas: Change Armistice Day to Veterans Day, and make it an occasion to honor those who have served America in all wars. In 1954 President Eisenhower signed a bill proclaiming Nov. 11 as Veterans Day. A law passed in 1968 changed the national commemoration of Veterans Day to the fourth Monday in October. It soon became apparent, however, that Nov. 11 was a date of historic significance to many Americans. Therefore, in 1978 Congress returned the observance to its traditional date. On Memorial Day 1958, the remains of two more unidentified Americans were interred in the plaza beside the unknown WWI soldier. One was killed in World War II, the other in the Korean War. In 1984, an unknown serviceman from the Vietnam conflict was placed alongside the others. The remains of the Vietnam unknown were exhumed May 14, 1998. Based on mitochondrial DNA testing, DOD scientists identified the remains as those of Air Force 1st Lt. Michael Joseph Blassie, who was shot down near An Loc, Vietnam, in 1972. It has been decided that the crypt that contained the remains of the Vietnam unknown will remain vacant. An inscription on the crypt cover reads, "Honoring and Keeping Faith with America's Missing Servicemen, 1958-1975." The decision to identify the Vietnam unknown did not affect the remains of the unknowns from World War I, World War II and the Korean War that are also at the site. To honor all Americans who gave their lives in all wars, an Army honor guard, the 3d U.S. Infantry (The Old Guard), keeps day and night vigil. The memorial amphitheater built around the Tomb of the Unknowns is the focal point for official, national ceremonies for Veterans Day. At 11 a.m. Nov. 11, a combined color guard representing all military services executes "Present Arms" at the tomb. The nation's tribute to its war dead is symbolized by the laying of a presidential wreath. The bugler plays "taps." The rest of the ceremony takes place in the amphitheater. 992054. Phoenix Ravens take force protection on the road by Tech. Sgt. Mark Haviland 305th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs MCGUIRE AIR FORCE BASE, N.J. (AFPN) -- When Tech. Sgt. Darrin Aden boards an aircraft for his next Raven mission, he really doesn't know what to expect when the plane reaches its destination. That says a lot when you consider that Aden, a 13-year security forces flight sergeant, has seen more than his fair share of unusual events. "There really isn't a typical mission for a Raven team," he explained. "In one day you can be on the ground where the threat is minimal, and hours later you're in a place where the threat is high and very real." Aden is one of 12 Ravens assigned to the 305th Security Forces Squadron and one of more than 400 Air Force security forces specialists who have been trained at the Air Mobility Warfare Center's two-week Phoenix Raven course at nearby Fort Dix, N.J. Air Mobility Command launched the program in the aftermath of the terrorist attack on Khobar Towers that killed 19 airmen. Organized into two- or four-person teams, Ravens provide security for AMC aircraft on the road to "hot spots" around the world. In 1998, Raven team members flew more than 400 missions into high-threat areas. "Before departing on a mission, we get the latest briefings from Office of Special Investigations agents and intelligence specialists," said Staff Sgt. Hector Soler, a 305th SFS Raven. "We are well aware of where the threats are, who you're up against and what your duties entail." While on the ground, the Ravens use that information and rely on each other to provide round-the-clock protection for the aircraft and the aircrew they're traveling with. "We help create a safer, more secure environment," said Staff Sgt. Dawne Roby. "It makes it easier for the aircrew (members) to dedicate their time and energy to the mission at hand if they feel at ease and protected." Sometimes, that's easier said than done. Raven missions often find aircrews and their protectors in countries where airfield security is minimal or non-existent, crime runs rampant and the threat of terrorism against Americans is all too real. It's the job of the men and women assigned to the AMWC's 421st Ground Combat Readiness Squadron to make sure the Ravens are up to the challenge. "We build on the skills a mature security forces craftsman already possesses," said Capt. Gregory Reese, 421st GRCS operations flight commander. "The emphasis is on reacting to stressful situations with attention to detail and sound judgment. We focus on teaching them to use the best weapons in their inventory -- their minds." Throughout the course, potential Ravens receive training in cross-cultural communication, non-lethal force, international law and advanced medical skills. Each candidate must also score a minimum of 70 percent on the Army's physical fitness exam. On average, about seven Raven candidates in each class fail to make the cut, Reese said. Those who do graduate don flight suits while deployed, and when at home, sport a "Raven" tab on their battle dress uniforms. "Being a Raven isn't for everyone; it's a calling," said Aden. "When you're deployed to a high-threat area, it's comforting to know the Raven beside you is there because he wants to be, not because he has to be." 992055. Photographer totes hockey stick in a men's game by Master Sgt. Brian Hibbard 52nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany (AFPN) -- If you wanted to play sports in Framingham, Mass., where Kimberlie Drews grew up, you had three choices as a kid: you learned to pass a football, handle a hockey stick or skate a figure eight. With her older sister, Kelly, enrolled in figure skating lessons and her older brother, John, playing ice hockey, Kimberlie, then 5 years old, was naturally drawn to the ice -- but not in the way her mother, Jo Ann Sawyer, expected. "My mom signed me up for figure skating lessons with my sister," recalled Drews, now an airman first class assigned to the 52nd Communications Squadron here. "I hated it. Those skaters didn't like me and I didn't like them, so I asked my parents if I could play hockey like my brother." Being the supportive mother, Sawyer called Framingham Youth Hockey Program coordinators to find out where she could sign her daughter up and was told it was for boys only. "I tried to sign her up on a girls' team, but the commute was impossible," she said. "Kimberlie was very disappointed. "I didn't think it was fair, so I wrote a letter to the town newspaper explaining my predicament," she recalled. "The response was quick and it caused quite a stir." Because of that letter, Sawyer says reporters from the newspaper wanted to interview Kimberlie. Soon after, the Framingham Youth Hockey Program was no longer just for boys. Since then, the 25-year-old has played on both men's and women's teams at various skill levels. A year and a half ago, Drews fulfilled another of her dreams when she enlisted in the Air Force. "I wanted to join because my grandfather was a pilot in the Air Force and my uncle, who's also a pilot, is still in the Air Force," she said. Today, Drews is an Air Force photographer. During the weekdays, you can find her peering through the lens of her camera capturing images of Air force life. On Sunday nights, however, you can see her sporting jersey No. 6 on the Bitburg Bears German-American men's hockey team. Although its popularity is growing among women, ice hockey remains a predominantly male sport in which fistfights regularly break out, and checking and body slamming are part of the game. During a recent game, two fights broke out in the first period alone. "It's been a while since I've been in a fight, but it's all part of the game," said Drews. Drews, who at 5-foot-7-inches and 130-pounds is smaller than most male competitors, said she has teammates back her up if a punch is thrown. But her opponents shouldn't mistake size for weakness. She'll be the first to admit she's not as strong as her opponents, who on average weigh more than 200 pounds and stand more than 6 feet tall, but that doesn't stop her from slamming them into the boards. And that doesn't stop them from slamming her right back. "For a woman to be slamming a man like that is awesome," said Drew's friend, Airman 1st Class Michelle Sweeney, 52nd Security Forces Squadron. "They'll knock her down and she gets right back up in their faces. I love it." Since hitting the rinks 19 years ago, Drews has suffered cuts and bruises, a broken arm and a concussion which she doesn't remember but that her mom insists happened. "It's embarrassing," she said about getting slammed or falling. "It hurts my ego more than anything else." According to one of her teammates, Tim O'Neil, it's her skill that makes up for her size. "She has a good head for the game," said the master sergeant, who is also a member of the 52nd CS. "She's a good passer and she always gets the puck to the open player." Drews says her agility with the stick comes from the years she played on women's teams. "In women's hockey there's no checking, so there's a lot more finesse and skill involved," she explained. "In men's hockey there's a lot more strength and endurance. "I've had the best of both worlds," she added. "By playing against both men and women, I've had the chance to really build up my game. My strength isn't quite there yet but I'm working on it." Although her mom admits she worries sometimes when her daughter plays against men, she says she has complete faith in her. "She's fast and has developed her game to avoid hard checking by skating out of the way," Sawyer said. "She's also very intelligent and avoids putting herself in danger. She has left the ice when the game is out of hand and it's no longer fun or competitive," she added. "She knows when it's foolish or dangerous to continue playing." If a choice had to be made, Drews says she'd definitely stick to men's hockey. "It's faster and more competitive. There's a lot more camaraderie," she said. "I'm not saying there aren't women's teams out there that aren't competitive, but there are women's teams I've been on where it feels more like a social gathering than a sporting event. "I enjoy the competitiveness of ice hockey more than the social gathering," she added. "I wouldn't be at the skill level I'm at right now if I didn't play men's hockey." "I am very proud of Kimberlie," said Sawyer. "It takes courage to do what she's doing. She wanted to serve her country in the Air Force and even though it was difficult for her to leave her family and friends, she's living her dream." (Courtesy of U.S. Air Forces in Europe News Service) **COPYRIGHT NOTICE** In accordance with Title 17 U. S. C. 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