Same Mission, Focused Priorities Same Mission, Focused Priorities

72 Pages·2014·13.15 MB·English

AIRLIFT/TANKER QUARTERLY
Volume 22 • Number 4 • Fall 2014
SSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaammmmmmmmmmmmmmmmeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee MMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiissssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiioooooooooooooooonnnnnnnnnnnnnnnn,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,
FFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFooooooooooooooooooooooooccccccccccccccccccccccccuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuusssssssssssssssssssssssseeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeedddddddddddddddddddddddd PPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrriiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiioooooooooooooooooooooooorrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrriiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiittttttttttttttttttttttttiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiieeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeessssssssssssssssssssssss
TTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTThhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhheeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiirrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrlllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllliiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiifffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffftttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttt////////////////////////////////TTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaannnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeerrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssoooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooocccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccciiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaattttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiioooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooonnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnn
CCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooonnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccceeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeennnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnntttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrraaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaattttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttteeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeesssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssss ooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooonnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnn MMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiissssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooonnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnn aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaannnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddd OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOObbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccctttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiivvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvveeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeesssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssss
Pages 10-15
2014 A/TA
Awards
PPaaggeess 2211--4488
A Salute to Our
Industry Partners
PPaaggeess 5500--5599

Table of

Contents
Association Business
2013 A/TA Board of Officers & Convention Staff ......................................................................2
Chairman’s Comments. .............................................................................................................4
President’s Message ....................................................................................................................5
Secretary’s Notes ........................................................................................................................5
AIRLIFT/TANKER QUARTERLY Lost Member List .....................................................................................................................66
Volume 22 • Number 4 • Fall 2014
Association & Chapter Contacts ..............................................................................................68
Airlift/Tanker Quarterly is published four
times a year by the Airlift/Tanker Association, Features
9312 Convento Terrace, Fairfax, Virginia 22031.
Postage paid at Belleville, Illinois. A Welcome Message from General McDew. ...........................................................................6-7
Subscription rate: $40.00 per year. Change of
address requires four weeks notice. A Welcome Message from Chief Master Sergeant Victoria Gamble. .....................................8-9
The Airlift/Tanker Association is a non-profit Cover Story
professional organization dedicated to providing
a forum for people interested in improving the Same Mission, Focused Priorities
capability of U.S. air mobility forces. The Airlift/Tanker Association Concentrates on Mission and Objectives...........................10-15
The Founding Members of the Airlift/Tanker
Association (*Deceased) are: General Bill Moore,* Airlift/Tanker Hall of Fame .................................................................................................16-20
MajGen Jim “Bagger” Baginski,* MajGen Tom
2014 A/TA Awards
Sadler, BrigGen Mal Hooker, Col Bob Ellington,
Col Jimmy Maturo, Col Bill Bailey,* Col Ken 2014 A/TA Hall of Fame Inductee .......................................................................................22-24
Chatfield,* LtCol Hank Van Gieson and Mr.
2014 A/TA Young Leadership Award Winners ....................................................................26-29
C. W. Scott.*
Membership in the Airlift/Tanker Association 2014 A/TA General Robert E. “Dutch” Huyser Award Winners .........................................30-31
is $40 annually or $110 for three years. Full-
time student membership is $15 per year. Life 2014 A/TA General P. K. Carlton Award for Valor Winner ......................................................33
membership is $500. Industry Partner membership 2014 A/TA Colonel Gail S. Halvorsen Award Winner .............................................................36
includes five individual memberships and is $1500
per year. Membership dues include a subscription to 2014 A/TA Specialized Mission Award Winner .......................................................................39
Airlift/Tanker Quarterly, and are subject to change. 2014 A/TA General Ronald Fogleman ASAM Award Winner ..................................................40
Airlift/Tanker Quarterly is published for the
use of subscribers, officers, advisors and members 2014 A/TA Key Spouse of the Year Award Winner ..................................................................43
of the Airlift/Tanker Association.
2014 A/TA LtGen James E. Sherrard III Award (AFRC) Winner ...............................................44
The appearance of articles or advertisements,
including inserts, in Airlift/Tanker Quarterly 2014 A/TA MajGen Stanley F. H. Newman Award (ANG) Winner ..........................................47
does not constitute an endorsement by the
Airlift/Tanker Association, the Air Mobility 2014 MAF Aviation Fuel Efficiency Awards .............................................................................48
Command, the Department of the Air Force or A Salute to the A/TA Industry Partners ...............................................................................50-59
the Department of Defense, of the viewpoints,
products or services mentioned or advertised. Mobility News & Views .......................................................................................................60-65
©2014. Articles appearing in this publication
may not be reprinted, in any form, without Alphabetical List of Advertisers
prior written approval from the Airlift/Tanker
Airbus Defense & Space ................................................................................................41 & 49
Association.
Airlift/Tanker Quarterly is quarterly news cycle- Air Compassion for Veterans (courtesy ad) ...........................................................................67
dependent and is distributed as follows: Winter:
AMC Museum (courtesy ad) ..................................................................................................63
January / February / March; Spring: April / May
/ June; Summer: July / August / September; Fall: ARSAG ....................................................................................................................................45
October / November / December [actual distribution A/TA Enlisted Education Grant Program ...............................................................................13
dates vary]. The copy deadline for submitted stories,
articles, letters, etc., is as follows: Winter: December BOEING ............................................................................................................................34-35
30th; Spring: March 30th; Summer: June 30th; Fall Bose ........................................................................................................................................38
[Convention Edition]: August 30th.
Coastal Aircraft/Oregon Aero..................................................................................Back Cover
Airlift/Tanker Quarterly accepts advertising
for the inside front and back covers for the David Clark ............................................................................................................................42
Winter, Spring and Summer Editions; and for
Elbit Systems of America ........................................................................................................46
throughout the Fall Convention Edition.
Esterline | CMC Electronics ...................................................................................................37
FlightSafety ...................................................................................................Inside Back Cover
EDITORIAL STAFF:
Gulfstream..............................................................................................................................32
Gen. Arthur Lichte, USAF, Retired
Chairman, Board of Officers Lockheed Martin ....................................................................................................................14
Parker Aerospace .........................................................................................Inside Front Cover
Mr. Collin R. Bakse
Editor and Art Director Pratt & Whitney .......................................................................................................................3
Mr. Doug Lynch Rockwell Collins ....................................................................................................................25
Business Manager
Snowball Express (courtesy ad) ..............................................................................................64
Col. Ronald E. Owens, USAF Retired
Editorial Advisor
Col. Gregory Cook, USAF
ON THE COVER: Artwork by A/TQ Art Director Collin Bakse illustrating the 2014-2016 A/TA 3 year
EEddiittoorriiaall CCoonnttrriibbuuttoorr//PPuubblliicc AAffffaaiirrss CCoooorrddiinnaattoorr
vision to focus on the Association’s Mission and Objectives.
A/TQ • Airlift/Tanker Quarterly • Fall 2014
PRINTED IN U.S.A. 1
A/TQ • Airlift/Tanker Quarterly • Fall 2014
2

Meanderings on the Interwebs… Chairman’s
The last (Summer) edition of A/TQ featured
a rather lengthly article about the progress
of the newly named KC-46A Pegasus aerial Comments
tanker program, so, for this edition, I thought
it was important to include something about
airlift. To that end, I Googled® the word “Air-
lift” for a little inspiration. And, wow! There
is a lot of inspirational sentiment among the
Welcome to Nashville—the Music City and Capital of Tennessee,
million plus “hits” returned by the search
but for the next few days this city will be “The Mobility Capital of
engine. There are dozens, actually hundreds,
the World.” Sure Nashville has the Country Music Hall of Fame and
of organizations that help provide air trans-
the Grand Ole Opry, but we have the Mobility Hall of Fame and this
portation for folks in need – Air Compassion
year we will induct Col Earl B. Young, the FIRST 18th AF Commander.
for Veterans [see courtesy ad on page 67] and
What a great time!
Angel Flight are excellent examples. But what
I’m more than excited as this is my first Convention & Symposium
I found particularily fascinating were all the
as Chairman of the Airlift/Tanker Association and I welcome all of you
stories about airlift and animals.
to what I think will be a great gathering. It’s not only a first for me, but
The organization Pilots N Paws, in Green-
a first for Gen McDew and Gen Selva in their respective positions. We
ville, South Carolina, recently coordinataed
are so glad they could join us along with the Secretary of the Air Force,
50 volunteer pilots during the airlift of 500+ Gen Arthur J. Lichte
Chief of Staff of the Air Force and the Chief Master Sergeant of the Air
rescue animals from over-crowded shelters to USAF, Ret
Force. In a real testament for the Total Force nature of the mobility
new homes and non-kill shelters throughout
mission, we are very fortunate to have the Commander of the AF Reserve Command and the Di-
the US. Wings of Rescue similarily relocated
rector of the Air National Guard with us too, along
500+ dogs from Southern California to the
with a few other surprises. “As I write this welcome note,
Northwest using volunteer pilots last holiday
As I write this welcome note, you – our mobil-
season. There are many more examples of air- you – our mobility Airmen – are
ity Airmen – are out conducting humanitarian
lift efforts of this nature, and there are many
missions over Iraq saving thousands of people
more that are a bit more exotic. out conducting humanitarian
you have never met. That’s what makes you great.
For instance, on 24 August of this year, the
Our Air Force can go with the outstretched hand missions over Iraq saving thou-
U.N., which has previously airlifted orphaned
of help, or with the clenched fist to make the bad
gorillas and chimpanzees, rescued two chim-
guys pay the price for their actions. You show sands of people you have never
panzees, a five-year-old male named “Kin”
respect to each other and to people around the
and a three-year-old female named “Sasha,” world. As a result, you are the most respected mo- met. That’s what makes you
from captivity behind a supermarket in Kin-
bility force in the world. You are the inspiration for
shasa and airlifted them to a permanent sanc- great…You show respect to each
our theme this year, “Air Mobility: Accomplished
tuary in the eastern Democratic Republic of
Congo. An even more exotic example is the by Professionals – Skilled and Respected!” other and to people around the
A special welcome to the many civic leaders
airlifting of rhinoceroses. That’s right rhinos.
who join us from our mobility bases all around world. As a result, you are the
Earlier this year a South African Rhino was
this great country of ours. I know you are proud of
airlifted to a “your Airmen,” and they are proud to live in your most respected mobility force in
secret location
communities.
to protect it the world.”
I am also especially happy that we have so many
from poach-
of our Industry Partners back with us again. A/TA
ers. The White
is grateful for all you do to support us and, more importantly, supporting the fabulous Airmen
Rhino was
who make up the mobility team.
transferred
I know this is going to be a great convention that will reinforce our themes to Support Mobility
to a different enclosure as part of an annual
Airmen, Preserve Our Culture, and Strengthening Our Bonds. So, have a great time and as they
wildlife relocation program. There are plans to
say down here in Nashville, “Ya’ll come back now, ya’hear!”
move 500+ more rhinos for their protection.
Not quite as exotic as chimpanzees and Art Lichte
rhinos, but just as interesting is the airlifting
of livestock. Pacific Airlift, Inc. enjoys a long
and storied history in the transportation of
animals to and from Hawaii. Started in the
late 50s, the company now uses the daily ser-
vice of a 747 aircraft. Horses are flown once
a month accompanied by a veterinarian and
livestock handlers. Cattle are flown to and
from Hawaii too. Turns out that flying cattle
Welcome to Nashville and the 46th Annual
to and from Hawaii is very competitive with
ocean rates. Who knew?
How do these stories relate to our A/TA
family and the Air Mobility community?
They are stories about air mobility, compas-
sion and volunteers. Sound Familiar?
Collin Bakse, editor
A/TQ • Airlift/Tanker Quarterly • Fall 2014
4
President’s
Secretarys’ Notes
Message
Welcome to the 46th Airlift/Tanker
Association Convention, Symposium and
Technology Exhibition. Welcome back to
Nashville! It has been a great first year as
Secretary, suffice it
Welcome FRIENDS to A/TA’s 46th Annual Conference/Sympo-
to say I’ve learned
sium and Technology Exposition here at the Gaylord Opryland Ho-
a lot and appreci-
tel, Nashville, TN.
ate everyone who
First, I would like to welcome General McDew, AMC Commander
has helped me
and Chief Gamble, AMC Command Chief. This will be their first
along the way.
convention while serving in current positions. Both are long time
Once again the
supporters of the A/TA and they and their staff, as always, are a plea-
year since our last
sure to work with and always go above and beyond to support.
convention proved
As with previous years this year has been a challenge, but a chal-
to be another chal-
lenge that Miles Wiley, Jeff Bigelow and the programs team could
lenging year for
handle. They have worked tirelessly to make this an event that ev-
CMSgt Mike Reynolds our nation and for Col. Mike Cassidy
eryone will find enjoyable and very informative.
USAF, Ret Mobility Airmen USAF, Ret
Our theme for this year is “Air Mobility: Accomplished by Profes-
around the world. I congratulate you for all
sionals – Skilled and Respected.” Our themes for 2014, 2015 and 2016 will support General
your hard, sometimes dangerous work and
Lichte’s three goals for the Airlift/Tanker Association; Supporting Mobility Airmen, Preserv-
all your accomplishments. Well done!
ing Our Culture and Strengthening Our Bonds.
The Board of Officers, and in particular,
An event that you will not want to miss is the Hall of Fame Banquet. This year we have
the programs committee worked to present
the pleasure of Inducting Colonel Earl B. Young, first commander of 18th Air Force. Colonel
a convention, symposium and exhibition
Young was born in 1913, and has seen and participated in many unbelievable events over his
you will find informative and enjoyable. It is
101 years. Paul McVickar has documented much of Colonel Young’s life and times, which will
a phenomenal forum to reconnect with old
be presented to all through video at our banquet. The evening will be a grand culmination
friends, develop new relationships and sup-
of the 46th Airlift/Tanker Association and Air Mobility Symposium and the A/TA Mobility
port the efforts of the Mobility mission.
Technology Exposition. Again, this is an evening you will not want to miss!
Please be sure to send us any suggestions
Thank you to our Industry Partners for their continued support of A/TA and our Technol-
you have for 2015. Use A/TA’s social media
ogy Exposition. I know that Bob Dawson, our Industry VP, has worked closely and tirelessly
sites on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn to
with each of you making sure you are being properly accommodated. Bob has also worked to
communicate with us.
make this exposition rewarding for both the vendors and our members.
We are working several efforts designed
A/TA and AMC will recognize our annual award winners throughout this year’s conven-
to improve the function of our Association.
tion. Please congratulate each as the opportunity presents. I assure you that each is deserving
These will ensure for generations to come
of their respective award and all are certainly great Airman, as their biographies in this maga-
our Association continues to Support Mobil-
zine attest! Thanks to Barb Jacob for all she does to make the events for our award winners a
ity Airmen, Preserves the Mobility Culture
time to remember. Thanks Barb.
and Strengthens the many, diverse Mobility
Registration has a way of setting the tone for convention participants and, as we all know,
Bonds.
the A/TA registration process is run by volunteers with direction from Bud and Pam Traynor.
As always, we’re here to serve you.
Thank you Bud, Pam and volunteers; you are the backbone of this organization. And, I am
Mike Cassidy
continually amazed at how smooth the registration process runs each year – THANKS!
In closing I would like to thank everyone for their continued support. Please don’t forget we
Future Convention
have Air Mobility Warriors answering the call somewhere in the world 24-7. Let’s not forget
them and say thanks often. Locations
Welcome to Nashville.
Note: Convention Start Dates
Mike Reynolds
historically have ended up
October 31 plus or minus a week
or so. While nothing is
“guaranteed,” that bracket is a
reasonable aim point.
2015:
Marriott World Center, Orlando
Welcome to Nashville and the 46th Annual Airlift/Tanker Association Convention & Technology Exposition
2016:
Opryland Hotel, Nashville
and the Air Mobility Command and A/TA Symposium
2017-2020:
Under Contract
A/TQ • Airlift/Tanker Quarterly • Fall 2014
5
A Message from Air Mobility Command commander
General Darren W. McDew
Welcome!
Welcome to Nashville, Tennessee, for the led by the U.S. Air Force, used over 200,000
2014 Airlift/Tanker Association convention planes to deliver 1.5 million tons of humani-
and Mobility symposium. Let me first say tarian food, water and medicine. The success
thank you to the thousands of active duty, of that mission is the cornerstone of how we
Guard, Reserve, and civilian Airmen, who successfully conduct humanitarian opera-
make Rapid Global Mobility a reality. Thank tions to this day.
you for what you do and for how well you do This year we also celebrated the 60th
it. Your phenomenal dedication and com- birthday of the C-130, a significant mile-
mitment to excellence propels Air Mobility stone for AMC. On August 23rd, 1954, the
Command, our Air Force and even our Na- YC-130 Hercules made its initial debut. The
tion. I cannot express enough gratitude for C-130 is a true workhorse of this command
your hard work and sacrifices that enable and is still in production to this day. Over 70
this command to provide unparalleled mo- of our partner nations now use this great air-
bility support. There are many things you do craft for its multiple roles and responsibilities
through your service that illustrate the pride including airlift, aeromedical, psychological
you take in defending this great nation. You operations, special operations, personnel
General Darren W. McDew is truly are the heroes of this command and and cargo airdrop, natural disaster relief mis-
Commander, Air Mobility Command, our most valued resource. sions, and weather reconnaissance amongst
Scott Air Force Base, Illinois. Air Mo- I’d also like to thank General Art Lichte others. The C-130 may be 60 years old, but it
bility Command’s mission is to provide and the entire A/TA family for cohosting still has many more years of great service to
rapid, global mobility and sustain- such a wonderful event. The planning and come. Four fans of freedom!!
ment for America’s armed forces. The preparation devoted to making this confer- The Expeditionary Center also has a mile-
command also plays a crucial role in ence so informative and influential is a gift stone birthday celebration this year. The
providing humanitarian support at to all of us within the mobility community, center turned 20 years old this month. The
home and around the world. The men and I would like to recognize those who have organization has had a profound effect on
and women of AMC – active duty, Air made it possible. Your ingenuity and com- the entire Air Force, and has prepared count-
National Guard, Air Force Reserve and mitment to A/TA, the mobility mission and less numbers of expeditionary Airmen for
civilians – provide airlift, aerial refuel- our Air Force is inspiring. This conference of- operations all over the globe, including Iraq
ing, special air mission and aeromedical fers our Airmen, senior leaders, and industry and Afghanistan.
evacuation. experts an invaluable forum to collaborate, Our success this year, just like every year,
General McDew was commissioned review lessons learned and focus on a wide was a Total Force effort, and each part of the
in 1982 following his graduation from variety of topics impactful across the mo- team played a critical role. The 452nd Air
Virginia Military Institute. He began bility enterprise. Armed with this wealth of Mobility Wing, the reserve unit at March
his flying career at Loring Air Force knowledge, we all carry this information back AFB, received the 2014 A/TA’s Lt. Gen. James
Base, Maine. His staff assignments in- to our organizations and peers back home. E. Sherrard III award for outstanding support
clude serving as a member of the Air We thoroughly enjoy this unique relationship to current operations and furthering the mo-
Force Chief of Staff Operations Group, and the opportunities it provides us. Thank bility mission. Over the past 18 months, this
Air Force aide to the President, and you for your partnership and mentorship. unit of mobility airmen logged 13,454 flying
Chief of the U.S. Air Force Senate Li- This has been another busy year for Air hours, transported 6,186 short tons of cargo
aison Division, Washington, D.C. and Mobility Command. You’ve conducted and 51,887 personnel. We, along with A/TA,
the Director of Public Affairs, Office of over 70 thousand sorties, supplied life- celebrate them for their matchless support to
the Secretary of the Air Force, Washing- saving airdrops of food and water for Iraqi worldwide humanitarian operations, includ-
ton, D.C. As part of the Joint Staff at the refugees, provided medevac for troops all ing Haiti and Santo Domingo, as well as OEF.
Pentagon, General McDew also served over the world, and maintained your un- This is a true testimony to the level of impact
as Vice Director for Strategic Plans and surpassed support for operations in Af- our total force brings to the fight.
Policy. He has served as the Vice Com- ghanistan in the past year. None of these Reservists and active duty Airmen from
mander of the18th Air Force, Scott accomplishments would have been possible the 302d Airlift Wing of Colorado formed the
AFB, Illinois, and has commanded at without the enthusiasm and perseverance 52nd Expeditionary Airlift Squadron, the first
the squadron, group and wing levels of countless Airmen, each one executing airlift squadron to stand-up under U.S. Africa
as well as an Air Force direct reporting a vital part of the process. And still, we’re Command. They conducted several opera-
unit. He has deployed in support of on- postured to answer our Nation’s call as the tions, including a tasking for the emergency
going operations in Central and South- world remains challenging. evacuation of U.S. citizens in Southern Sudan.
west Asia as an air expeditionary group Mobility air forces have a proud, rich heri- Additionally, mobility Airmen from the
commander and later as the Director tage of bold innovators who have actualized Kansas National Guard delivered $4.1 mil-
of Mobility Forces. Prior to his cur- air mobility to shape the future. This year lion of aid to the Republic of Armenia. This
rent assignment, General McDew was marks the 65th anniversary of the end of team provided vital medicine and medical
the Commander of the 18th Air Force, the Berlin Airlift, led by Lt. Gen. William H. supplies to the country. These units are a
Scott AFB, Illinois. Tunner. This operation demonstrated how classic example of how our Total Force part-
air power, and more specifically, rapid global ners maximize the mobility mission.
mobility through strategic airlift, could sig- Our Air Mobility Command mission is to
nificantly change history. Coalition forces, provide rapid global mobility – right effects,
AA//TTQQ •• AAiirrlliifftt//TTaannkkeerr QQuuaarrtteerrllyy •• FFaallll 22001144
66
right place, right time. What you as Airmen unleashing the full capability of our nation’s aeromedical evacuation of three Navy SEALs
do for our Air Force and the Nation is special newest tanker aircraft in 2016 and beyond. in Africa. The magnitude of this feat is only
and very important. Our ability to provide Bringing the KC-46A online is an important compounded when you consider that his air-
agile and rapid global mobility is inventive step in recapitalizing our tanker fleet. The craft was fitted for routing cargo and trans-
and cutting-edge. I’ve seen firsthand how KC-46A will provide improved capability, forming this aircraft for medical evacuation
our military is successful because of you, including boom and drogue refueling on quickly enough would be a daunting task.
the talented, innovative and bold men and the same sortie, world-wide navigation and His ingenuity enabled the aircraft to trans-
women who are unafraid to tackle the tough- communication, airlift capability on the en- form swiftly. Without his actions, three SEAL
est challenges. You inspire me and countless tire main deck floor, receiver air refueling, team members would have lost their lives.
others with your resourcefulness and dedica- improved force protection and survivabil- He and the aircrew which flew that mission
tion. You get measurable results! ity, and multi-point air refueling capability. are a true testament and representation of
Without question, our future success de- Along with all of these capabilities, the KC- the many exceptional mobility airmen who
pends on men and women just like you, who 46A is expected to produce better mission- do tremendous work day in and day out. SrA
are ready to lead in a challenging tomorrow. capable rates and less maintenance down- Nunez’s actions demonstrate how every one
You may be tempted to become numb to this time. This is another step in maintaining the of us, regardless of rank, when empowered to
magnanimous mission over time…because nation’s global reach for years to come. take action, can make the Air Force better.
everyone around you is doing it. Here’s the The KC-46A is the first step to replacing Reflecting on this word, inspiration, re-
reality – most on the outside don’t even come our aging tanker fleets. But we must contin- minds me of a small group of approximately
close to your level of excellence and level of ue to think innovatively to meet the future one thousand Airmen who influenced future
effort. You serve and sacrifice for the greater challenges of tomorrow. How about this? generations by boldly stepping forward past
good. Sometimes you forget it, but I am very Imagine a KC-Z that is remotely piloted. color lines to defend their nation. The Tuske-
proud of you …and I will never stop letting Can we do this in the next 30 to 50 years? gee Airmen forged a legacy and heritage
you know it! I believe so. As we explore future concepts, that still shapes our Air Force today. Meet-
We supported humanitarian airdrops in such as developing an unmanned air refuel- ing these great men and learning of their
Iraq, delivering more than 114,000 meals ing capability, the question is not whether sacrifices was tremendously awe inspiring
and 35,000 gallons of fresh water to Iraqi ref- we should do so, but when. I’ve said this be- and humbling. These men could tell stories
ugees. We conducted emergency evacuation fore, and I will say it again – if we are still of deprivation and racism …but they don’t.
operations in Kenya, Libya and Kabul, and flying planes 30 years from now the same Instead, these heroes speak of service, sacri-
we also held partnership operations from way we do today, we will have missed the fice, honor and a commitment to excellence.
Burundi to Guatemala. Between April and target. We owe it to our nation to maximize These Airmen inspired me, they gave me the
June alone, we conducted more than 500 ret- our mobility capabilities. The nation’s need courage to succeed, and they are one of the
rograde airlift missions, moving over 24,500 for rapid global mobility will not disappear reasons I joined the Air Force. I benefited
tons of cargo outside of Afghanistan. In or- in the future – it will only increase. As mo- from their lessons without enduring their
der to increase efficiency and to cut cost, our bility forerunners and experts, we must ask adversity and have been abundantly blessed
618th Air and Space Operations Center (618 ourselves: how can we provide air mobil- with opportunity due to the struggles they
AOC) created a retrograde forecast planning ity better? How can we remain the world undertook in the name of service. America,
tool. This inventive program allows us to leader in Rapid Global Mobility? To do this, and our Air Force, truly benefits when all her
maximize our efforts, stay on track with our we must stay at the forefront of innovation. citizens are allowed to contribute according
retrograde requirements and remain fiscally Rapid Global Mobility allows our nation to to their ability. America was built by people
responsible with our resources. project power anywhere in the world. What from many different backgrounds who came
Simply put, you are the Air Force’s strate- we do is a complex process that takes a great together and constructed something brand
gic advantage! In fact, Rapid Global Mobility deal of finesse, talent, expertise, and a pio- new…a nation based on freedom and re-
underwrites the ability of the Department neering spirit that I believe is the hallmark of spect. Furthermore, it is my firm belief that
of Defense to carry out the mission it ex- America’s military and industry profession- our Air Force is a winning team because of
ists to do: fight and win our nation’s wars. als. This is something we must continue to the unique perspective and contribution
You don’t have to go far to see the impact foster through partnership, mentorship, and every Airman, regardless of race, gender, or
of Rapid Global Mobility. The next time you inspiring our science, technology, engineer- creed, brings to the mission.
hear about the U.S. military responding to ing, and mathematics (STEM) communities. The aforementioned moments made a
a contingency, manmade, or humanitarian The crux of our ingenuity is inspiration. lasting impression on me. Who will your ex-
crisis… know that you, the mobility Airmen, As I discuss inspiration, my hope is that ample influence? My hope that this confer-
make this all possible. this conference will inspire you on to great- ence will inspire you, and that you, in turn,
This year is also an exhilarating time for er achievements for yourself, this command will inspire others to serve, to lead, to inno-
us as we celebrate another significant step and your grateful nation. I am reminded vate, to succeed.
forward with our newest tanker acquisition, of a few moments in my life that have im- How are you setting the example for the
the KC-46A Pegasus. The first KC-46A operat- pacted me in such a way to motivate me to next generation of Airmen? How will you in-
ing bases have been named. Altus Air Force achieve. As a young teen I watched POWs spire the next great leaders of the Air Force?
base will be the first training unit and McCo- return from Vietnam. Seeing the level of You do it by continuing the great work you
nnell Air Force base will be the first main op- pride and joy they had in not only return- already do. You do it by the countless large
erational base. It also an exciting time for the ing, but also in being able to salute the flag, and small acts supporting our core values –
Airmen at Pease Air National Guard Base, in was very inspiring to me. integrity first, service before self and excel-
New Hampshire, who will be the first Guard When I think of inspiration, I think of Se- lence in all you do – which encapsulate the
unit to field the Pegasus. The selection of nior Airman Cody J. Nunez of the 21st Airlift core of what you already are…a generation of
Pease Air National Guard Base highlights the Squadron, Travis Air Force Base, California. exceptional Airmen.
enduring importance of our Total Force part- SrA Nunez, demonstrating bold leadership, Our Air Force is the greatest the world has
ners. The Airmen of these three locations courageously took action to reconfigure his ever known, and it is because of you.
are ecstatic and ready to take on the task of C-17 Globemaster III for the emergency Again I say, thank you!
AA//TTQQ •• AAiirrlliifftt//TTaannkkeerr QQuuaarrtteerrllyy •• FFaallll 22001144
77
A Message from Air Mobility Command Chief
Chief Master Sergeant Victoria Gamble
Fellow Airmen!
I’d like to personally welcome and thank Kyrgyzstan just to name a few. As a matter
each of you for attending this year’s of fact, during the humanitarian air drops,
Airlift/Tanker Association convention and Airmen like MSgt Stephen Brown, taped
Mobility symposium. Despite a world of candy on the outside of the bundles for the
tight budgets and decreasing opportuni- children. I know Colonel Gail Halvorsen,
ties, it’s an exciting time for Air Mobility our Berlin Airlift candy bomber, was proud.
Command as we continue to change and We stand on great shoulders indeed!
adapt, remaining always agile, motivated, Our mobility Airmen have faced a myriad
and responsive. Of course our mission of challenges this year ranging from force
would not be possible without you! That’s management programs to monetary un-
why this year’s theme of “Air Mobility: Ac- certainly. Through all of these trials, I was
complished by Professionals-Skilled and deeply impressed that our total-force Air-
Respected!” is a very important tribute to men were far more concerned about ex-
our AMC Airmen around the globe. ecuting and supporting our global mobility
As you attend the outstanding leadership mission than they were themselves. For
Chief Master Sergeant Victoria seminars that CMSgt (Ret) Mike Reynolds our enlisted Airmen, we are about to un-
Gamble is the Command Chief Master and the A/TA staff have so graciously pro- dertake the most sweeping changes to our
Sergeant for Air Mobility Command, vided, I think you will find that this week’s enlisted evaluation system that have been
Scott Air Force Base, Illinois She is activities will surpass your expectations. implemented in over 45 years. Thank you
the principal advisor to the commander A/TA has a long history of offering collab- for helping our most senior leaders guide
and his senior staff on matters of oration and networking opportunities to our force through these performance assess-
health, welfare and morale, profes- share ideas that support the continued evo- ment and promotion system changes.
sional development, and the effective lution and success of our mobility forces. AMC is an exciting place to work. We
utilization of more than 38,000 Additionally, A/TA doesn’t just exist on a are determined to be the premier learning
active duty and 71,000 AFRC/ANG national level. A/TA provides exception- organization and will be able to achieve
enlisted personnel assigned to the al leadership and growth opportunities that goal through the work of our Learn-
command. through its local chapters. Our local chap- ing Office and the ingenuity of our Airmen.
Chief Gamble grew up in McRae, ters not only pro- Airmen across the
Georgia, and is a 1985 honor gradu- mote esprit de corps command are in the
ate of Wheeler County High School. but they promote a process of produc-
She entered the Air Force in July culture of mobility ing “on-demand”
1985. She has a diversified back- Airmen who are liv- videos that will let
ground in aircraft maintenance hav- ing examples of our other Airmen learn
ing worked on six different aircraft core values; integ- a task at the exact
to include the F-4, F-16, F-5, A-10, rity first, service be- moment they need
B-52 and KC-135. Prior to her current fore self, and excel- it. AMC will also
assignment, she was the Command lence in all we do. continue to delib-
Chief for the 6th Air Mobility Wing, You should all be erately develop our
MacDill Air Force Base, Florida and very proud of where Airmen by updat-
Command Chief for 18th Air Force, we are today and ing our Phoenix
Master Sgts. Stephen Brown (R) and Emily
Scott Air Force Base, Illinois. excited about where Stripe curriculum
Edmunds attach candy to container delivery
we are headed. We and refreshing all
system bundles filled with fresh drinking wa-
certainly stand our other com-
ter on a C-17 Globemaster III in preparation for
on the shoulders mand courses to
a humanitarian airdrop 30 August 2014, over
of mobility giants make sure the right
the area of Amirli, Iraq. The candy was col-
who forged our Air knowledge gets to
lected by the squadron to supplement United
Force with inno- the right Airmen at
States government humanitarian aid. Brown
vation and that is the right time. Our
and Edmunds are 816th Expeditionary Airlift
one thing that has commander, Gener-
Squadron loadmasters. (U.S. Air Force photo/
not changed. Each al Darren McDew, is
Staff Sgt. Shawn Nickel).
time, our Airmen – open to hearing all
whether they are Active, Guard, Reserve, new ideas. In case you haven’t heard, he is
or Civilian – has truly answered our na- the only authority that can say “no” to your
tion’s call. National leaders, to include the suggestions, so keep them coming.
President of the United States, praised Air Everywhere I go, people sing the praises
Mobility Command Airmen for numerous of the work AMC Airmen do for our nation.
operations to include humanitarian air It’s certainly easy to see why.
drops over Iraq’s Mount Sinjar, Operation For example, technology is an impor-
Enduring Freedom retrograde operations, tant part of what we do, but it takes an in-
and shutting down an Air Base in Manas, novative Airman to leverage the knowledge
A/TQ • Airlift/Tanker Quarterly • Fall 2014
8