L O G I S T I C S O F F I C E R A S S O C I AT I O N Enhancing the military logistics profession since 1982
The Exceptional Release Summer 2005
EXECUTIVE BOARD
SPRING 2003
President Col Art Cameron president@loanational.org
FEATURES
Vice President Lt Col Richard Schwing vicepres@loanational.org
Loggie Life: A collection of Stories from Loggies both deployed and at home base . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11
Treasurer Lt Col Walter “Ike” Isenhour treasurer@loanational.org
The Logistics of Saving Lives Submitted by Maj Adrian Crowley . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28
Information Officer Capt Deb Perry InfoOfficer@loanational.org
Expeditionary Maintenance in Iraq Submitted by Maj Tom D. Miller . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32
Membership Development Capt Stephanie Halcrow membership@loanational.org Executive Senior Advisor Lt Gen Donald J. Wetekam Webmaster/Website Capt JD DuVall webmaster@loanational.org www.loanational.org
Bridging the Gap: LOAs Forging Joint Relations at Balad to Support CSAF Convoy Reduction Initiative Submitted by 1Lt Nathan Strouse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34 Commanders Intent Submitted by Capt James Riehl . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .38
Chapter Support Maj Tom Miller chaptersupport@loanational.org
THE EXCEPTIONAL RELEASE Editor Col (ret) Kent Mueller editor@loanational.org
DEPARTMENTS
Assistant Editor Lt Col Lee Levy assteditior@loanational.org
Atlanta Conference update . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8
Executive Director, Marketing/PR ER Managing Editor/Publisher Marta Hannon pr@loanational.org ER Worldwide Staff Col Mary H. Parker, 39MXG/CC Lt Col Cheryl CA Allen, SAF/AQQM Maj Gene K. Carter, ACSC Student Capt Richard Fletcher, 437 AMX/MOO Capt Paul Pethel, 372 TRS/DO Graphic Design MMagination, Inc. - Ft Washington, MD www.mmagination.com LOA National PO Box 2264 – Arlington, VA 22202 Issue No. 96 - Summer 2005
President’s LOG(istics) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2 Editor’s Debrief . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4 Perspectives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6 CGO Corner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .40 Chapter Crosstalk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .42 Milestones . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .46
President’s LOG(istics) My Loggie Friends: Let’s talk about the conference in October. Your National LOA staff and Robins AFB conference host are working hard to deliver to you the best conference ever. Expeditionary Logistics for the 21st Century (eLog21) is the theme for this year’s conference. Said another way, it’s going to be all about Transformation. We have already locked in several great speakers for the main stage. Our speaker list is still growing but includes: Gen Martin, Gen Foglesong, LtGen Wetekam, LtGen McNabb, ADM Lippert, MG Collings, MG Gabreski,
Col Art Cameron
MG Sullivan, and many more. In addition, our break out sessions will feature timely and relevant topics to include: CENTAF/A4, J-UCAS, CV-22, Predator/Global Hawk, Tsunami Relief efforts, and the list con-
ER: PRESIDENT’S LOG(ISTICS)
tinues to grow. Plus, you’ll hear from your Developmental Team General Officer leaders and AFPC teams. Building off of last year, we scheduled focused “mentoring” sessions for all those interested. You’ll have the opportunity to see the latest wares of over 100 Air and Space vendors. But…the most important part of the conference is the opportunity to network with 1,400 of your loggie friends, make and renew friendships, and share ideas. Ask those that have attended in the past, this is THE conference of choice. The conference will also honor the outstanding individual and local chapter contributors to LOA. Additionally, we will award several junior logisticians with scholarships to advance their pursuit of an Air Force commission. I recently heard from one of our scholarship winners and I can assure you that we are doing good things. Details on the award categories and scholarship guidelines can be found on the LOA website and on page 47 of ER. While I almost hate to bring this up, it does deserve a mention just to dispel any rumors. I have fielded questions about whether the LOA conference will still be held since the Air Force’s fiscal belt is tightening. The answer is THE LOA CONFERENCE WILL GO AS SCHEDULED. We intentionally schedule our conference at the beginning of the new fiscal year so our conference attendance is not impacted by the end of year drop in TDY funds. The professional development focus of the conference is the reason the senior Air Force leaders are staying committed to speaking. So, in short, mark your calendars for 10-13 October and come to the premier conference for logistics officers. We’ve blocked 1,000 rooms at the Omni Hotel, CNN Center in Atlanta. This is a great hotel and location and you can already make your reservations. So call now and reserve your room. Mention that you’re coming for LOA to ensure you get the conference rate. I’ll see you there! Remember, keep your focus on the troops. And, more important, keep our deployed troops and their families in your prayers. Thanks for allowing me to serve you,
–– COL ART CAMERON PRESIDENT, LOA NATIONAL
2 SUMMER
2005
- ATLANTA 2005 Theme: EXPEDITIONARY LOGISTICS FOR THE 21ST CENTURY Mark Your Calendar for the
2005 LOA NATIONAL CONFERENCE October 10-13 at Omni CNN Center Atlanta, Georgia. Hosted by the Middle Georgia LOA Chapter. Registration opens in June. Interested in Exhibiting? Call Marta: 405-701-5457
Editor’s Debrief When Marta and I first started brainstorming this edition….. given the themes we’ve focused on in the near past… it didn’t take long to leap to the “tip of the spear” logistics efforts underway all over the world. The real essence of expeditionary Air Force success boils down to the diverse activities of all the disciplines in our profession. When we started to dip into this ER theme, we discovered an endless selection of exciting logistics activities... and immediately set course to capture
Col (ret) Kent Mueller
the stories. We immediately recognized that there were hundreds, even thousands of “vignettes” that reflected the commitment, excellence, service, and innovation of logistics professionals. The working level fabric of the combat capability of the Air Force literally springs from the gritty performance of Air Force logisticians everywhere there is a mission that must be done. The only question that then remained... would the LOA chapters and
ER: EDITOR’S DEBRIEF
members leap to tell their stories? Not a tough question at all… we were flooded with great stories… more than ER will hold. The editorial TEAM did a great job working all the inputs… again a tip of the hat to Marta for putting the line up together, and for coming up with the graphics. The net result is a collection stories and snap shots that reflect the enthusiasm, expertise, and impact of logisticians around the globe. Thanks to all the authors and contributors for this world wide view of LOAs in action! On top of everything going on, I’ve been on the road too. I’d like to pass a personal thanks to the Langley LOA for hosting me at their chapter meeting on April 28th. Capt. Pete Varney in particular for arrangements, “vectors” to the mighty 1st EMS, the hospitality of Col. Lanier, Commander of the 1st Maintenance Group, and all the officers and NCOs and Airmen that I met. I had the chance to brief the group on some maintenance management magic tried and tested during my maintenance journey, and to field career questions. After that Pete showed me the Low Observable (LO) repair facility for the Raptor…. Wow… it was impressive, but not as impressive as the “know how” exhibited by the NCOs running the place! Anyway, it was good to hang out with LOA VP LtCol. Rich Schwing and the crowd…. Many thanks! Anyway… hope you all are planning your attendance for the 2005 Conference in Atlanta. Not too soon to start making plans! The CNN Omni, and downtown Atlanta is an awesome venue for our annual gathering… should be great! Looking forward to any and all inputs to ER, so keep them coming!! Always Forward!
––K E N T M U E L L E R
4 SUMMER
2005
AND YOUR
ER TEAM
Perspectives A MAINTENANCE OFFICER’S DEPLOYMENT TOOLBOX
ER: PERSPECTIVES
I’m just completing a year as the Deputy Maintenance Group Commander for CENTAF’s largest and most diverse Air Expeditionary Wing (AEW), where I had the opportunity to work with approximately 70 different U.S. and coalition maintenance officers on four distinct AEFs. I am extremely impressed by the high caliber of officers keeping our fleets flying, yet nearly Lt Col Joni R. Lee every maintenance officer can be better prepared for deployment. So, I have some advice for those on upcoming AEF rotations: It’s not just you and your unit on this deployment! Most AEWs have multiple weapon systems and many support different missions and operations within the CENTCOM AOR. While you don’t have to be the expert on every weapon system in the inventory, you do need to know how you fit into your AEW. You are responsible for running your AMU/Flight/Squadron and safely producing sorties at a wartime surge rate – you can do it with the right tools. You must be ready when you receive this opportunity. All good maintenance officers know that the most efficient and effective way to ensure their personnel, aircraft, and equipment are ready is to develop and use well thought out checklists. Whether it’s a list of items such as clothing (uniforms, PT gear); toiletry items (toothpaste, shampoo); personal protective equipment (ear plugs, reflective belts); career field education and training guide—CFETP (it’s amazing how much of that you could do while deployed); or it could be checklists developed to ensure your aircraft are ready (scheduled maintenance, time changes, phase flow). Of course you won’t forget about those checklists/inventory lists for your support equipment and tools. But, many forget their personal deployment toolbox and/or some of its contents. What’s in your toolbox? I’ve tried to narrow down the inventory needed for your toolbox. After all, you will be limited in the amount of baggage you can carry! I think there are three main tools that will get you through a successful and rewarding AEF rotation: your attitude, your team, and knowledge/strength of your team. Let me explain. Attitude is by far the most important tool in your box – so make sure it’s in good operating condition and its calibration won’t expire while you’re gone. Having a positive attitude will carry you quite far. You must always keep in mind that you’re deployed to do your part in generating safe, reliable aircraft for the mission in your deployed unit. Your attitude will certainly spill over and help keep your troops motivated for the long haul, whether that’s 120 days, 179 days, or longer in 120 degree weather and 90% humidity or in single digit temperatures with blowing snow. This attitude will get you and your team through the long days (and nights), extra high operating tempo, and many stressful situations. In the CENTCOM AOR, all missions are “counters” and are critical to winning the Global War on Terrorism – no pressure for your team! Speaking of team…if at all possible, be involved in choosing key members of your deployed unit — your teammates. Experience in your weapon system and experience in the position to which they’re deploying are crucial. Don’t even think of deploying a “sharp” senior NCO who you think would be a good production supervisor as your production supervisor, just to help him get promoted. Deploy someone who is a production supervisor. (I wouldn’t say it if it didn’t happen – more than once). And for you commanders out there – don’t deploy an AMU OIC who is new to the position unless you’re sending along a strong Chief or Senior for the AMU. Again, it happened quite a few times, and the unit suffered. But, more importantly it had a negative impact on the wing’s mission. Of course, everyone wants to deploy with the “A” team, but even the “A” team has some folks sitting on the bench waiting to come in and substitute. Some of your “A” team members may have already deployed recently or are currently deployed. So, it’s important that your key personnel are ready, will6 SUMMER
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ing, and able to train and mentor others and to broaden their horizons as well. So, how can they/you do that? Knowledge is the key. You (and your key personnel) must know what you know and what you don’t know. Training, education, and experience all meld here to form your knowledge base. And yes, I do mean all that stuff in your CFETP (you know, the one you packed earlier) is important and necessary to get you through your AEF rotation. You will find all the daily, weekly, and monthly meetings, inspections, and routine business at your deployed location, much like you are accustomed to at your home duty station. Additionally, you will be expected to be the expert on your weapon system and on “Maintenance Management 101” in your deployed assignment, plus you’ll be exposed to a whole lot more. You can expect to add to the knowledge tools in your box while deployed. Don’t worry about your deployed tool box becoming too full or too heavy to carry – you can get a bigger one at your deployed location to hold those extra tools – training, education, and experience – that you accumulate while deployed. My last piece of advice is to start today. Inventory your deployed toolbox and ensure it’s well-stocked for your next deployment. With the right attitude, the right team, and the right knowledge, your deployment will be one of the greatest experiences of your life. Lt Col Joni R. Lee, 379 EMXG/CD is a fully qualified Aircraft Maintenance Officer and Logistics Readiness Officer; former commander of 49 MXS, 11 LRS, and 11 TRANS. This article was written while she was the 379 EMXG/CD at Al Udeid AB, Qatar. She will be 552 MXG/CD at Tinker in June 05. joni.lee@auab.centaf.af.mil or jonirlee@aol.com K
2005 LOA National Conference Update Submitted by Capt Chuck Payne, Middle Georgia Chapter President
E R : 2 0 0 5 N AT I O N A L C O N F E R E N C E U P D AT E
The 2005 LOA National Conference will be held at the Omni Hotel at CNN Center, Atlanta, Georgia, October 10-13, 2005. Hosted by Robins Air Force Base’s Middle Georgia Chapter, this year’s event, themed Expeditionary Logistics for the 21st Century (eLog21), promises to deliver logistics officers a time to remember. Today’s logisticians are facing, more than ever, new and Capt Chuck Payne diverse challenges resulting from the global nature of air and space operations. These challenges are due to the increasing unpredictability of location, response time, and opposing/friendly forces. The Air Force is streamlining its acquisition processes to field capabilities and solutions more rapidly. Logisticians are similarly working to overcome supply chain, maintenance, deployment, and transportation challenges to ensure we have the right assets, at the right place, at the right time, at the right cost! This year’s LOA Conference, will focus on these challenges and how logisticians are addressing them. Briefings and discussions will include past, future, and potential improvements in providing predictable maintenance support, logistics C2, supply chain management, etc. The Omni at CNN Center is centrally located, in the heart of Atlanta. The Omni is in an optimum location allowing attendees access to city transportation, dining and entertainment within walking distance. Also, Atlanta’s mass transportation system, the “MARTA,” travels through the Omni hotel. The conference agenda includes an icebreaker, golf tournament, mentorship sessions for all grades and civilians, many topic-specific breakout sessions and stellar speakers, which include Gen Foglesong (USAFE/CC), Gen Martin (AFMC/CC), Lt Gen Wetekam (AF/IL), and Lt Gen McNabb (J4). Professional tours include Robins Air Force Base, and the Warner Robins Air Logistics Center. Developmental tours are shaping up and will include tours of Lockheed Martin F-22 and C130J production lines, Delta, Center for Disease Control, Atlanta Motor Speedway, and Rockwell Collins. The Awards Banquet, the conference highlight, allows us to publicly announce our 2005 LOA Scholarship and award winners in style. Banquet keynote speaker will be USAFE Commander Gen. Robert H. “Doc” Foglesong. Monday’s golf tournament will be in best-ball format and will be held at the Common’s Golf Course in Atlanta. It’s open to the first 144 players and offers several prizes. You’ll also see many government and contractor exhibits; nearly 80 booths have already been reserved in the exhibit hall. Want to know who is exhibiting? Just go to http://www.loanational.org/conf2005exhibitor.asp. More information on the conference agenda, exhibits, tours, hotel reservations and registration can be found online at www.loanational.org/conference. Remember, spouses are welcome and there is plenty to do in Atlanta to keep them entertained and occupied. If planning 2005 LOA NATIONAL CONFERENCE FEES to attend, please Conference Registration $175 Earlybird before 16 Aug 05 enjoy the conference $200 17 Aug - 1 Oct 2005 and Atlanta Georgia Lodging Prevailing Gov Per Diem – (Currently $113 Single, $123 Double) responsibly and make the most of this fabuBanquet $60 lous professional Golf TBD development opporProfessional Tours $10 per person tunity! K 8
SUMMER 2005
Give Them the Recognition They Deserve! Do you know someone who always goes above and beyond? Nominate those deserving individuals for a National Award! Nominations are Due 30 July. M I C H A E L E . Z E T T L E R L I F E T I M E A C H I E V E M E N T A W A R D - This award recognizes members of the Logistics Officer Association who have demonstrated sustained superior leadership in service to this organization. The nominees for this award will have at least 20 years of service in a logistics related career and also at least 10 years of membership in the LOA. G E O R G E T. B A B B I T T A W A R D - This award recognizes the two LOA National members who made the greatest contributions to the furthering of LOA National’s goals and objectives. M A R Y L . S A U N D E R S C H A P T E R D I S T I N G U I S H E D S E R V I C E A W A R D - This award recognizes the three LOA National members who made the greatest contributions in support of their local LOA Chapter activities. D O N A L D J . W E T E K A M C H A P T E R O F T H E Y E A R A W A R D - This award recognizes the chapter (large category) which displayed outstanding support of LOA National objectives, innovation of programs for their local membership, and community involvement. J A M E S L . H A S S C H A P T E R O F T H E Y E A R A W A R D - This award recognizes the chapter (small category) which displayed outstanding support of LOA National objectives, innovation of programs for their local membership, and community involvement. All nominations are due by 30 July and should be sent via e-mail to InfoOfficer@loanational.org. Chapter leadership should refer to http://www.loanational.org/g-5.htm for specific guidance on award nominations.
LOGGIE LIFE: A Collection of Stories from Loggies at Home and Deployed “We have come a long way since the days when entering the logistical net meant asking the supply sergeant, ‘Got any?’ ‘Gonna Get Any?’” –Gen John A. Wickham
KEEP YOUR HEAD DOWN... Keep your head down‌ It is an interesting saying that we pass to our fellow warriors headed to the Iraq or other "hot spot" on the globe. But what if we were to actually keep our heads down? I can tell you there have been many times sitting in a bunker with maintainers, aircraft cargo handlers and aircrew that you want to keep your head down and for those moments many thoughts go through your mind. But if you do, you miss a whole world passing you by. You miss the bright eyes of the maintenance personnel ready to get back to work at the all clear signal. They are eager to return to their jet to send it on the next leg of its mission. You miss the determined look of the cargo handlers knowing they still have a full C-5 or C-17 aircraft to load and it's up to them to get the mission back on schedule. And you miss the look of the aircrew who know they are relying on the personnel they now share a bunker with to turn their jet quickly and safely so they can deliver the precious cargo to the front line war fighter. Keep your head down. I often hear it from family and friends back home. It is the wish and prayer for a safe deployment. But at the same time, if you keep your head down, you miss the heroes coming and going every day and you won't be a part of the action. You will fail to see the medical evacuation aircraft landing, that carries our wounded heroes to get medical care they urgently need. If you keep your head down you will miss the Patriot mission, departing with honors, carrying our fallen heroes back to their home soil. If you keep your head down during this or any deployment you will miss the world passing you by. Safety is the key to our survival. You might think that keeping your head down is a safe thing to do in the AOR. But if you keep your head down you will most assuredly miss your fellow war fighter crossing the street without a reflective belt or the opportunity to find that stray UXO and save a life in doing so. If you keep your head down you cannot avert the safety mishap which is about to occur right in front of you. We might also miss that we gave a country the opportunity to have free elections and that we are working hard to make life better. While keeping your head down sounds like the safest thing to do, it is the farthest from the truth. While my four months in Iraq seemed short to me, I know it seems like forever to some. If I had kept my head down, I most certainly would have avoided many difficult challenges. I have experienced many great memories with the maintainers who I have served with here. We have trained countless years to be ready for where we are right now. We stand tall with heads held high; this is what we have trained to do. It is important to wish your fellow warrior a safe tour. Tell them to keep their heads down. But know in their heart they will keep their heads down with eyes on the target. Capt Jerrymar J. Copeland Det-5/CC, 721 AMOG (AMC) Balad AB, Iraq
BOOTS ON THE GROUND The 386th Air Expeditionary Wing’s motto is “Boots on the Ground—Get Them In, Support Them, Get Them Out”. This motto becomes reality on our ramp here at Ali Al Salem AB, Kuwait. Every day buses take soldiers and Marines to and from our aircraft, as we do our part to meet the CSAF’s effort to support our in-theater ground units through the use of airlift over ground convoys. The maintainers I work with toil to make sure our 26 C-130 and EC-130 aircraft are prepared to safely accomplish this mission, maintaining MC rates well above MAJCOM standard despite the operational tempo. We have a diverse group of over 350 personnel from 17 separate Air Guard, Air Reserve and Active Duty units. It is truly amazing to watch these people combine to form such a superb team. As is the case throughout the AOR, there is no rest to the operation here. In the first quarter of 2005 alone, we supported the completion of over 5800 sorties that moved over 153,300 soldiers and Marines in and out of Iraq. Our Airmen are justifiably proud of the role they’ve played in supporting the first free election in Iraq in over 50 years and one of the largest troop rotations in history. When Brig Gen Charles Collier, USCENTAF Director of Mobility Forces (DIRMOBFOR), recently visited our base, he lauded the performance of our logistics team. In his words, “you are setting the standard for maintenance in the AOR”. As long as the United States continues its mission in Iraq, our maintenance professionals will be here doing our part to support “Boots on the Ground”! Maj Gregory L. Endris, is the commander of the 386 EMXS, Ali Al Salem AB, Kuwait
FROM LAKENHEATH TO BALAD AB… VIA CAMP BULLIS! We arrived at our shop at 0500 in the morning on Sunday January 16th to find 30 people waiting to see us off and wish us good luck. We were all a bit nervous about our upcoming TDY. We had heard rumors of the Basic Combat Course (BC3) but no one was sure exactly how it was going to be. It was a 12 hour flight to San Antonio, and another hour to Camp Bullis. They picked us up, along with 50 others, in a 1988 AF blue 44 pax bus that wouldn’t go over 45mph. We didn’t care, it was good to be back on our home soil — America. We arrive about 1930 we unload and hit the sack to catch a few hours of sleep. We would start the day at 0400 the next morning. “Fall in” came the command from our new flight commander. “Right face, taller tap!” flashbacks of basic training flood my mind. We were about to endure the most extreme conditioning since basic training. We march about a mile to our new classroom. We entered the classroom and stood at attention until the flight commander gave the command “Take” (we sucked all the air out of the room,) “Seat” and we yell “Convoy” with a thunderous roar. The atmosphere was intense you could feel the tension in the air. 75% of the airmen in the flight were under 21 years old, and for about 99% it was their first TDY. The instructors (Cadre) gave us a very aggressive orientation. They let us know we were not deploying to PSAB, or Qatar, we were going to a war zone. We lived in little hutments with a concrete floor. We fit about 13 people in each. There were eight showers for 250 guys and two washers and dryers. We ate MREs for breakfast and lunch and would march to the dining facility for hot dinner. We went to Ft. Hood for three days of weapons firing, where we lived in tents. There was six inches of mud and we had to dig a ditch around our tents to keep the water from coming in. There were no showers; it was 40 degrees, windy and raining the whole time. It was a good experience for us; we became a lot closer team. The first week we went to CATM classes on the M-4 Carbine assault rifle (our primary weapon), the M-249 machine gun, M-2 .50 caliber, and the MK-19 grenade launcher. We learned to shoot long distances at night, rules of engagement, laws of armed conflict, trained in land navigation and tactical communications. We practiced convoy maneuvers, how to react if our vehicle comes under fire, hits a roadside bomb (IED), breaks down, and how to protect ourselves if forced to abandon our vehicle. Additionally, one-quarter of the students receive 40 hours of basic combat lifesaving training. We did physical training every day; running 2.5-3.5 miles in formations, up and down steep-rocky hills. The cadre made sure we were disciplined and in top physical condition. A button on your DCUs unbuttoned or not having the dust cover closed on your weapon would earn the entire flight a round of pushups. Everyday we carried our weapons and wore our battle rattle. On days we would practice our convoys we would carry our ruck sacs over our battle rattle. Marching became a whole new challenge carrying 100lbs of equipment. During the training we encouraged each other: we have a mission, a calling, a duty to serve the United States of America and its citizens. I reminded my team of Article 1 of the Code of Conduct:“I am an American, fighting in the forces which guard my country and our way of life, I am prepared to give my life in their defense.” I reminded them that we were fighting for a worthy cause. After a month of crucial training we graduated. Next stop: Udari Range in Kuwait for close combat marksmanship training and live fire exercise. The Army had to once again ensure we were ready for combat. After an intense four days of evaluation and training one-quarter of us
convoyed up to Balad AB IRAQ, and the other three-quarters flew. I was one of the lucky ones to convoy up. It was my first convoy operation. I was excited and nervous at the same time. I wanted to fly an American flag on the truck, but wasn’t allowed so I put it in the windshield. Just looking at the flag gave me encouragement and reminded me how important the operation was. When we left Kuwait the rest of our flight was cheering us on and waving small American Flags, it gave us a sense of pride, patriotism and courage for the mission. After several days and several close calls we rolled into Balad AB, IRAQ. We’ve been here since January and are more motivated then ever. We maintain a fleet of up-armored HMMWVs, LMTVs, 5tons and go on convoy ops. It’s not an easy job and the hours are long, but it’s a small sacrifice we are willing to make for our country, its citizens and our way of life. TSgt Michael Schoenly, SrA Jared Richmond, SrA Christopher Leyva, SrA Jodi Hill, A1C Britney Gibson, A1C Kevin Moss, A1C Joshua Hinze, Balad AB, Iraq. .
YOU SAY YOU NEED SUPPORT? Sixty-two Travis maintainers deployed to Al Dhafra AB, UAE in support of OIF and OEF help keep the 380th Expeditionary Maintenance Group (EMXG) running smoothly, supporting not only Travis Air Force Base’s KC-10s, but McConnell Air Force Base’s KC-135s,and Beale Air Force Base’s U-2s and Global Hawks. Forty-nine KC-10 maintainers reside in 10th Aircraft Maintenance Unit (AMU) and I have had the pleasure of being their OIC. We’ve also got sheet metal, Non-Destructive Inspection (NDI), Maintenance Operations Control Center (MOCC), Quality Assurance (QA) & analysis folks from Travis who work for varying AMUs and squadrons inside the EMXG. Since January, Travis maintainers & operators have launched 413 combat support sorties achieving an unprecedented 100% mission effectiveness rate with a sortie & hourly utilization rate almost twice that of the other aircraft on base. That in itself is a testament to the work that these guys are doing out here. Despite this being the first 120 day deployment that most of them have been on, their enthusiasm for the mission is off the charts! I don’t have to tell any of them how important their work is, they just know inherently and it shows. During our time in theatre (mid-Jan until present), over 89 million pounds of fuel was offloaded to more than 7,000 receiver aircraft by Al Dhafra tankers, comprising 38% of the AOR’s aerial refueling capability. Beyond pushing daily missions off the ramp, these guys take pride in everything they touch. Aircraft are spotless, forms are perfect, vehicles are clean, and our delayed discrepancy rate is hovering around 4.0. We were just told that Al Dhafra has become the “preferred provider of fuel” for the entire AOR. CENTAF knows they can count on reliable KC-10s and KC-135s from Al Dhafra to make it into the air on time and deliver effective missions. 1Lt Ty Q. Tripple is the Aircraft Maintenance Unit Officer-InCharge (OIC) at his Home Station- Travis Air Force Base, California. He is currently deployed to Al Dhafra Air Base, United Arab Emirates (UAE).
ONE TEAM, ONE FIGHT! When the call went out for volunteers to go to Iraq as an Air Force vehicle operator, SSgt Amelia Solomon, a five-year Air Force veteran, enthusiastically raised her hand. Like many other gun truck volunteers of the 332 AEW, she went over thinking she was in for an easy three-month deployment with the Air Force… not a six month deployment with the Army – and getting shot at to boot! “The training was all very practical. We practiced drive-by shootings. We’d be driving down the road and shooting at targets that would pop up. ... That training was good.” Still she never expected she would be wondering how many improvised explosive devices might be hidden on the trail in front of her convoy and praying just to make it through each day alive. “The (basic combat convoy) training that the people are going to now, at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas, is based on what we did in Iraq,” she said. “It’s based on what we learned and what we thought the convoy operators needed to know. We had the schoolhouse come to Iraq-the instructors actually came on convoys with us. They saw what we did in the office on a day-to-day job, what we did on the road, what we needed as far as gear.” SSgt Solomon arrived at Balad Air Base, Iraq, and began her convoy escort duties. She and the 225 other vehicle operators and maintainers from across the Air Force had various duties. Depending on requirements, Air Force convoy escorts were dispatchers, drivers and truck commanders. Regardless of the job at hand, the work conditions were never easy because the convoys were constantly under attack. “(Almost) every time you went off base in Iraq, you went under attack. There were some runs we went on where we didn’t get attacked, and those were nice. They were boring, but we liked boring. We sent out at least five convoys a day and I would say that at least one out of the five got hit every single time they went out the gate, if not more. One night all five of our convoys got hit.” On the day her convoy was attacked, it consisted of 60 Army and Air Force troops moving fuel from southeast Iraq to Balad. The convoy commander directed the convoy to travel a different path from the originally planned route, as the original route was “black,” or unsafe to travel. “We got into a little town, and it was extremely busy; it must’ve been a market day. The streets were filled with people. There were tons of cars on the road. We came up to a roundabout. None of the cars would stop for us, and we’re not allowed to stop. We just had to keep going and push them out of our way. Our front truck wound up sideswiping a little pickup truck. ... We kept on going. The convoy was going really slowly, but we were at least moving at this point. I think I was in maybe the 12th or the 13th vehicle.” “The bomb went off (on) the rear left side of the trailer in the truck in front of us, and we ended up rear-ending that truck. My head went into the windshield, completely shattering it. My knees went into the dashboard, dislocating both of them.” “I realized the guy behind us who was on the Mark-19 (grenade launcher) was not there anymore, so that’s when another guy (in the truck) jumped into the back. I crawled out of the window and jumped up on the top to man the M-60 (machine gun). My knee was cut, and my kneecaps were all pushed up, and I was still standing up there. It was really scary, but the adrenaline was just pumping. I was scared ... I really thought I was dead. But, we got through the town. We just kept pushing through with our damaged vehicles.” “Once we were out of town, we stopped and made sure everybody was OK, and the Army’s combat life-savers came and gave all of us medical attention. Then, we changed the tires ... and got moving again, and I ended up riding about 4.5 hours to Baghdad in a tractor trailer.” The damaged trucks were towed to Baghdad and left there until they could be taken to Balad for demolition. SSgt Solomon was not on solid ground just yet, though. Although they made it to Baghdad, the convoy had to press on-without her. She and five others had to wait in a parking lot on a base in Iraq for nearly two days, sleeping on cots next to their broken vehicles until another convoy picked them up for the return trip to Balad. SSgt Solomon was presented a Purple Heart for the injuries she received during the convoy mission with the Army. She will never forget the sights, sounds and feeling of Iraq. SSgt Amelia Solomon is assigned to the 100th Logistics Readiness Squadron at Royal Air Force Mildenhall, England. She is planning on re-enlisting at the end of her tour. Story Submitted by 2Lt Heather Alden
AIR FORCE RUNNING “CONVOYS” IN IRAQ!! I bet when you first saw the title of this story you thought it was a misprint. “The Air Force is running convoys in Iraq?” The 332 Air Expeditionary Wing’s Transportation Battalion at Balad AB, Iraq, was formed and tasked to help the Army address transportation requirements for Operation IRAQI FREEDOM. This is the first time in Air Force history where both the Transportation & Security Forces career fields have been teamed up to perform tactical combat convoy operations. The 332 AEW’s Det 2632 takes great pride in carrying on the prestigious tradition of the Tuskegee Airman here in the 332 AEW. Just as our predecessors were the most requested fighter escort in WWII because they never lost a bomber, Air Force Detachment 2632 is the most requested gun truck convoy escort in the Iraqi theater. Our tradition here speaks for itself!! Recently, I was involved in one of the most extraordinary nights of my life. I was part of an escort mission on our way home from re-supplying a base at an undisclosed location in Northern Iraq. As we were passing through a small Iraqi town, (a town known to give Coalition forces lots of headaches) I heard an earsplitting, thunderous explosion go off about 100 meters behind my gun truck. (We later learned that the explosion was a 155 MM IED—Improvised Explosive Device.) Shortly after the explosion, we began to take on small arms fire from unidentified locations. As you can imagine, our surroundings quickly became chaotic. Several of the civilian contractors we were escorting had been injured during the attack and needed immediate medical attention. Two of my Airman rushed to the injured personnel’s aid to provide Combat Life Support. They were then able to move the injured personnel to a hospital and the rest of the convoy was able to proceed up the road to safety. Remember when I said that it was a night to remember? Well, just as we were beginning our roll to safety, we realized a rear tire had been shot out of one of our gun trucks, disabling it. Two other gun trucks were then ordered to stay back to provide security as we attempted a quick recovery which was initially unsuccessful. Finally, the vehicle was stabilized and able to roll out of the kill zone at a blistering 5 MPH. A vehicle was then placed about 50 meters ahead and a second 50 meters behind the damaged vehicle to provide security. After about thirty minutes, we finally made it to our safe haven. The best part about this story is that everyone
made it out alive and is still here to talk about their life altering experiences. I’ve been in the Air Force for 12 years now and not once did I think that I would be given an opportunity to lead Airmen onto the front lines of the battlefield. I realize that I am truly blessed and fortunate to be given this chance to help Iraq become a democracy. I feel that I am doing my part by helping them fight for the freedoms that we tend to take for granted on a day-to-day basis. I am truly honored to be here in Iraq serving with the men and women of Detachment 2632!! God bless everyone doing their part to make a difference and God Bless the USA!! Lt Edward L. Torres is the Director of Operations at Hill AFB. He is currently deployed with LSA Anaconda unit at Balad AB, Iraq.
PERSPECTIVE OF A WARFIGHTER SUPPORTING THE WARFIGHTER As I near the end of my tour in the Oklahoma City Air Logistics Center, I’m more than anxious to get back on the flightline. Lately many of my thoughts have turned to my next assignment at MacDill AFB. But I’ve also been reflecting on what this depot assignment has meant to me both personally and professionally. Professionally, I now have a greater appreciation for the hard working and dedicated workforce that comprises a depot, and a broader sense of logistics as a whole! From a personal standpoint, I’ve found the depot has woven its way into the fabric of several very personal experiences for me. I can’t help but vividly recall a calm Tuesday morning not long ago. I was in my fifth floor, D-ring office at the Pentagon. Our office TV was tuned to CNN, as it was most mornings, when one, then two airplanes, crashed into the World Trade Centers and cauterized everyone’s attention. Soon thereafter another plane smashed into the Pentagon only a couple hundred yards from where I stood. America had changed forever! Less than a year and a half later, I stood on the flightline at a remote air base in the Sultanate of Oman watching proudly as my exceptional maintainers from the 405th Expeditionary Aircraft Maintenance Squadron readied a venerable E-3 AWACS aircraft for an Operation ENDURING FREEDOM mission over Afghanistan. As I served in OEF, the experience seemed to close the loop on a circular journey for me…from witnessing first hand the terrorist attack on some of America’s most treasured and historical landmarks, to taking the Global War on Terrorism into the terrorist’s backyards. Now, however, I realize that circle wasn’t fully complete. As my outstanding maintenance troops worked their magic every day in Oman at the very end of the supply chain, I never realized how much hard work was taking place at the various supply points and logistic centers around the world that enabled us to prosecute this new conflict. Today, two years later, I’ve had the pleasure of witnessing the miraculous day-to-day efforts of the logistians, acquisition experts and engineers at the depot pulling out all stops to ensure our troops have the very best parts and weapon systems in our global struggle against terrorism. And now as I complete my depot tour, I realize the journey that began for me on a Tuesday morning three and a half years ago is finally coming to a close. Capt James C. Hall is the Military Chief, Specialty Engines at Tinker AFB
MAKE THINGS HAPPEN! Aircraft maintenance is about getting the job done. It’s about providing mission capable weapons systems to aircrews to accomplish military objectives. That is never as evident as when you are deployed, producing combat sorties. I came face-to-face with that responsibility daily during my recent deployment as Officer in Charge (OIC) of the 64th Expeditionary Helicopter Maintenance Unit, a team of AFSOC aircraft maintainers responsible for alert Combat Search and Rescue (CSAR) HH-60G aircraft stationed at Balad AB, Iraq. I quickly learned that CSAR maintainers understand the critical nature of their mission and will stop at nothing (legal, of course) to make their aircraft mission capable. “These things we do, that others may live.” The rescue motto describes the readiness and courage required of those performing the rescue mission every day around the world. The aircraft maintainers responsible for that mission are tenacious, hard-core warriors. When confronted with a challenge they always find a way to solve it. Their aggressive nature and ingenuity are extraordinary. They are masters of making things happen to get the job done. During the deployment, one of our aircraft returned from the Forward Area Refueling Point Code-3 for the number-two main fuel tank not filling. Wait…that can’t be right…the Pave Hawk fuel system doesn’t break. For forty hours, through the dark night and under the blistering sun, these troops dug into the technical orders and pulled the system apart, piece by piece. The aircraft so rarely breaks for fuels that the required parts were not stocked in our deployed kit. But helicopter maintainers are highly skilled at utilizing the Joint environment to their benefit. Although they could have waited for the parts to arrive through supply channels, they instead contacted Army, Navy, and AFSOC units up and down the flightline until they found every valve and switch we needed. To helicopter maintainers, this inter-service teamwork is a daily occurrence. Some days you need it, other days you give it. We were close; they had it fixed after sourcing the parts from multiple units across the base. Then, it happened. A steel-braided fuel dump line began leaking. That particular line isn’t used on any other aircraft on the airfield. Under those conditions many maintainers would have stopped, thrown up their hands in exasperation and just ordered the part and waited. Yes, they ordered the part, but no, they didn’t wait. They took the bad line and went back to every helicopter unit on the base. After twelve hours of “No, sorry” and sometimes more colorful responses, a call came over the radio, “Pave 3, Pave 4…we might have something; we’ll be back in 30 minutes.” As fortune would have it, a fuel line connecting the main fuel tanks on the Chinook Helicopter is made of the same steel-braided hose but is over twice as long. There, on a work bench in the corner of an otherwise empty room, covered in dust, was that fuel line and the Chinook maintainers wanted us to have it. Our determined maintainers took the hose to an Army hydraulics shop where they cut it to the proper length and cannibalized the fittings from the old line to fabricate a new fuel dump line. They had done what some thought couldn’t be done and they did it five days faster than it would have taken the part to arrive through the distribution pipeline. Their refusal to give up through tough circumstances and multiple roadblocks was inspiring. Thanks are, indeed, owed to those who supported us, but the heroes of this story are the CSAR maintainers who refused to wait for the part. Fixing that aircraft was a matter of life or death, and they knew it. Their action got the job done. That night, the aircraft was mission capable and ready to save lives because they made things happen. Capt William G. Maxwell, Jr. is a Maintenance Operations Officer, for the 563 MXS, Davis Monthan AFB. He is currently deployed to Balad AB, Iraq where he is OIC at the 64th Expeditionary Helicopter Maintenance Unit.
THE DRAGON LADIES OF OSAN Osan Air Base…48 miles from the last great Communist threat—the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea. When I tell people that I work in the U-2 squadron at Osan, their first statement is, “Oh! I didn’t know we have U-2s there.” In fact, the U-2s have been at Osan longer than any other aircraft here. It’s hard to miss our noisy, slow U-2S “Dragon Ladies” taking off at random hours of the day or night, seven days a week. The U-2 is an airplane that still after 50 years in service seems to be steeped in mystery. I am often pelted with questions and rumors from those curious to know if the Camaros drive up under the wing as they land, or if the cover over our crew entry stand is to keep nosy satellites from taking pictures of the cockpit. Read on for the answers to those questions! The 5th Reconnaissance Squadron “Blackcats” is one of very few squadrons remaining with aircraft maintainers aligned under operations; in fact we are part of the 9th Operations Group at Beale AFB, California. We provide 90 percent of all deep-look intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance sent to PACOM and the JCS regarding the Korean Peninsula. While a typical day at the 5 RS may seem a lot more mundane than your average day down the street at the 25 FS or 36 FS, our mission is far from mundane. Nothing about maintenance in this squadron is conventional. We do not call crew ready, engine start, or taxi times over the radio, our aircraft and sensors status is classified, and even our number of aircraft is sensitive. When a fellow maintainer at one of the fighter squadrons needs to order parts, they will consult their illustrated parts breakdown. A Blackcat maintainer will go the print room and pull the blueprints for their ailing system to find a part number. While a CND used to make me cringe at the thought of facing the firing squad at MXG/OG standup, they are all too common in our squadron—a jet flying at 70,000 feet for eight hours will experience conditions we just can’t duplicate on the ground. There’s no such thing as weekend duty in the 5 RS—we are a 24/7 operation. What this all has meant for me as a Maintenance Officer is that I’ve had to throw out some of the old ideals and habits I had as a maintainer and adopt the “Dragon Lady” way of thinking. At launch time, you’ll see most of the squadron turn out to launch out our mission aircraft. The two or three primary crew chiefs on duty will line up to smartly salute the pilot as he walks up in his yellow spacesuit, a physiological support division (PSD) Airman toting his oxygen/air conditioning unit a few feet behind him. The aircrew preflight has already been accomplished by the mobile officer (another pilot who is likened to the mission pilot’s co-pilot on the ground). The mission pilot has been reclining in PSD for almost an hour, breathing 100 percent oxygen in preparation for his high-altitude flight. It’s a three-person job to get him suited up in his $250,000 pressure suit for his flight. The PSD Airmen get him or her strapped in the cockpit. The maintainers and PSD take minimal time to get ready for engine start—once PSD disconnects the portable air conditioner, the pilot’s body temperature can rise one degree a minute. (Myth-buster #1: The cover over our crew entry stand is to keep the cockpit shaded.) After engine start, the pilot does his standard check
of aircraft systems, as well as “ringing the hill,” or checking the data link with the intelligence collection agencies. The aircraft taxis out with the mobile in the Camaro and the pogo crew. Once on the runway, the pogo crew unpins the pogo landing gear—the spindly wheels that fall out from under the wings right after takeoff—as well as a last look at the standard critical items. The mighty Dragon Lady, known by its pilots as the Deuce, is then off for many hours of long oval-shaped tracks across the ROK sky. Data is constantly pumped through the airwaves back to the collection station while the pilot does little more than monitor systems for the entire mission and troubleshoots sensors systems, if required. Meanwhile back at the Blackcat ramp, its business as usual. We may be flying one of our few monthly training sorties, known as “lows,” or we may be in the middle of a phase, which averages 10-14 days each. We may be readying one of our other jets for a different sensors package, as dictated by 7 AF, our customer. One of our contractors, such as L3, Raytheon, or BAE may be troubleshooting a pesky sensors CND problem. At the end of our mission, the mobile and pogo crew head out for recovery. As the mission pilot lands, the mobile speeds down the runway approximately 20 feet behind the landing aircraft (Myth-buster #2: The Camaro drives behind, not under) matching the Dragon Lady’s speed, and calls the pilot’s altitude over the radio, since the pilot can’t see the runway over the large nose of the aircraft. The aircraft finally comes to a halt, and the pogo crew jumps out to attach the pogo gear to the wings, sometimes it takes three maintainers hanging on the high wing to tip the aircraft enough to attach the pogo gear. As the aircraft arrives in chocks, a large contingent of maintainers, contractors, PSD (with a beverage of the pilot’s choice in hand), and operators are there to greet the mission pilot—it is a long standing tradition in the history of the “Deuce.” Debrief is a large group affair, our conference room fills up with operators, maintainers, and contractors for each of the many sensors systems. Not only does the pilot list off any noted discrepancies, each sensors system “squawks” a landing code. Many times, the pilot may be unaware until debrief one of his sensors systems was not functioning as advertised. After debrief, the all-night vigil to prepare tomorrow’s mission jet begins. Today’s mission may have been an Advanced Synthetic Aperture Radar System mission, tomorrow’s may be Senior Year Electro-Optical Reconnaissance System, in which case the contractors and the bluesuiters will get to work on the configuration change, on top of any discrepancy troubleshooting and repair. Our maintainers rarely get to see the fruits of their labor. We simply take pride in the fact that we know our job is so important to ensuring peace is maintained on the Korean peninsula. This may be the 50th anniversary for the Dragon Lady, but she’s still flying high over the ROK. Capt Stacey Ferguson is a Sortie Generation Flight Commander with the 5th Reconnaissance Squadron, Osan AB, ROK.
A DAY IN THE LIFE OF “GROUND HOG 2”… For many 2d Lt’s, being “volun-told” for projects and additional duties is part of being new. Each present challenges and opportunities to learn and develop, and some are definitely better than others. Recently, I worked on one of the better projects as “Ground Hog 2” (my call sign). This article is intended to describe my experiences and share some of the lessons learned. Four months ago my Ops Officer, Major Dana Pelletier, sent me an email congratulating me on my new project as his assistant, Deputy Ground Boss for AirFest 2005. Together we would be responsible for all AirFest ground operations, to include coordinating all Mission Support Group activities. As the plan began to come together the realization of just how large a task this was hit me, and I remember thinking, “I may be in trouble and in over my head!” Four weeks out the focus shifted to “down in the weeds” details and the plan began to be put into action. Meetings got longer; new requirements popped up and as problems surfaced, more creative solutions were needed. Communication was the critical piece to our success. Slowly we began to wrap our hands around all the moving parts and soon we could speak to each piece of the puzzle. The AirFest director was brought up to speed to brief the Wing CC. Ground operations were on track…or so we thought. Some of the best laid plans are just that…plans. The execution weekend proved how, regardless of your preparation efforts, unexpected things will happen and your team must be flexible and ready to respond. My role as Ground Hog 2 consisted of patrolling the flightline with Ground Hog 1 monitoring operations like crowd line security, DV transportation, trash removal and ramp cleanliness, and volunteer feeding requirements to name a few. As fires popped up, our mission focus, a can-do positive attitude and teamwork approach carried us over every obstacle. As you would expect, trash removal and ramp cleanliness was a challenge with 350K people on the flightline over two days. Aircraft arrived late delaying security prep, visitors didn’t mass the same way they did before (throwing off trash barrel placement), and the wind picked up blowing over fences overnight. Luckily our team was postured to respond with Senior NCO team leads in each area providing leadership and resources. We accomplished the mission and provided a world class event. So what did I learn as a junior officer working on this large scale project? The total experience and lessons learned would be too long for this article, so I’ll hit the big three. First, although I didn’t volunteer for this project, I saw the value in it. Seek out challenging projects; this experience allowed me to grow as both a leader and officer. Working alongside field grade officers and Senior NCOs was invaluable and perfect for receiving one-on-one mentoring. Second, learn to ask the right questions. When we attempted to NOT micro-manage, questions didn’t get asked, resulting in avoidable stress. Analytical questions like “how” and “why” got me further than informational ones like “what” and “when”. Third is attitude! I know we’ve all heard it before, but I just watched it happen. A positive, get it done attitude, while holding people accountable, goes a long way. Accountability for the things they are doing well is just as important as when things are going poorly. There’s no time for negativity during execution…identify the issue, find a solution and make it happen. That’s what we did and it worked! 2d Lt Matthew Gosselin is the Officer in Charge of Plans and Programs, Readiness Flight, 6th Logistics Readiness Squadron at MacDill AFB.
THE 12TH FLYING TRAINING WING Ok, we know what you think when you hear “AETC” and “deployment” in the same sentence. “What? AETC deploys?” We do! Here at Randolph AFB in San Antonio, TX, the 12th Logistics Readiness Squadron services the 12th Flying Training Wing, four headquarters units, and a total of 47 associate units. Not too shabby, huh? We are currently transitioning from primarily a blue-suit operation to almost entirely contract. But the deployment machine doesn’t slow down for that. One of the best parts of having a large concentration of civilians is the long-term continuity that accompanies these individuals. So the wealth of knowledge and experience stays right. That has helped us establish methods of ramping up our military customers who are mobilizing. One of our best practices currently in place is the 12th Flying Training Wing Deployment Control Center (DCC) Action Tracker. It is a web-based application on the Randolph intranet used by DCC staff members, Randolph Unit Deployment Managers (UDM), senior leadership and unit commanders to track the status of wing and tenant unit responses to the wing’s Deployment Commander Directives (DCD). The Action Tracker eliminates time consuming emails and countless phone conversations between DCC members and UDMs, which often result in significant delays in presenting accurate information to wing leadership. Simply put, the DCC Action Tracker has rocketed the 12 FTW deployment machine into the 21st century, moving from a phone call, email, and grease board-managed DCC to a state-of-the-art command and control function. We now can update leadership with information in near real-time. Beyond managing the Team Randolph deployment machine, we are also an integral part of the AEF. We recently had vehicle operators return from combat convoy duty with the Army in Iraq. Since the initial tasking came down, the 12 LRS has deployed 13 members of our family supporting this mission-essential duty. We benefited from being located across town from the Basic Combat Convoy Course (BC3). Our leadership and some members of the deploying team toured the course and got a first hand look at what to expect. They brought back vital information, such as what supplies were best to bring (specialized boots, desert rucksacks, compact foldable shovels, and Wiley X glasses), the extreme importance of being in good physical condition, and how to mentally prepare themselves. Leadership involvement facilitated securing the funds needed to purchase these optional but highly recommended items. We spread the word to the base community about the daunting task that lay ahead of our troops by having the base newspaper write an article on deployment preparations. And what better way is there to take care of the deployed troops than to take care of their families when they’re deployed? I’ve always said that our job is to train our troops to do their jobs the best they can to ensure mission success, but our job does not end when we send them off. Our focus at home has to remain on the families of our deployed members. If squadron leadership provides that sound bedrock of support, you will have a recipe for success. It’s definitely a team effort. 1 Lt. Camille LaDrew is the Assistant Installation Deployment Officer for the 12th Logistics Readiness Squadron at Randolph AFB, TX.
WING IMMERSION There’s no place like ‘home away from home’… For five weeks, home was McConnell AFB. As a Palace Acquire (PAQ) Intern, I was TDY for Wing Immersion. During my internship I had the opportunity to experience this hands-on introduction to Wing Level maintenance and supply operations. The objective was to recognize how my everyday duties at the ALC (Air Logistics Center) affect our customer – in particular, the impact OC-ALC has on the warfighter’s mission. Many of the daily activities for those stationed at McConnell were motivating experiences for me as an intern. For instance, I was out on the flight line marshalling the KC-135’s during launch and recovery. I packed bearings and replaced tires. I assisted in loading the aircraft with RSP (Readiness Spares Package) kits for deployments. To top it off, I was fortunate enough to fly on a KC-135 mission which included the refueling of a B-2 Stealth Bomber. The day of the flight was a particularly windy day. I boarded the bus with the flight crew and headed toward the aircraft. Upon arrival, all pre-flight checks were completed and we were ready for take-off. About 30 minutes into the flight, we headed back to the Boom Pod. I took my position next to the Boom Operator and looked through the window to see an abundance of clouds blanketing the sky. While patiently waiting for the operator to get situated, a B-2 broke through the clouds. It was the most amazing thing I’ve ever seen! Looking back, the refueling mission is just one of the elements that make me appreciate all that the Air Force does. Knowing the role I play in daily Wing operations inspires me to continue doing what I do, day in and day out. Krista Harke is an F101 Logistics Management Specialist at Tinker AFB. Krista.harke@tinker.af.mil
The Logistics of
Saving Lives
Submitted by Maj Adrian Crowley
“Twelve countries spread over thousands of miles, all struck by a single event, a single catastrophe, and the international community has mobilized in a way that I have never seen before, to help the affected people...to rebuild their lives.” ––Secretary of State Colin L. Powell DISASTER STRIKES On Sunday morning, 26 Dec 04, the world’s most powerful earthquake in more than 40 years, a 9.0 magnitude, erupted underwater off of the Indonesian island of Sumatra. The earthquake generated a tsunami with waves 50-feet high that sped across the Phuket, Thailand - December, 31, 2004 - Along with fellow crew members and Thai military, Navigator, Lt Andrea R. Seefeldt from the 36th Airlift Squadron, 374th Airlift Wing, Yokota Air Base, Japan unloads two cargo pallets of water Indian Ocean at speeds of up to 430 after landing at Phuket Airport in Thailand. (USAF photo by SSgt Cohen A. Young) miles per hour. The tsunami devastated 12 surrounding Indian Ocean countries, port contributing civilian and military personnel, aircraft and reaching as far as Somalia on the east coast of Africa. Of the supplies under Operation UNIFIED ASSISTANCE (OUA). affected nations, Indonesia, Thailand, and Sri Lanka bore the brunt of its unprecedented force and quickly became the J O I N T A N D C O M B I N E D O P E R AT I O N S focus of international relief efforts. The destructive impact of The United States military was among the first responders on the tsunami killed more than an estimated 270,000 people the international scene due to its ability to not only rapidly and displaced another 4 million. In response, 18 nations ral- deploy critical supplies but to also establish an airlift infralied humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HA/DR) sup- structure for sustained operations. Joint Task Force 536, which
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Force forces (COMAFFOR) and Joint Forces Air Component Commander (JFACC) for OUA. As the COMAFFOR and JFACC, General Deptula held operational control of Air Force forces in the Pacific theater and tactical control of joint aviation assets that were made available to him. The joint air operation included Navy, Marine Corp and Coast Guard fixed wing aircraft that were tasked by the JFACC to support daily airlift requirements. Additionally, combined assets such as the Japanese C-130s based at Utapao, Thailand contributed sorties for CSF and JFACC tasking. The Banda Aceh, January 6, 2005- The ruins of a once thriving city. Mglaboh, Sumatra, Indonesia is now trying to recover from Pacific Air Forces (PACAF) and the devastating Tsunami that hit this region. (U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate Airman Jordon R. Beesley.) Air Mobility Command (AMC) provided the majority of the air later became Combined Support Force (CSF) 536, under the force manpower involving over 2,000 personnel reporting to command of Lieutenant General Robert R. Blackman, Jr., the CSF-536 across 10 dispersed locations. The U.S. Air Force Commanding General, III Marine Expeditionary Force alone transported more than 16.8 million pounds of relief sup(MEF), stood up and coordinated the largest multi-service, plies and flew 1,315 sorties. multinational humanitarian relief effort since the Berlin These latest military operations Airlift in 1947. The US Department of have again verified that no one Defense (DoD) forward deployed a wideservice can go it alone, especially range of military assets to directly support in a mission as complicated as relief operations in Thailand, Indonesia, OUA. This was especially true in Sri Lanka, and the Maldives. the logistics arena as every service At the height of the DoD humanitarian brought unique air, ground, and support activities, there were nearly 16,000 sea distribution system capabilities US military personnel, 26 ships, 58 helito contribute to the effort. In copters, and 43 fixed wing aircraft in the order to be effective and efficient, region focused on this effort. The forward multiple modes of transportation deployed elements were also supported by had to be used that many times countless personnel in a large network of crossed traditional service boundreachback capability throughout the theater aries. It was not uncommon for and CONUS. Primarily through the use of supplies to be provided by Defense ready joint air power, the U.S. military Logistics Agency, ground transdelivered over 23.4 million pounds of relief supplies to affect- ported by US Army’s Surface Deployment and Distribution ed nations, including water, food, shelters, medicine, construc- Command to an aerial or sea port of embarkation, strategition equipment, water purification units, and blankets. cally airlifted by AMC to aerial of debarkation or sealifted by Maj Gen David A. Deptula, was designated commander of Air
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US Navy’s Military Sealift Command to a sea port of debarkation, transloaded by deployed Marine, Air Force, or Navy forces to their tactical fixed wing or rotary wing assets for final delivery.
R E A D Y … R A P I D … RESPONSIVE Our permanent forward presence in the Asia-Pacific region gave us the capability to respond to this crisis, and execute our mission, but it alone did not ensure success. Behind every success story are challenges that have to be overcome. This operation proved no different as the joint and service logisticians were constantly faced with Kadena Air Base, Japan Dec. 28, 2004 - Air Force Tech. Sgt. Justin Sturn, of the 733rd Air Mobility Squadron, positions new obstacles. Challenges ranged 48 cases of Meals Ready to Eat (MRE) on an aircraft pallet bound for Southeast Asia as part of disaster relief. (U.S. Air from being limited to basic resources Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Richard Freeland) such as information, personnel, and equipment, to the denial of airfield issues in-depth but it is worth mentioning that this operation access due to operations saturation of aircraft ramp space. provided us a great opportunity to measure our contingency proficiency. We are already utilizing these lessons learned and The key ingredients for joint logisticians to overcome the the recommended enhancements to improve our future operamonumental challenges could be found in the PACAF tional execution of contingencies, humanitarian or combat. Logistics motto of “Ready…Rapid…Responsive”. Of these three attributes, readiness was the most enabling pillar to this “… there’s a great poll that we were shown success story. The JFACC was already planning airlift within today, a polling of Indonesia, the mood of 24 hours of the disaster and launching aircraft full of initial relief supplies within 36 hours. It was a true testament to the Indonesians, the view of Indonesians towards the readiness of our forces from the MAJCOM command and United States of America. And it’s a dramatic control level through the operational flying units all the way change, when they’ve seen the kindness, the outdown to the individuals who deployed that the Air Force pouring of support for the tsunami victims. That response was so rapid.
OVERCOMING CHALLENGES While the mission was deemed an overall success, there were many logistical challenges and lessons learned from this operation, to include a lack of an early command structure; ADVON teams; adequate material handling equipment and refueling vehicles; robust In-Transit Visibility infrastructure; mature communications infrastructure; surface movement Concept of Operations (CONOPs); in-place Acquisition and Cross-Servicing Agreements; timely deployment of experts; and aircraft pallets and nets. We won’t address these particular
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has turned public opinion very much in favor of the United States.” ––Former President George H. Bush D I S T R I B U T I O N O P E R AT I O N S S Y S T E M The immediate focus of OUA was to minimize human suffering through the delivery of life-saving supplies. The mission could be basically summarized as a classic logistics distribution problem. Supplies originating from CONUS, PACOM military bases and even from storage warehouses within the affect-
response time for moving critical ed countries needed to be disrequests, there is not an overall tributed to many remote sites. metric for judging how well CSFThere were several complicat536 limited human suffering with ing factors to this distribution OUA. The closest measure of sucproblem, however. Due to the cess was probably the attitude of great geographically expanse of the affected nations’ populace as affected countries in the Indian well as the international commuOcean region, airlift and sealift nity towards America. were the primary modes of transportation relied upon. The military will become more Only airlift was able to provide involved in humanitarian misthe distances. C-5 Galaxy and Utapao, Royal Thai Naval Base, Thailand (Jan. 10, 2005)--Senior Airman Joshua Durrer and A1C Daniel Taylor, 734th Air Mobility sions as Assistant Secretary of C-17 Globemaster aircraft have Squadron, deployed from Anderson AFB, Guam load U.N. humaniDefense, Thomas W. O’Connell been providing the interconti- tarian aid/disaster relief supplies aboard a Japanese Self-Defense recently alluded to: nental reach for Operation Force C-130 Hercules. (USAF Photo) “We are going to turn the United Assistance. C-130 Defense Department into a different type of department. medium-lift aircraft deliver the goods to distribution points within the theater and the helicopters are the last piece in The mandate is on the wall. We are going to have to be the distribution chain to get the goods out to the people in prepared as an armed force to do much more on the need. Using the hub-and-spoke method, the heavy lift air- humanitarian side…” craft (C-5s, C-17s, and C-130s) flowed into the theater and delivered relief supplies to central drop off areas such as UTaphao, Thailand where they were trans-loaded onto medium lift aircraft which delivered the supplies further into the devastated areas. Most inbound cargo and personnel transited Kadena AB as the intermediate staging base and then flew onward to Utapao, Thailand which served as the central aerial port of debarkation (APOD) and airlift hub.
When the next humanitarian crisis occurs, the joint logistics and combat support community will be called upon to perform and we will again respond with world-class support…Rapid, Ready, and Responsive.
“From our own experiences, we know that nothing can take away the grief of those affected by tragedy. We also know that Americans have I N T E R N AT I O N A L A N D C I V I L - M I L I TA R Y a history of rising to meet great humanitarian LOGISTICS challenges and of providing hope to suffering Operation Unified Assistance highlighted the value of building relations with Thailand and other nations peoples. As men and women across the devasthrough peacetime exercises, such as Cobra Gold, Cope tated region begin to rebuild, we offer our susTiger and other military exchanges. We deployed our airtained compassion and our generosity, and our craft, unloaded our deliveries of relief supplies, and then handed off aid to either international agencies or host assurance that America will be there to help.” nations. And we are grateful to the Royal Thai government for the use of U-Taphao as the site of our command and control for the CSF and the regional hub for US Air Force delivery of relief supplies. This capability was critical to our success. It is difficult to quantitatively measure true success in an operation of this nature. While we have plenty of statistics recorded such as the amounts of supplies transported and
––President George W. Bush Maj Adrian Crowley, HQ PACAF/LG-ALOC, worked in the operation UNIFIED ASSISTANCE AFFOR A4 planning cell at Hickam AFB, Hawaii and then deployed forward to Utapao Airbase, Thailand with CSF-536 to work in the C4 Combined Movement Center. Special thanks to Maj Elsie Coopman, HQ PACAF/LG-ALOC, for her contributions to the research in this article. K EXCEPTIONAL RELEASE
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EXPEDITIONARY MAINTENANCE IN IRAQ
Submitted by Maj Tom D. Miller The Air Force is hard at work in the combat environment, and it’s not just for Special Ops or Security Forces anymore. The Combat Wing Organization is alive and well in the 332d Expeditionary Maintenance Group, Balad Air Base, Iraq. The 332d has one of the richest histories in the Air Force, made famous by the Tuskegee Airmen during World War II. I had the honor of reestablishing and commanding the 332d Expeditionary Maintenance Squadron last fall, and was extremely impressed with the performance of our young maintainers in that environment. I want to share their story with you.
SIMILARITIES… An AEF deployment to Balad Air Base, Iraq is similar to other deployments to Southwest Asia and other locations that Airmen have been going on throughout our history. There are the standard challenges we face at most locations. Vehicles are a precious commodity requiring hands-on management to use them most efficiently and take care of them— they can’t be replaced quickly, and doing without a vehicle in a combat zone is not advisable. The facilities were better than I imagined, but not as robust as you would see at a typical home station. The environment affected everything from personnel to equipment. Mentally, the “normal” family separation anxiety due to a TDY was exacerbated by the fact that we were indeed in a combat zone. The constantly blowing dust and sand required increased servicing inspections and maintenance on equipment items to keep them serviceable. These challenges are nothing new for deployed Airmen, but dealing with them in a combat zone is
DIFFERENCES… There are some differences in a deployment to Iraq. The challenges were significant but I will tell you our Airmen proved their mettle—they executed the mission flawlessly. The author with Capt Joe Sablatura
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The Munitions Storage Area was literally a dust bowl carved
especially like equipment, disout of the desert floor. The persed for months versus days. It Air National Guard units took leadership at all levels walkwe replaced made great ing around on the line and outstrides in building initial side of every facility to keep track revetments for safe storage of these valuable assets for proand establishing the operduction and sortie generation. ation at Balad. The munitions team from the 388th Our Fabrication Flight did everyEMS at Hill AFB led by thing from repairing battle damour operations officer, aged and cracked helicopter Capt Joe Sablatura, drove parts for the Army to welding solutions in a timeline armor plating on gun trucks for many thought would be Airmen performing convoy duty impossible. They borrowed The 332 EMXS Maintenance Shops, Balad AB Iraq. (USAF photo by Maj Tom Miller) throughout Iraq. Their skills heavy equipment from CE were life savers to these organiand built massive storage revetments, increasing the storage zations and they excelled in tasks outside the traditional aircapacity of the base by over 25%, while reducing the explocraft maintenance world they live in day to day. sive hazard to other munitions, equipment and personnel. If you are a young maintenance, munitions, or logistics readiThey built nearly a mile-long road through the desert for ness officer reading this article and thinking that it will be years poor weather munitions deliveries, ensuring mission requirebefore you are in a combat environment, consider this: many ments could be met without delay during heavy seasonal young officers deploy to this environment with each AEF. You rains. Relentless in their pursuit of improvement, they instiwill be relied on to make life impacting decisions; it is only a tuted aggressive preventative maintenance actions, increasing matter of time. I’ve never been more impressed with the ingethe munitions function rate by an amazing 43%. nuity, courage, and dedication of maintainers than that which Command and control, and in particular personnel account- I witnessed at Balad. Spend the time during local exercises and on your own initiative to build the ability after every airfield skill sets you’ll need to be the high attack, was refined to a impact officer the mission demands clockwork process. in a combat environment. Following an attack, accountability teams Maj Tom Miller is the scoured living quarters to Commander, 4th Component assess personnel status. If Maintenance Squadron, Seymour a squadron member had Johnson AFB, North Carolina. not called in and was not He leads over 500 maintainers in in their quarters the Unit the intermediate repair and caliControl Center directed bration of propulsion, avionics, runners to common areas and accessory maintenance comlooking for each individual until 100% of ponents for almost half of the Air Balad AB: EMXS troops building MSA Road (USAF photo by Maj Tom Miller) squadron personnel were Force’s F-15E fleet. Most recentaccounted for. ly he deployed as the 332d Dispersal of assets felt very much like a Phase II exercise, which is one reason I heavily stress complete involvement in and understanding of the exercises your wing conducts—they truly matter! The challenge was to keep critical equipment,
Expeditionary Maintenance Squadron Commander at Balad AB, Iraq. Maj Miller is LOA National's Chapter Support Chairmen. He will relinquish command in June on his way to IL's "Engine Room". K EXCEPTIONAL RELEASE
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BRIDGING THE GAP : Transportation convoy brief involving both Army and AF drivers/support at Balad. (USAF photo Lt Nathan Strouse)
LOAs F orging Joint R elations Submitted by 1Lt Nathan Strouse
A
t Balad Air Base, also known as Logistics Support Area, or “LSA Anaconda” by the Army, you will find Air Force and Army personnel working sideby-side to accomplish their mission. The Tuskegee Expeditionary Logistic Officer Association chapter at Balad works diligently to forge and advance a close relationship every day.
Airmen in an AF convoy support gun truck, ready to transport cargo. (USAF photo Lt Nathan Strouse)
The Advisor of the Balad LOA chapter, Colonel Teresa Dicks, commander of the 332nd Air Expeditionary Maintenance Group, described the intricacies and complexities of Balad…“ Iraq is a leadership laboratory and offers exquisite opportunities to explore how services can work together in a combat environment.” When describing the challenge to logistics officers serving in Iraq, Col Dicks stated “we need to do our homework before we come…it is essential to understand governing regulations and how each service works.” Col Dicks is on a one year rotation, and encourages all logistics officers to take time to understand underlying Army processes and search for strong alliances in joint support.
Staged transportation trucks ready to deliver Army cargo to FOBs. (USAF photo Lt Nathan Strouse)
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A great example of these two forces working together to accomplish one mission is found at the 332nd Expeditionary Logistics Readiness Squadron. Here the Aerial Port Flight relies on the information from the Army Arrival and Departure Airfield Control Group
(A/DACG), a sub-unit of the Army and the distribution agency for all Army cargo flowing through Balad. For A/DACG to ensure their time-sensitive cargo is distributed to stations throughout the theater, they have been working hand-in-hand with the Aerial Port, which ensures their cargo moves when and where needed. “We work with the A/DACG on a daily, even hourly basis,” said Major Reginald McDonald, the Flight Commander of the 332nd Aerial Port Flight. “The relationship we have here is good, but initially we had to work at gaining their trust in us at meeting their needs.”
Major Megan Koser, the 507th Corps Support Group Transportation OIC, corresponds with Major McDonald on a regular basis. “The main goal for us is to move as much cargo as we can by air, eliminating the need for convoys,” Major Koser stated. According to her, the initial refusals to move cargo by airlift because it failed to meet air transportation requirements led to the need to establish good working relations. “In order to see our vision of reducing convoys come to light, we were forced to establish relations where there were none, but now it’s like a routine” said Major Koser, “every time we meet, we learn something new.”
His actions in building relations with the aerial port’s number one customer— Major Koser recommends A/DACG— were critical in An airman stands on top an AF gunner truck which offers support to that more co-mingling on ensuring that cargo was sent COSCOM cargo convoys. (USAF photo Lt Nathan Strouse) all levels would greatly by airlift to the maximum enhance relations and extent possible, while reduccommunication all around. She suggested that it would be ing the need for convoys. “As one of the busier ports in highly beneficial to have liaison officers working on both the area, it is my goal to efficiently move cargo for all users sides and on all levels. throughout the theater, and by doing this, the Army gets it when and where they need it, which helps to keep them Army First Lieutenant Laura Grimes, the Support from putting additional convoys on the road,” stated Major Operations Transportation OIC for the 129th Logistics McDonald, “If we can do this, we are putting fewer serv- Task Force, and self proclaimed “face of the Air Force” has become a self-made LNO with the aerial port. ice members at risk.” “Productivity has increased tremendously since previous Since Maj McDonald’s arrival in January 2005, he has rotations and the establishment of Anaconda/Balad,” statpartnered with A/DACG leadership on a regular basis to ed Lieutenant Grimes, “We still have our same core operbetter understand their methods and specific needs. He has ation, but the new areas of opportunities and scope in also instituted programs to educate them on joint travel which we can move cargo has been greatly enhanced by requirements and processes as well as staged aerial port streamlining our processes and combining our resources.” personnel at the Army’s Joint Distribution Center in order to train their personnel on building and inspecting cargo pallets to ensure they are airworthy. Continued on next page... EXCEPTIONAL RELEASE
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GAP THE
ER: BRIDGING Aerial Port Flight loading Army cargo onto a C-17 for transportation to FOBs, mitigating the need for convoys. (USAF photo Lt Nathan Strouse)
LSA Anaconda has a vision of moving 100 pallets of cargo a day, but this can only be accomplished with the help of the aerial port. “Working with the Air Force has greatly increased our numbers towards that goal…we’re not there yet but we’re well on our way”, stated Major Koser. When it comes to new AEF rotations arriving, Major McDonald plans to establish the lines of communication between his replacements and Army counterparts directly from the outset. He expressed, “…it can be frustrating for the Army to have to continuously reestablish connections and relearn processes, since they typically see three to four separate groups during their year long rotation.” Both forces agree that the hub of Balad and Anaconda is well established, but similar units throughout the rest of the AOR are still in their infancy stages. The plan is to
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use Balad’s air cargo CONOPS as the test bed and pass on what they have learned here. Currently, logistic officers at the Balad Chapter have worked hard to build open lines of communication and establish a solid working relationship with their Army counterparts. They hope this building and strengthening of relationships will be a reciprocating process long after they leave. 1Lt Nathan J. Strouse is the Flight Commander, Combat Readiness / 60th Aerial Port Squadron, Travis AFB. He is currently deployed to Balad AB, Iraq where he is the Deputy Commander, Aerial Port Flight / 332d Expeditionary Logistics Readiness Squadron. K
COMMANDER’S intent Submitted by Capt James Riehl As a member of the modern profession of arms, I look for best practices, even in our sister services. I found one while a student of the Army’s Command and General Staff College correspondence course…it’s called Commander’s Intent. Commander’s Intent has been used for many years in the Army and the Marine Corps as a tool for higher echelons of command to communicate their strategic and tactical directives to subordinate commanders and their units. A classic example from our own country’s history is Major General George E. Pickett’s charge of Confederate Forces on the battle- Army Gen Tommy Franks talks with Brig. Gen. Rick Rosborg after arriving at a forwardfield at Gettysburg. General Robert E. Lee gave deployed location. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Derrick C. Goode) Pickett this simple direction: break the Union line at the “clump of trees” on Cemetery Ridge to allow expression of the purpose of the operation and the desired for General Lee’s forces to exploit a point in the Union end state that serves as the initial impetus for the planning lines that had wavered the day before. A more contempo- process.” We may also add to this definition that comrary example can be found in OPERATION Operation mander’s intent can be used during peacetime to commuIRAQI FREEDOM when General Tommy R. Franks called nicate what a commander expects of his unit—the end for a quick seizure of Iraq’s southern oil fields using the 1st state he envisions for his command 2 years after he accepts Marine Expeditionary Force to avoid a repeat of the it—his vision for the future. destruction It is for this reason that all units should have a commanof the oil der’s intent. Run a web search for “commander’s intent” to wells that view examples. In particular, Brigadier General Johnny A. occurred durWeida, Commandant of Cadets and Commander, the 34th ing the first Training Wing, U.S. Air Force Academy, has written an Gulf War. excellent example. The general speaks about his expectaBoth of these tions, his goals for the academy, his thoughts—even his examples frame of mind by discussing which books he is currently reflect the Lieutenant General Wallace and Colonel Perkins in a dis- DOD’s defi- reading. With this information, subordinate commanders cussion in downtown Baghdad on 7 April 2003. Despite can mentor their Airmen appropriately for the “Old nition of advanced communication systems, commanders routinely Man’s” goals and steer their units toward appropriate end sought face-to-face contact with their subordinates to commander’s states. assess the situation and provide whatever assistance or i n t e n t — “ a guidance they could. (US ARMY Photo) c o n c i s e In peacetime operations, a good example of commander’s
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A C-130 Hercules supporting a humanitarian mission is marshaled in to an undisclosed location in Africa. (USAF photo by Staff Sgt. Tony Tolley)
intent comes from Lt Col Karl Prinslow, United States Army, who relates an experience in the Foreign Area Officer Association’s Journal. While working in Africa on Operation SUPPORT HOPE, Japanese Self-Defense Forces (JSDF) requested assistance for a site survey team visit in preparation for JSDF personnel and assets to help with US forces and operations in the region. The officers on the ground had little information other than an itinerary for the JSDF advance team; however, the preceding week, President Clinton had promised the Japanese government all possible support for their team. The next day, officers on the ground in Africa had arranged for transportation and points of contact and briefings at each of the Japanese recon team’s stops. Of interest to us as military officers is that the commander’s intent, President Clinton’s promise to support a deployment of a Japanese site survey team, was honored. While there are those that will argue that commander’s intent is a goal statement, and use the word “quality” to describe what we are doing here, this is not the case. Commander’s intent is clearly leadership. It is about the commander clearly communicating his/her goals for the unit—there is no two-way communication, this is direction. This is the commander speaking his/her absolute will to his/her subordinates in a way that they can use it to accomplish an end state. Commander’s intent can be applied at any echelon in the chain of command, from Flight Commander to the Chief of Staff. It is a tool that Air Force should clearly use from our sister services. Capt James Riehl is the Avionics Flight Commander at the 28 MXS, Ellsworth AFB. james.riehl@ellsworth.af.mil. K
CGO Corner V I R T U A L D E P L O Y M E N T: T H E A I R A N D S P A C E EXPEDITIONARY FORCE (AEF) CENTER WEBSITE By Capt Bethany Keller and 1Lt Jared Eros
ER: CGO CORNER
“If I always appear prepared, it is because before entering an undertaking, I have meditated long and have foreseen what might occur. It is not genius where reveals to me suddenly and secretly what I should do in circumstances unexpected by others; it is thought and preparation.” ––Napoleon Bonaparte
Capt Bethany Keller
Any CGO who has deployed understands that proper preparation is the key to successfully executing that deployment. Most Unit Deployment Managers (UDMs), Installation Deployment Officers (IDOs) and Logistics Readiness Flights do a good job of getting us out the door with our family and personal matters intact, ancillary training complete and mobility bags properly packed; but what about other issues such as ART/UTC reporting, 1Lt Jared Eros TPFDD, base support plans, AFIs, and key points of contact we might need before, during, or after our deployment? Is there one place where all/most of this information can be found? A year ago, the CGO Corner published an expeditionary themed article with some key things to remember before getting on that plane to who knows where. What we didn’t cover are some key resources to get you the information you and your unit need for mission success. Luckily, the AEF Center website picked up where we left off. On 4 Aug 1998 it was announced that the Air Force would divide its forces into 10 nearly-equal capable Aerospace Expeditionary Forces – a Total Force concept that includes active-duty, Air Force Reserve and Air National Guard forces – under the Expeditionary Aerospace Force construct. AEFs would provide combat power on a rotating basis to combatant commanders worldwide, leveraging Air Force combat capabilities to better meet national strategic requirements and joint operational objectives. The AEF Center, established on June 1, 1999, would act as the lead agent for implementing and managing the 10 AEFs, starting with the first AEF in October of 1999. The AEF Center’s mission has evolved over the last six years and today, it is the prime reach-back enabler that plans and delivers versatile Air and Space power to the right place, at the right time, to support COMAFFORs’ mission needs. The AEF Center website is a key resource for you, the deployer. It should be the cornerstone for executing your assigned AEF mission. “We are working to make AEF Online a one-stop shop for Airmen to receive accurate and informed deployment information. By providing this information to Airmen and force providers, they are able to make decisions regarding their deployment needs,” ––Brig Gen Stephen L. Hoog, Commander, Air and Space Expeditionary Force Center. So what’s in it for you? The AEF Center website can provide you and your troops with your current deployment status and whether or not you’ve met readiness requirements to deploy. It lists ancillary training requirements, required contingency out-processing actions, medical out-processing requirements, and all the items your unit will need for in-processing at your forward operating location. A valuable guide called the Air Force Readiness 40
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Edge: Family is available for download in PDF format and it covers almost everything a family may need during a deployment including valuable points of contact in both the Air Force and civilian communities. The AEF Center also provides access to documents and programs needed to support the mission itself. The AEF Time-Phased Force and Deployment Data (TPFDD) Library is a great source for finding out exactly when your unit will be on the hook, what UTCs (Unit-Type Code) will be tasked during an AEF and exactly how many of your people will be expected to deploy. A link to the AEF Reporting Tool’s (ART) website is also available (ART reports the status of UTCs, green, yellow, or red) and is of great help for those who are monitoring both unit and equipment readiness throughout the year. UDMs are responsible for updating UTCs in ART, but Commanders approve the monthly reports and rely on you to accurately report your personnel and equipment status. The Commander’s Toolkit, Force Reporting Tool, and Discrepancy Reporting Tool may also be important to the CGO since it falls on the flight commander or OIC to ensure their troops have everything they need before they deploy. And what about G-Series orders? CGOs in the field sometimes end up in the Commander’s seat, and it’s important to know the tools at our disposal that will be required to execute the mission. Reporting instructions for each AOR (Area of Responsibility) are provided on the site, to include body armor requirements and the alcohol policy at each AOR. Links to unofficial deployment location information are supplied as a courtesy so you’ll be able to get some idea of how your new home may look and feel. Additionally, each functional area has their own link within the website (Logistics Plans, Aircraft/Munitions Maintenance, etc.), which can include career field specific AFIs and key links to other AF websites with invaluable information (Base Support Plans and OPlans (SIPR access required), virtual MPF, DFAS, HQ MAJCOMs). Access to the AEF Center website requires a secure web connection (https:// on your browser) from a dot.mil site. You’ll also need to set up a user name and password during your first visit to the site, but once you do, an amazing amount of information is ready at your fingertips. Utilize this powerful web resource before and during a deployment, and some of the stress that a CGO can face overseas can quickly turn from “red to green.” Capt Bethany T. Keller is currently OIC, 31st Maintenance Group Readiness Section, Aviano AB, Italy. 1Lt Jared B. Eros is currently assigned to Los Angeles Air Force Base as an Integrated Logistics Support Manager for the Satellite Launch and Control Program Office. A special thanks to Lt Sarah Small and Capt Trisha Cundiff at the AEF Center for their help with this article. K
LOA Congratulates NOMINATED FOR PROMOTION TO BRIGADIER GENERAL: Col Andy Busch ! Col Art Cameron ! Col Judy Fedder ! Col Duane Jones NOMINATED
NOMINATED
PROMOTION TO MAJOR GENERAL: Brig Gen Art Morrill III
FOR
PROMOTION LIEUTENANT GENERAL: Maj Gen Terry L. Gabreski
FOR FOR
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Chapter Crosstalk DESERT EAGLE EXPEDITIONARY CHAPTER - AL UDEID AB, QATAR Submitted by Lt Col Joni Lee The Desert Eagle LOA Chapter held our second event of the AEF 3/4 rotation on Saturday, 23 April. Approximately 20 logisticians from the 379th Air Expeditionary Wing and the Combined Air Operations Center were guests of DynCorps. Mr. Tom Kehoe, DynCorps Qatar Site Manager, presented an outstanding overview of the entire DynCorps WRM operation in general and a detailed briefing on operations in U.S. Central Command’s Area of Responsibility. This was followed by a tour of their facilities at Al Udeid AB along with a synopsis of WRM oversight responsibilities as provided by Maj Teri Weaver, Det 3 609 ASUS OL-B. This WRM operation entails all of our logistics functional areas: aircraft and munitions maintenance as well as the logistics readiness areas of supply, transportation, and logistics plans. We were thoroughly impressed by the professionalism
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of Mr. Kehoe’s staff, the cleanliness of the facilities, and the amazing scope of responsibilities of this operation. This visit was a rewarding professional experience for all, and will surely be a “keeper” for future AEF rotations of LOA members.
TAR HEEL CHAPTER — POPE AFB, NC Submitted by Shane M. Henderson The last few months have been exciting ones for the proud logistics officers at Pope AFB. The most noticeable change is our chapter name. Our old name, “America’s 9-1-1 Chapter” was created due to
Tar Heel Chapter’s new logo
the missions of Pope’s two largest units, the 43d Air Wing and 23d Fighter Group. At the time, both organizations were the Air Force’s “go to” units to provide tactical combat airlift and close air support respectively. In light of the terrorist events of 9/11, there was confusion as to the message our chapter name represents. After much deliberation, we are proud to change our name to “Tar Heel Chapter”. This name change pays tribute to local area of North Carolina in which we reside. In January, we had the fortune of having Capt. Matthew Granger, our chapter Vice-President; speak about his experience as a member of the Space Shuttle Columbia accident investigation team. He shared a scrap book of pictures and artifacts outlining the investigation process. His invaluable insight into the culture of NASA, the investigation process and lessons learned made a long term impression on our loggies for their future experiences.
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Tar Heel LOA members visit Wood’s Brothers Racing team. Pictured from left to Right: Capt Morris, Lt Taylor, Maj Clavenna, Lt Byrne, Lt Batchelor, TSgt Shaffer, Lt Perez , Maj Henderson, Mrs. Kim Hall (Team Owner) and Capt Hood.
In February, we held a Senior Leader Mentor Board in which the 43 MXG/CC,
43 MSG/CC and 23FG/CDM facili-
tated a discussion ranging from the future of logistics to leadership lessons learned. The question and answer session was quite extensive and was a tremendous success for the LOA members and will become a quarterly event. In April, the Tar Heel Chapter visited NASCAR’s Wood Brothers Racing Team, owners of the #21 Air Force car driven by Ricky Rudd. Members gained insight into the massive behind the scenes logistics efforts required to keep a high performance racing team competitive. Members were delighted to share logistics concepts with the team owners and were able to meet the team’s Crew Chief, Michael “FatBack” McSwain. LOA members were pleasantly surprised to find that Ricky Rudd, adopted the Pope’s very own World Famous Flying Tiger’s symbolic teeth design for his helmet (for more on this please go to http://www.woodbrothersracing.com/team_news2.cfm?ID=982).
EMERALD COAST CHAPTER — EGLIN AFB, FL Submitted by Capt Brian Sitler The Emerald Coast LOA Chapter at Eglin AFB has been busy this year after record attendance at the 2004 National Conference in Las Vegas, Nevada. In February we hosted Lt Col Rick Nelson, AFPC functional manager for 21A/M/Rs. Lt Col Nelson spoke at our chapter meeting lunch at the Eglin Officers Club then met individually with logistics officers to discuss career options. The meetings were very helpful, especially for those PCSing in this summer. In March, the Emerald Coast Loggies were privileged to have Col Tom Ragland, Chief, Base-Level Maintenance and Munitions Division, Headquarters Air Force Material Command speak at our luncheon. Col Ragland spoke about logistic officers career development, schooling, and fielded questions from the membership. He gave our group a unique perspective on officer progression from the headquarters level. This spring and summer we have several fundraisers planned, including a car wash and breakfast burrito sale to raise money for our LOA chapter scholarship fund. Our goal is to raise $700 to give a $500 scholarship to our chapter winner, and $100 each scholarship to a second and third place airman. We will also be volunteering at the 20th Annual Eglin AFB Memorial Day Gate-to-Gate run on 30 May.
DESERT LIGHTNING CHAPTER, DAVIS-MONTHAN AFB, AZ Submitted by Lt Col Deborah Meserve We have had quite a busy year at DM. We have done a lot to engage in professional development and mentoring.
Our
LOA chapter had exchanges with industry at Boeing and Sargent Industries, both are involved in LEAN enterprises and it was an eye opener. Sargent Industries also came to tour our base operations. We hosted a LOA exchange/crud tournament with Luke AFB last fall, and they are returning the favor in April. We look forward to maintaining the winning crud trophy. The LOA was instrumental in getting LOG 199 and LOG 262 to come on-site to DM and we maximized our opportunities to get both officers, enlisted and civilians to attend. Thanks to Col Holmes for sponsoring the instructor for LOG 262. We continue our monthly meetings with great speakers. March covered Reserve and IMA components to the Total Force. We have a Cinco de Mayo party and a golf tournament planned to end out this year.
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LIGHTNING CHAPTER — MACDILL AFB, FL Submitted by Maj Dana Pelletier
E R : C H A P T E R C R O S S TA L K
The Lightning Chapter capitalized on local events by hosting two outstanding mentoring lunches. Lt Gen Wetekam focused on LEAN processes and how to utilize these concepts at base level. He emphasized LOA’s role in bringing LROs/Maintenance Officers together to keep our processes focused under the combat wing organization. During Q&A, Lt Gen Dunn, NDU/CC, a guest of opportunity, provided insight on PME and continuing education. His discussed the importance of pursuing a master’s degree targeted at our core duties. Maj Gen Reno addressed leadership, mentoring, and development. Reminding us to work outside our comfort zones and to seek out and develop tomorrow’s leaders. Finally, the chapter bids farewell to our advisor, Col David Sowinski, who retired after 31 years of service. His dedication to the Air Force and LOA will long be felt. Thank you for your leadership and guidance. Our new Senior Advisor is Col David Norsworthy, 6 MXG/CC.
In thanks for his speeches for the LOA Lunch and the Knucklebuster Ball, the Lightning Chapter presented a chapter coin and a check to Maj Gen Reno for donation to the LOA Scholarship Fund on his behalf.
ALAMO CHAPTER – RANDOLPH AFB, TX Submitted by Maj Tim Pettit The Alamo Chapter had an amazing spring season! We led off the great South Texas spring with an educational tour of Zachry Construction Company’s international headquarters. This family-owned company is a world leader in construction and the logistics to support endeavors such as building the US Embassies in Moscow and Beijing. Right on the back of the tour, several of our members got together for our regular community service project at Boysville of Converse, Texas. Our manual labor helps reduce their operating costs and allows Boysville to focus on assisting the needy children they support. March gave the Alamo Chapter a surprise opportunity when one of our members, Lt Camille LaDrew, received an email from her best friend Capt Tammy McElhaney (Travis LOA Member) who is deployed to Kabul, Afghanistan. Tammy said that she and some others have been going to a local orphanage and that the children were in desperate need of many items. Camille sent out an email and within 2 hours already had 2 bags of clothes on her desk. With the tremendous support from everyone we were able to gather enough items to fill 22 boxes weighing in at over 663 lbs, in just about 10 days. This project is now spreading all over Randolph AFB, including local schools — you never know how far a little compassion can go!!! We kicked off our annual membership drive for the month of May at a quarterly luncheon, with Mr. Ed Koenig, Deputy Director for Supply, HQ AFMC, speaking to over 50 members and guests on Civilian Professional Development. To spur potential members to see the benefits of LOA first-hand, the chapter offered a free lunch to all eligible personnel. The Alamo Chapter started a “Top Graduate” award with the LRO Schoolhouse at Lackland AFB. A LOA membership sponsored by the Alamo Chapter highlights the award based on academic performance and an evaluation by the 345 TRS instructors on who best represents the professionalism of the LRO career field. 44
SUMMER 2005
Finally, the summer will culminate in the Alamo Chapter’s Annual Scholarship and Awards banquet on 21 July. The chapter’s donors and golf tournament provide funds for three local scholarships of $200 each and an additional contribution to the National Scholarship fund. Applications from the San Antonio area are due 5 Jul 05 to the Scholarship Chairperson, Capt Dana McCown @ dana.mccown@randolph.af.mil. Remember the Alamo! - LOA National Conference 2006 - San Antonio, TX - 9-12 Oct 06
WASATCH WARRIORS CHAPTER - HILL AFB, UT The Wasatch Warriors have had an awesome couple of months! In Early March we hosted The Gunfighter Chapter from Mountain Home AFB. Approximately 14 loggies spent the day touring the Ogden Air Logistics Center, chaperoned by their 366th Mission Support Group Commander Col Robert H. Lemmon. Mid-day members from both chapters broke bread at Club Hill for a joint LOA luncheon and spent an hour or so sharing information and talking logistics. The Wasatch Warriors are fortunate to be able to take advantage of the many visitors to the Ogden Air Logistics Center, the 388th Fighter Wing, and the 419th Fighter Wing. In March we started the day off by having a LOA breakfast with Major General Loren Reno, the Director of Logistics for Headquarters Air Mobility Command. General Reno discussed leadership with regard to mission, others and self. And, in April we ate lunch with Brig Gen (select) Art Cameron, the President of LOA and the Associate Director of Resources for USAF Installations and Logistics (IL). He shared with us the importance and dynamics of IL resources and requirements at the Air Staff level, as well as the way ahead for LOA. On April 21st we held our 4TH Annual LOA Dining Out! It was truly an awesome night and an honor to host Brig Gen Gary McCoy, Director of Logistics and Sustainment, Headquarters Air Force Materiel Command. We certainly appreciate him taking out of his busy schedule to come and speak to us and hear his words about leadership and logistics. Finally, we are gearing up for our chapter elections and looking forward to a great summer!
ARC LIGHT CHAPTER - ANDERSEN AFB, GUAM Submitted by Maj Grant L. Izzi This past year was historic for Andersen AFB as the first ever LOA chapter ‘Arc Light’ was established! In addition to everything involved with standing-up the chapter, we were able to host way out here in paradise several “giants” in the Logistics world, including Mr. Nelson Gibbs, Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Installations, Environment and Logistics, and Maj Gen Loren Reno, AMC/A4-Director of Logistics. Our most notable event and first ever chapter social was the BBQ with Maj Gen Reno on 13 June 2004! A special thanks to Capt Don “Hutch” Hutchison for coordinating that great event and to the former 734 AMS/CC, Lt Col Charles A. Post, Jr. for generously hosting at his home. The relaxed, “island style” atmosphere fostered a fun evening in which Gen Reno imparted great words of wisdom and personally thanked everyone for their outstanding service. As many of the original Arc Light members depart for new assignments, those who are staying as well as new members will remain committed to promoting the art of logistics and development of professional loggies. The Arc Light Chapter...”Where America’s Logistics Day Begins!” K
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Milestones COL (RET) LORI HILL
WRITES:
family and the granddaughter, so I have taken a position
It finally happened...after 2 years of retirement...I have
with ARINC in Oklahoma City. I am working there now
given up on my Lady of Leisure status. Accepted a position
and Patt will join me in June.
with DMG, an Operating Division of Whitney, Bradley and Brown. I am working in the Pentagon (AGAIN) in XOS-F as an Organizational Management Analyst. My email is lori.hill.ctr@pentagon.af.mil. It is great to be back in the mix....see you all in the halls of the Bldg!!
LT COL ERIC AXELBANK
WRITES:
En-route to command the 18 LRS at Kadena in June.
LT COL ANN-MARIE PARKER
WRITES:
My 50 months and 9 days (who’s counting) of squadron command here at Kirtland are coming to a close in June as my husband Jon (also known as your LOA webmaster, JD) and I move to Hawaii—he’ll be at PACAF and I’ll be at PACOM. I’m looking forward to the challenge, of the joint arena. Aloha and Mahalo.
LT COL (RET) JIM WATTS
WRITES:
My wife and I couldn’t take it anymore being so far from
CAPT TIMOTHY W. GILLASPIE
WRITES:
Just PCSed to Lackland into the school house and am looking forward to seeing all the LRO Majors and Major Selects as you come through the Expeditionary LRO Course.
MAJ JAMIE ALLEN
WRITES:
I’m leaving Seymour Johnson in early June after two great, fast-paced years to be the 57 EMS commander at Nellis. What a great opportunity! I’m also looking to forward to leaving one superb LOA chapter and joining another.
LT COL CLETE W. KNAUB
WRITES:
It comes time in everyone’s career, and now it is my time. I will be retiring this year. Ceremony is set for 20 May 2005 here at Ellsworth AFB. Sharon, Jake and I will be moving back to the mountains of Montana. You ever come through Laurel please stop on in. The soup is always on and Mother Knaub’s Oatmeal Cookies are always on
2005 LOA S CHOLARSHIP Call for Nominations The LOA scholarship program is intended to assist the most deserving Air Force, Army, Navy, Marine, Coast Guard, National Guard, or Reserve enlisted or DoD civilian (grade GS-1 through GS-8 and WG-1 through WG-9) in a logistics specialty, with college expenses towards an associate or bachelor degree. Each active chapter may submit one individual for a scholarship. Chapters that do not have their key leadership positions filled with active National LOA members WILL NOT be eligible to submit scholarship nominations. DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSIONS: 28 JULY 2005 Winners are presented their scholarship award at the annual conference banquet. For submission criteria please visit: https://www.loanational.org/g-3.htm
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47
bench stock. It has been an honor to serve our great coun-
For the near term my husband, George Ledbetter, and I
try as an Air Force officer and to serve with you all. God
will stay in Alexandria, Virginia, HP 703-719-9896.
bless and keep’em flying!
Thank You to those I’ve served with over the past 29 ¾
CAPT ALTHEA LOSCHINSKEY
years, it was my honor and pleasure to know you. It’s
WRITES:
Friends, JJ and I are on the road again. We left Fairchild
been longer on some days than others, but overall it’s been
and beautiful Spokane the first week of May - I am final-
a blast! To the next generations of loggies, you are the
ly free of exec duties and look forward to getting back into
best the world has to offer, God Speed as you continue the
the airplane business. I am now at Scott, HQ AMC/A58V,
worthy work of defending our nation.
working C-40 requirements. See you around the ranch.
COL MICHAEL AEILLO COL CARMEN MEZZACAPPA (PAST LOA NATIONAL
In late 2003 I finished up duties as CSAF’s, Dep.
PRESIDENT)
Special Asst. for AEF matters and moved to USAFE Hq.
WRITES:
It’s that time...the Air Force is kicking me out! It is with
as the Chief of Aircraft Maintenance. I then served as
mixed emotions that I’ll be retiring on 1 September. Like
the first Vice Wing/CC of the new 435th ABW at
the proverbial ‘bad penny,’ I’ll be around and am looking
Ramstein.
most forward to attending the LOA Conference in
ER: MILESTONES
WRITES:
Atlanta this October. I’ll be at work until mid-July (DSN 656-9550) and am not sure where life will take me next.
I am currently the Director of Staff for
USAFE. I am thoroughly enjoying this final AF assignment and looking forward to the next chapter. See you at the next LOA conference in Atlanta. K
The E xceptional R elease
A Professional Military Journal written by logisticians for logisticians The purpose of the Logistics Officer Association (LOA) is to enhance the military logistics profession. LOA provides an open forum to promote quality logistics support and logistic officer professional development. Policy on Written Submissions: The editor invites articles and other contributions on issues that support LOA’s purpose. Direct manuscripts, letters and other communications to :pr@loanational.org. Deadlines: The 1st day of March, June, Sept. and Dec. Story Format: Double-spaced, typed and electronically submitted to pr@loanational.org. Photos & Graphics: Send individual electronic files (hi-res JPG, TIFF or EPS with type as outlines) along with stories (as separate text files) and include cutlines/captions. All photos should be at least 300 dpi or greater resolution. Submitter data: Should be typed at the end of the story file. Information included should be: Rank; full name; service; home mailing address; business name and address; business phone (DSN and commercial); email; three to five sentence biographical sketch; and a photo (as a separate file – see photos and graphics above). Editorial Policy: The editors reserve the right to edit all submissions for length, clarity and libel. All submissions become the property of LOA. Advertisement Formats: Each ad must be sent as a composite hi-res (300 dpi or greater) EPS file with fonts saved as outlines. Full-page ads with bleeds should allow at least 3/8” bleeds. Ad rates visit: www.loanational.org/adrates.html Advertising Contact: Ms Marta Hannon, Managing Editor PO Box 2264 – Arlington, VA 22202 – email: pr@loanational.org – Phone 405-701-5457 Subscriptions: The ER is published quarterly and is available via membership in the Logistics Officer Association at the annual rate of $25. Access membership forms on the website at www.loanational.org.
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SUMMER 2005
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