Not Your Father's Air Force XXXVII

And now airmen can get a medal for sitting in a hole...

Criteria for New Medal Announced

The Air Force last week announced the criteria for the new Nuclear Deterrence Operations Service Medal, which Air Force Secretary Deborah Lee James approved in late May in an effort to acknowledge and help retain high-caliber airmen in the nuclear mission. Airmen who were assigned, deployed, or mobilized on a nuclear mission to a wing, center, or below for 120 consecutive days or 179 nonconsecutive days are eligible to receive the award, retroactive to Dec. 27, 1991, according to a release. "This service medal provides a clearly visible way to recognize the dedication and professionalism of our airmen who are the guardians of our nation's nuclear deterrence. Because of our success, often times nuclear deterrence operations can be overlooked as a critical function," said Col. Zannis Pappas, the missile operations career field manager. "The medal acknowledges the special challenges faced by those airmen charged with supporting the nuclear enterprise and will be a point of pride by all who wear it." The medal is expected to be available in March 2015. Nominations for current airmen are to be processed through the normal chain of command. Retired or separated airmen and families of deceased airmen can submit requests to the Air Force Personnel Center, states the release.

Airmen performing nuke missile duties will get more money, too.  Fame and fortune, USAF-style.  

Apropos o' not much, one wonders if USAF will award the medal to the guys who loaded nuclear-tipped cruise missiles on a BUFF that flew from Minot to Barksdale without the aircrew knowing they had live weapons aboard.

And then there's this in other, better, USAF news:

Three Million and Counting

—Marc V. Schanz

The MQ-1 Predator and MQ-9 Reaper family of systems and its variants have amassed three million flight hours, General Atomics Aeronautical Systems announced Oct. 14. Of the nearly 222,000 total missions completed in MQ-1 Predator/MQ-9 Reaper and Gray Eagle aircraft as of Oct. 2, almost 90 percent were flown in combat. The milestone represents the widespread usage and growth of remotely piloted aircraft systems for applications from intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance gathering to strike operations. Flight hours have grown at an explosive clip for the systems, with just 500,000 hours flown as of 2008, a million two years later, and two million in 2012. The Air Force's own MQ-1 and MQ-9s hit two million flight hours last October. According to the company, it has produced a total of 700 airframes of the various types to date, and is currently testing upgrades and modifications to add range and capacity to the Reaper.

I've said this before and I'll say it again: I get a serious case o' the willies whenever I'm out at Cannon and see a Predator shooting touch 'n' goes in the pattern.   I suppose that's yet another example o' Ol' Fart Syndrome rearing its ugly head.

Not Your Father's Air Force XXXVI

Yet another brick in the wall we call "Not Your Father's Air Force:"

That's a screen shot of a blurb in AFA's Daily Report.  The subject of the article... changes to the promotion system on the E-side of the house... obviously doesn't concern me anymore.  I noted with some interest the current system has a maximum rating of five in the various evaluation categories; in my day we used a 1 - 9 scale, nine being best, but that's neither here nor there.  I clicked on the photo accompanying the article to get a better view of CMSAF Cody and then went off to AF.mil to read his bio, among other things.  Here's Chief Cody's official mug shot:

And here's a detail from that mug shot:

There's this, for those of you who aren't familiar with what all those pretty pieces o' cloth mean:

MAJOR AWARDS AND DECORATIONS
Legion of Merit
Meritorious Service Medal with seven oak leaf clusters
Air Force Commendation Medal with two oak leaf clusters
Air Force Achievement Medal with five oak leaf clusters
Outstanding Airman of the Year Ribbon

Those are the MAJOR decorations, you'll note Chief Cody actually sports 25... count 'em... 25 ribbons.  Contrast the above with the Air Force's first-ever Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force (the CMSAF position was created in 1967), Paul Airey:

Chief Airey's decs:

MAJOR AWARDS AND DECORATIONS
Legion of Merit with oak leaf cluster
Meritorious Service Medal
Air Medal with oak leaf cluster
Air Force Commendation Medal
POW Medal

(a total of 16 awards and decs)

You'll note both Chiefs were awarded the Legion of Merit.  There's this about CMSAF Airey's LoM:

During the Korean conflict, he was awarded the Legion of Merit while assigned at Naha Air Base, Okinawa. The award, an uncommon decoration for an enlisted man, was earned for creating a means of constructing equipment from salvaged parts that improved corrosion control of sensitive radio and radar components.

Key words: "uncommon decoration for an enlisted man."  Apparently the LoM ain't exactly uncommon any longer.

We've gone on (and on) about "medal creep" a lot here at EIP and this just adds more fuel to my fire.  It's bad enough when our generals walk around with more medals than yer average South American dictator (or Rooshian marshals, see link) but when our senior NCOs sport 25 medals and ribbons, well... I guess my point's made.  And don't get me started about the current CMSAF's ridiculous chevrons.

(No, it's NOT sour grapes.  I know what yer thinkin'.)

Not Your Father's Air Force XXXV

From the Usual USAF Source...

SrA. Shabree N. Heasell, a geospatial intelligence analyst with the 603rd Air and Space Operations Center at Ramstein AB, Germany, is one of the Air Force's 12 Outstanding Airmen of the Year for 2014. As a tactics and training analyst, Heasell identified 43 smuggling routes across a 193-square-mile area, leading to the discovery and elimination of 12 enemy workshops, 20 improvised explosive devices, and 50 weapons caches. She developed nine primary and alternate evacuation routes for the Secret Service, ensuring the safety of the President of the United States and 223 staff personnel during the President's diplomatic visit to Africa. Heasell also volunteered 1,270 hours for 15 organizations and led 350 volunteers through 53 events, raising more than $2 million in sales and proceeds that were donated to local schools and charities. Air Force Magazine is shining the spotlight on each OAY in the days leading up to AFA's Air & Space Conference that starts on Sept. 15 in National Harbor, Md. AFA will honor these airmen there.

First of all: congratulations to SrA Heasell on her selection as one of USAF's 12 Outstanding Airmen of the Year.  That's a Big F'in Deal (as Uncle Joe would say).  That said, take a look at the right hand screen the SMSgt is using.  Wikipedia?  Wiki-Freakin'-Pedia?  This photo is supposed to represent intelligence operations, innit?  And The Wiki is a source?  This is the sorta thing that makes me entreat The Deity At Hand to save us.  Please.

Not Your Father's Air Force XXXIV

Back in my day lieutenants looked like this:

The take-away was you didn't know whether to salute 'em or get 'em a binky.  Nowadays?  Some look like this:

There are more photos and a write-up on Lt. Quaco at The Daily Mail.  Yes, MA'AM!

H/t: Milblogging.

Cannon In the News: So Long, Spooky

From the Usual USAF Source...

Cannon Spectres Pass the Torch
 

Eight AC-130H Spectre gunships taxi into position on the flightline prior to the final AC-130H mission conducted at Cannon Air Force Base, N.M., Jan. 16. The C-130 began its operational service with the Air Force in 1956 and AC-130 development began in the early 1960s.(U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Matthew Plew)

The venerable AC-130H gunship bowed-out with an eight ship formation flight marking its last mission with the 16th Special Operations Squadron at Cannon AFB, N. M., this month. "Being able to get all eight of the AC-130H aircraft up is remarkably unique and required everyone to play a vital role," said 16th SOS Commander Lt. Col. James Mott, after the Jan. 16 flight. The unit is retiring the legacy AC-130H as part of Air Force Special Operations Command's transition to the new AC-130J, which is due to begin operational service in 2015. "As we close the books of the C-130H aircraft, we remember how phenomenal this plane was for more than 40 years," Mott said. "Now we transition onto newer models of the C-130 and begin to write new chapters of Air Force history." (Cannon report by SrA Xavier Lockley)

One assumes it's just Cannon that's ceasing operations with the AC-130H and other AFSOC units will continue to fly the current Spectre platform until the AC-130J comes on-line next year.  

There are seven high-res photos of the Spectre and the final mission ceremony at the "Cannon report" link, you should go look.  Those pics include one that would have had EVERY first sergeant I ever had during my career tearing their hair... assuming they had hair; some did not... out.  Why?  Because there are at least four people with their hands in their pockets in the group photo of the 16th SOS.  "Not your father's Air Force," indeed.

Not Your Father's Air Force XXXIII

A few bits from the AFA's Daily Report beginning with...
O, my aching ass:

Hey Spike, It's Friday!

 

Morale is back—at least on Fridays—thanks to new uniform policy changes published by the Air Force this week in response to airmen's feedback over the past few years. "The policy changes revolve around …heritage, team building, esprit de corps, and unit pride," said Col. Patrick Doherty, director of Air Force services, in a Jan. 17 release. Single color T-shirts with a unit crest, known as "morale patches," and flight suit nickname-badges will now be allowed at unit commander's discretion, provided they are uniform and tasteful, states the release. Additionally, airmen who served with other branches will now be able to wear non-Air Force qualification badges on their ABUs. "The increased wear of the ABU in-garrison" on top of airmen's desire to wear what they've earned "makes authorized wear on the ABU a logical step," said Lt. Gen. Sam Cox, deputy personnel chief. Other updates include reversing a ban on brightly colored running shoes in physical training uniform, and allowing non-black mobile phones in uniform.

I really am speechless.  Let's have a palate cleanser, please.  Like this:

Eerie Glow

Air Frame: An A-10 Thunderbolt II from the 127th Wing is parked beneath a shelter on a foggy morning Jan. 11, 2014, at Selfridge Air National Guard Base, Mich. Selfridge Air National Guard Base has been used as a military air field since 1917. (Air National Guard photo by TSgt. Robert Hanet)

And then there's this:

While We're In the Neighborhood

An F-22 Raptor conducted a fly-by at the Bahrain International Air Show on Jan. 16. But where did it come from? An Air Force Headquarters spokesman said F-22s are "currently deployed to an undisclosed location in Southwest Asia," making them available for the show without making a dedicated trip from CONUS for the occasion. The flyby is "one way we can showcase US military aircraft at a premier air show," the spokesman said. The F-22 and a B-1B bomber—also based in the region—will make flybys, but not be on static display, although a number of US military aircraft, mostly Navy, will be. "We have a longstanding relationship with the air show and our regional military partners and we hope that it will enhance our future relationships," the spokesman said. Participation "enhances our interoperability and demonstrates our shared commitment to regional security and stability." Air Force officials have previously disclosed that F-22s have rotated to an unnamed base in the region of the Persian Gulf, especially during heightened tensions with Iran. Last March, an F-22 warned off Iranian F-4s, which were intercepting a USAF MQ-1 Predator drone over the Persian Gulf. Chief of Staff Gen. Mark Welsh told attendees at AFA's Air & Space Conference in September that the F-22 inspected one F-4's weapons load from below—apparently unnoticed—and then "pulled up on their left wing and called them and said, 'You really ought to go home.'"

—John A. Tirpak

In re: the highlighted bits... I know!  I know!  (insert smiley-face thingie here)  And regarding that Iranian F-4... I'll bet the aircrew had to change their shorts when they got home.

Not Your Father's Air Force XXXII

Better:



From the notes accompanying the vid at The Tube o' You:

Published on Dec 5, 2013

Starting with a single cellist on the floor of the National Air and Space Museum's "Milestones of Flight" gallery, and swelling to 120 musicians, The U.S. Air Force Band exhilarated museum visitors with its first-ever flash mob. The four-minute performance featured an original arrangement of "Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring/Joy to the World," led by the band's commander and conductor, Col. Larry H. Lang. Unsuspecting museum visitors including tourists and school groups were astonished as instrumentalists streamed into the gallery from behind airplanes and space capsules, and vocalists burst into song from the Museum's second floor balcony.

Now how cool is that?  We had the Air Force Band back in the day, but we didn't have flash mobs.  Wait.  Let me think on that... Happy Hour at the club MIGHT qualify.

H/t to My Buddy Ed In Florida, who sent me the link.

Not Your Father's Air Force XXXI

From the Usual USAF Source:

DOD to Offer Benefits to Same-Sex Couples Following DOMA Ruling

Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel said the Pentagon will "expeditiously" move forward in making benefits available to all military spouses—including same-sex couples—following the Supreme Court's June 26 decision regarding the Defense of Marriage Act. The Supreme Court struck down a major provision of the 1996 law, saying it's unconstitutional to deny federal benefits to same-sex couples who are married in states where it's legal. However, the ruling left in place any state laws banning same-sex marriage, reported the Washington Post. In a statement released following the ruling, Hagel said DOD "welcomed" the decision and "will immediately begin the process of implementing the Supreme Court's decision in consultation with the Department of Justice and other executive branch agencies." During a Wednesday afternoon press conference, Hagel said it's not yet clear how much it will cost to implement. "We are now exploring all the pieces," said Hagel. Pentagon spokesman Lt. Cmdr. Nate Christensen said the ruling "means the Defense Department will extend all benefits to same-sex spouses of military personnel that are currently extended  to opposite-sex spouses, including medical, dental, interment at Arlington National Cemetery, and with-dependent Basic Allowance for Housing." Christensen said he anticipates it will take six to 12 weeks to update the identification card issuance infrastructure and to update applicable ID card guidance. In addition, he said DOD is "carefully reviewing command sponsorship for overseas tours and all applicable status of forces agreements."  (AFPS release)

—Amy McCullough

We knew it was coming now, didn't we?  I wonder what the SOF with, say, Egypt or Saudi Arabia says about same-sex couples.  Are they exempt from stoning or being hung from a crane?

Not Your Father's Air Force XXX (An Update)

From the Usual USAF Source:

Distinguished Warfare Medal Eliminated  Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel on Monday eliminated the Distinguished Warfare Medal, opting instead to create a new distinguishing device to affix to existing medals in order to recognize military personnel, such as remotely piloted aircraft and cyber operators, who have an extraordinary impact on combat operations while serving off the battlefield. "Utilizing a distinguishing device to recognize impacts on combat operations reserves our existing combat medals for those service members who incur the physical risk and hardship of combat, perform valorous acts, are wounded in combat, or as a result of combat give their last full measure for our nation," reads Hagel's April 15 memorandum explaining his decision. Hagel adopted the April 9 recommendation of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, in concurrence with the service Secretaries, to forego the medal. His memo directs the Defense Department to develop within the next 90 days the award criteria and other details of the distinguishing device for his final approval. The Pentagon in February unveiled the DWM. The medal's order of precedence—above the Bronze Star Medal—raised objections among some lawmakers and veterans' organizations. Hagel then ordered a review of the DWM led by JCS Chairman Gen. Martin Dempsey. (See also Hagel's statement.)

Well, that's good news... sorta.   I can hear these sorts o' conversations in the future...

Q:  How'd ya get yer Bronze Star?

A:  I successfully completed 21 drone missions over The Af.

Q:  Drone missions?  You got a Bronze Star for that?

A:  Yeah... see this lil device thingie on my ribbon?  That explains it all.

Sorta. 

Not Your Father's Air Force XXIX

This is interesting...

(Reuters) - The U.S. Air Force has designated six cyber tools as weapons, which should help the programs compete for increasingly scarce dollars in the Pentagon budget, an Air Force official said on Monday.

Lieutenant General John Hyten, vice commander of Air Force Space Command, which oversees satellite and cyberspace operation, said the new designations would help normalize military cyber operations as the U.S. military works to keep up with rapidly changing threats in the newest theater of war.

"This means that the game-changing capability that cyber is is going to get more attention and the recognition that it deserves," Hyten told a cyber conference held in conjunction with the National Space Syposium in Colorado Springs.

[...]

He gave no details on the new cyber weapons, but the Pentagon has become more open over the past year about its work to develop offensive cyber capabilities in the face of escalating cyber attacks by China, Russia, Iran and others.

That makes sense... weapons and weapons systems get funded, ephemeral "capabilities" not so much.  It's about time the US got serious about cyber-warfare.  There's a lot to do when it comes to securing our national IT infrastructure... financial systems, pipelines, power grids, the inter-tubes as a whole... not to mention our near total reliance on IT to conduct warfare in this day and age.  It's a good thing we're developing an offensive cyber capability but I tend to worry more... much more... about our cyber DEFENSES.

Apropos o' not much... the Air Force provided me with my entrée into the wonderful world of IT back around 1984 or so.  I didn't know a microprocessor from a food processor when my management made me the point guy for rolling out the first-ever desktop computers in my lil corner o' the Air Force Communications Command's Engineering/Installations Division.  The learning curve was steep... VERY steep... but that particular tasking/responsibility set the stage for my follow-on civilian career in IT, and the rest is history.  I gotta say the computer biz was one helluva lot more lucrative than the radar biz ever was.  Thanks, Air Force.

Not Your Father's Air Force XXVIII

This is pretty unusual:

Col. Bush (right)

Grand Forks Commander Relieved Due to Waistline: Air Mobility Command this week relieved Col. Tim Bush of command of the 319th Air Base Wing at Grand Forks AFB, N.D., due to his failure to meet the service's physical fitness standards, according to a command release. "Bush was not relieved for alleged misconduct or wrongdoing," states the March 20 release that came out the same day as his dismissal from the post, which he had held since July 2011. Instead, the reason was Bush's waist size, which exceeded "by inches" the Air Force's maximum-allowed girth of 39 inches for men, reported the Grand Forks Herald. "I failed to meet the waist measurement component of the physical fitness standard," said Bush, 47, who stands six feet, one inch tall and weighs 227 pounds, according to the newspaper. He added, "That's the only component I failed." Maj. Gen. William Bender, US Air Force Expeditionary Center commander, took the action since he has administrative control of the wing, according to AMC's release. Bender appointed Col. Christopher Mann, 319th ABW vice commander, as interim wing commander. Bush, who was reportedly a "well-respected" leader, has requested retirement, according to the newspaper.

Looks like Big Air Force (heh) is pretty serious about the Fat Boy program these days.  That wasn't always the case, IIRC.  I think this is a good thing.  

That said, this lil item is a day late and a couple o' pounds short of helping the good colonel:

You Are What You Eat: The Air Force has launched a pilot campaign called "Better Foods, Better Bodies" to motivate airmen and their families to eat healthier. "We want airmen and their families to live long, healthy lives and we know a lot of that depends on what they put into their bodies," said Mary Balch of the Air Force Medical Operations Agency, who is directing the campaign, in a March 19 release. The Air Force surgeon general's office and AFMOA's health promotion office are leading this effort, which is under way at three pilot locations before its potential rollout across the entire Air Force: JB Andrews, Md.; JBSA-Lackland, Tex.; and JB Langley-Eustis, Va. From online tools and resources, like recipes, to posters and coupons, the campaign seeks to educate airmen and their families in making smarter food choices, such as eating more fruits and vegetables, states the release.

I don't think THIS is a good thing.  Money's pretty tight right now and throwing it away on what's basically a "feel good," nanny-like effort doesn't make much sense to me.

Not Your Father's Air Force XXVII - A Follow-Up

I recently posted about the reversal of a USAF Lt. Colonel's court-martial conviction for sexual misconduct.  Well, guess what?

General Franklin

Hagel Intervenes in Aviano Sex-Abuse Case: Amid lawmakers' outcry, Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel has directed Air Force Secretary Michael Donley and Defense Department Acting General Counsel Robert Taylor to look into the decision by 3rd Air Force Commander Lt. Gen. Craig Franklin that overturned the sexual-misconduct conviction of a former officer at Aviano AB, Italy. Sen. Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.) announced Hagel's action on Monday, releasing the March 7 letter that he sent her. Hagel wrote Boxer that he wanted Donley and Taylor "to determine how the factual basis" for Franklin's decision "can be made more transparent" and to review the case "to assess whether all aspects of the [Uniform Code of Military Justice] were followed." He wants them to report to him—after they consult with the Army and Navy Secretaries—whether DOD should consider UCMJ changes. Hagel also told Boxer he's prepared to work with lawmakers to "help ensure the effectiveness" of DOD's responses "to the crime of sexual assault." Franklin was the convening authority for the court-martial of Lt. Col. James Wilkerson, former 31st Fighter Wing inspector general found guilty last November of improper sexual conduct with a female civilian base employee. Upon reviewing the case, Franklin overturned the conviction, citing lack of sufficient evidence. Under the UCMJ, the convening authority's decision is final; no one, including the Defense Secretary can change it, according to Hagel's missive. Hagel said the case "does raise a significant question" about the convening authority's role.

That's from the Usual USAF Source, of course.  It's the Usual Suspects that are stirring the pot, which is to say female politicians with a Big D after their names.  It will be interesting to see if the reversal stands, as it should.  I can also guarantee that General Franklin will be summoned before Congress to defend his decision before one committee or another.

A further follow-up:

Distinguished Warfare Medal Ranking to Stand: Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel told Sen. Pat Toomey (R-Pa.) that the new Distinguished Warfare Medal is appropriately ranked despite the protests from lawmakers and some veterans' groups, according to the senator. "This is a disappointment," said Toomey in a March 11 release. "While I fully support appropriate recognition of all military personnel whose extraordinary actions make a difference in combat operations, I am concerned about this decision and the new medal's ranking in DOD's order of precedence," he added. The controversy stems from the fact that the DWM ranks higher than the Bronze Star and Purple Heart. Toomey is not alone in his concern. A bipartisan group of more than 20 senators sent a letter to Hagel on March 8 "urging him to preserve the precedence of combat decorations over a new medal honoring drone pilots and cyber warriors." On the House side, a group led by Rep. Duncan Hunter (R-Calif.) has introduced legislation that would prohibit the Pentagon from ranking the DWM equal to, or higher than the Purple heart.

Arrogance.  Pure, unmitigated, go-fuck-yerself arrogance.  I hope the House follows through with legislation.

 .

Not Your Father's Air Force XXVI

It's pretty easy to go all "Get Off My Lawn" over this...

Pentagon Defends Precedence of New Medal: Pentagon officials justified the precedence of the new Distinguished Warfare Medal, which ranks above the Bronze Star Medal. "We are not diminishing at all the importance of the Bronze Star—that remains an important award for our combat troops," explained Pentagon Press Secretary George Little in the Defense Department's Feb. 19 release. DOD created the Distinguished Warfare Medal to recognize the combat achievements of personnel who aren't physically present on the battlefield, but whose actions have a direct effect on combat success. An example is a remotely piloted aircraft operator stationed far from the battlefield who controls an RPA in the combat zone that drops a bomb to take out a target. The new medal does not recognize valor, while Bronze Star awards may come with a Valor Device. That's one reason DOD has received some pushback over the precedence of the new medal after announcing it on Feb. 13. "We expect this award to be granted pretty rarely, and that factored in to the decision," said Little. Military leaders agreed that service members at rear locations are "doing incredible things, and we wanted the ability to recognize them," added Juliet Beyler, DOD' acting personnel management director. (AFPS report by Jim Garamone)

I really do expect this award to become known as the "video game" medal, or something similar.  I'm not disparaging the efforts of those who fly RPAs, or the weapons controllers/sensor operators who sit beside them.  Everyone's efforts and contributions are important to the team, but we already have decorations that are suitable for such service... like the MSM, AF Commendation Medal, and so on.  Just sayin'.

You can see the complete order of precedence for awards and decorations here, and kudos to The Wiki's editors for updating the chart so quickly.

Not Your Father's Air Force XXV

From a piece at Milblogging.com:

Apparently, Team Maxwell-Gunter at Maxwell Air Force Base earned very low marks for standards in 2011.  "Disregarding them shows a lack of attention to detail and a lack of respect to our service. It shows disregard to our core values." writes Jeff Bergdolt of the 42nd Air Base Wing Plans Office.

While news of uniform violations may not be all that interesting, here's where the story gets juicy.

In the coming months, Maxwell AFB photographers will capture pictures of standards violations across Maxwell Air Force base and post them in the Dispatch.  Then readers will be challenged to identify the violation. 

Fashionistas are going to have a field day with this.

Dang.  I would have been a permanent feature on this Hit Parade, had USAF adopted this sorta thang back in the day.  From an old post...

...what used to be known as AFR 35-10... the bane of my military existence and a perpetual thorn in my non-conformist side... but is now AFI 36-2903. (Minor digression: Today's Modern Air Force doesn't have regulations; it has "instructions." This irritates me slightly, an unusual position for a non-conformist to take. Whatevah.)

You have NO ideer, Gentle Reader, how many times I shot myself in the foot over "personal appearance" issues. It took me a loooong time to grow up.  Wait.  Check that -- it hasn't happened yet.

Not Your Father's Air Force XXIV

Which is actually a follow-up to NYFAF XIX:

The Russians are Coming, Almost: US and Russian officials continue to hash out the details of a B-52/Tu-95 bomber exchange, Air Force Global Strike Command spokeswoman Capt. Karen Mock told the Daily Report. "Further discussions are presently underway to solidify the details for the execution of exchange visits of bombers, crews, and support personnel," said Mock on Jan. 11. AFGSC announced the US-Russia "long-range aviation bomber exchange program" last August after a command-led delegation returned from a site survey of Engels Air Base in Saratov, Russia, to determine if Engels was suitable to support B-52H operations. The July 21-28, 2012, visit came after a Russian group toured Barksdale AFB, La., from July 11-12, 2012, to gauge its ability to host the Tu-95. Mock said the "site surveys at both locations were found to be satisfactory." The Russians proposed the bomber exchange during annual US-Russia security-cooperation discussions, she said.

Details, details.  I think the Debbil's in there, somewhere.

Just in case ya missed it...

Friday, August 10, 2012

Not Your Father's Air Force XIX

From the Usual USAF Source:

Members from Barksdale Air Force Base, La., and Russian Federation air force personnel pose for a group photo as a Tu-95 “Bear” bomber prepares to land at Engels Air Base, Russia, July 25, 2012. Col. Andrew Gebara, 2nd Bomb Wing commander, and a team of experts visited the Russian base to determine the suitability of the airfield for B-52H Stratofortress operations. (Courtesy photo)

US, Russia Create Bomber Exchange Program: A delegation from Barksdale AFB, La., visited Engels Air Base in Saratov, Russia, establishing the foundation for a US-Russia long-range aviation bomber exchange program, announced Air Force Global Strike Command officials. "We're going to fly B-52s to Russia and they're going to fly Tu-95 Bears to Barksdale," said 2nd Bomb Wing Commander Col. Andrew Gebara, who led the Barksdale group, in an Aug. 8 release. He added, "It's a tremendous opportunity for our two nations to learn from each other to improve aviation technology and skills in our respective air forces." During the July visit, the seven-member US delegation evaluated Engels airfield to see if it was suitable for B-52H operations. "One of the big takeaways from our trip is that while we fly different aircraft and are from opposite ends of the globe, our objective is the same," said Lt. Col. Michael Thompson, 2nd BW director of staff, who was with the delegation. "We all want to have a safe and credible deterrent force." (Barksdale report by A1C Samuel O'Brien)

Oh, my aching ASS.  First it was the rumor that the Rooshians were gonna fly at Red Flag, now this... which is no rumor at all.  It also looks like those (former) commies are gettin' the better end o' the deal, too, what with goin' to Barksdale.  Our guys, OTOH, are gonna be stuck out in the middle o' freakin' NOwhere. 

See?

Well, at least blog-bud Loosy-Anna Andy will get to see some Bears up close and personal (sorta).

I'd kinda like to see a Bear myownself, actually.

Not Your Father's Air Force XXIII

But it's a great place to work...

Lucky Thirteen: Airmen voted the Air Force the 13th best place to work in 2012 among the federal government's large agencies, up five spots compared to 2011. The rating is based on the non-partisan, non-profit Partnership for Public Service's annual survey of employee satisfaction and commitment across 362 federal agencies and subcomponents. As was the case last year, the Air Force finished slightly behind the Navy, which ended up in 10th place in 2012 (up from 15th place in 2011.) Unlike last year, the Air Force finished ahead of the Army, which occupies the 14th spot (up from 16th place in 2011). This year's survey of nearly 700,000 civil servants measured factors including: effective leadership, employee skills and mission match, pay, teamwork; and work-life balance. NASA came in first among the large agencies; the Homeland Security Department was last.

That's according to Silly Servants who are NOT "airmen," they're frickin' civilians who work for the Air Force.  Now that we're clear on that... I'm betting the ranking would be a LOT higher if the troops themselves were polled.  It's that ol' "quality o' life" thang... plus the opportunity to get some million dollar views.

Air Frame: SrA. Timothy Oberman (left) and SSgt. Nick Alarcon watch out the back of their C-130H Hercules after dropping humanitarian goods to Pacific islanders on Dec. 11, 2012, as part of the Air Force's annual Operation Christmas Drop flights. Oberman and Alarcon are loadmasters with the 36th Airlift Squadron at Yokota AB, Japan. (Air Force photo by TSgt. Samuel Morse)

More Potpourri

I finally got off the dime and sent Mitt some money today.

I gave a lot more to McCain in the last election but I was a lot fatter then.  Or at least I felt that way.  Sorry, Mitt... but you're right: times are tough.

―:☺:―

I overslept again today... not arising until 1050 hrs... and it was just after 1100 when I fired up the peesee and noticed a note from SN1... sent at 1045 hrs... announcing he wanted to spend some quality time with me via Skype.  And so we did, about a half-hour's worth.  Thangs are fine in the desert, except for GO #1, about which both SN1 and I ranted and raved for some time... for entirely different reasons.  I was on about the alcohol prohibition, SN1 was on about the Air Force prohibiting quarters visits between members of the opposite sex (among other thangs).  I can see his point, as there are three female squadron commanders in his organization and it's good to talk with your peers, share knowledge, yadda, yadda.  Not Your Father's Air Force can be REAL stoopid at times, but we both agreed: It is what it is, and ya gotta grin and bear it.

 ―:☺:―

About the oversleeping, sorta.   I always play this game with myself to test my internal clock.  The very first thing I do upon awakening in the morning is to guess the time, followed by checking my phone for the actual time (I have no clocks in the house, other than on the range, microwave, and VCR).  My "body clock" is very well-developed and most of the time my guesstimated time is within a few minutes of the actual time.  That was the case when I woke up this morning at 0830 (I guessed 0815), which was entirely TOO early to get up.  So we go back to sleep, wake up again and guess the time as 0930 hrs.  WRONG... it was 1050.  What the Hell happened there, I wonder?

―:☺:―

Remember I told ya that I'd bought a dozen different flavors of incense this time around, broadening our horizons in another sorta way?  Well, I've worked my way through all of the different scents and am sorta pleased that I like ALL of 'em.  Hell, I can't even identify one or the other as "my favorite," which complicates the buying question the next time we go to re-supply.  I know: First World Problems.  We haz 'em.

Not Your Father's Air Force XXII

Mebbe not YOUR father's, but most certainly mine.  Here's a gallery of custom WW II USAAF A-2 jackets... and there are some beauts there.  Here's one:

"Der Grossarschnoogel Grossarschvogel?"  I think I might know what that means...  (see the comments and you'll KNOW)

The h/t goes to NaCly Dog, who dropped the link to this site in comments at The Lexicans.

Surfing Lessons From the Geese

Or, how to mix yer metaphors...  From the Usual USAF Source:

California Surfing Automated-Style: In a recent series of trials at Edwards AFB, Calif., two C-17s probed the fuel-savings potential of long-distance formation flying using automated control software to maintain position. This Air Force Research Lab-sponsored project is known as Surfing Aircraft Vortices for Energy, or $AVE, states an Oct. 11 AFRL release. It "involves two or more aircraft flying together for a reduced drag effect like what you see with a flock of geese," explained Donald Erbschloe, Air Mobility Command's chief scientist, in an Oct. 10 command release. The software allow pilots to "surf" the vortex of a lead airplane for long distances, thereby conserving energy, according to AFRL. "The autopilot held the position extremely well, even close to the vortex," noted test pilot Capt. Zachary Schaffer. The tests ran from Sept. 6 to Oct. 2. Analysis of initial data indicates that the trailing C-17 cut fuel burn by almost 10 percent while flying no closer than 4,000 feet from the lead aircraft, according to Edwards officials. This type of formation flying holds the promise of reducing fuel consumption by "millions of gallons" annually, according to AFRL.

"$AVE."  That's cute, innit?  I like the concept, though.  The reference to geese reminded me of one of the first of those tiresome management homilies I ever saw was force-fed... "Lessons From the Geese," Item Number One bein' this:

Lesson 1 - The Importance of Achieving Goals
As each goose flaps its wings it creates an UPLIFT for the birds that follow. By flying in a 'V' formation the whole flock adds 71 percent extra to the flying range.

Outcome
When we have a sense of community and focus, we create trust and can help each other to achieve our goals. 

The rest is here... if you can stand it.

Aside:  I was tempted to make this a "Not Your Father's Air Force" post, but the ideer is good and there ain't no irony in it at all.  Disqualified.

Not Your Father's Air Force XXI

From the Usual USAF Source and a Cannon Airplane Patch press release...

Suite Digs at Cannon: The 27th Special Operations Wing broke ground this week on a new $12.4 million enlisted dormitory at Cannon AFB, N.M. The dorm, scheduled for completion in fall 2013, will house 96 airmen in separate quad bedrooms that share laundry and common areas in a suite-style arrangement, states a Cannon release. "We are working toward single occupancy and this will move us closer to that goal until future dorms are built," said TSgt. Matthew Smith, 27th Special Operations Civil Engineer Squadron project noncommissioned officer in charge. "The new dormitory is something that Air Force Special Operations Command has long awaited," added project chief Robert Ferry. "It's a step toward premier unaccompanied housing at Cannon." Civil engineers at Cannon began preparations for the project in April; officials ceremoniously hefted the project's first shovel loads of earth on Aug. 27. (Cannon report by A1C Xavier Lockley)

Sweet, indeed.  Here's a better image of the floor plan you can barely see in the corner of the pic above, even if ya embiggen it:

Private baths!  Closets!  A freakin' laundry room and a KITCHEN, even.  This is a far cry from the way I lived when I was a junior airman.  Hell, I had a roommate when I was a staff sergeant and we had communal latrines in the dorm I lived in.  The first time I ever had a room of my own was when I made tech sergeant, but I still had to share a bathroom with about 20 of my closest friends.  I shouldn't complain, though... at least I wasn't in the Navy.

Heh.