September/October 2009, Vol. 19, No. 5 512th Airlift Wing, Dover Air Force Base, Del.

24 Pages·2009·2.52 MB·English

September/October 2009, Vol. 19, No. 5 512th Airlift Wing, Dover Air Force Base, Del.
www.512aw.afrc.af.mil
September/October 2009
512th AIRLIFT WING
COMMANDER
Col. Randal L. Bright
INSIDE THIS EDITION

CHIEF, PUBLIC AFFAIRS
Capt. Marnee A.C. Losurdo
News & Features
EDITOR
Master Sgt. Veronica A. Aceveda
TEAM DOVER COMPETES AT RODEO
Fliers, maintainers, aerial porters and security
STAFF WRITERS
forces participated in the Air Mobility Command
Staff Sgt. Steve Lewis
Rodeo. See pages 10-11.
Senior Airman Andria J. Allmond
ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT THROUGH THE YEARS
Debra Larregui Take a look back at some wing, base and Air
Force milestones that were covered by the
Liberty Press. See page 12-13
ON THE COVER
LUKE AFB AIRMEN TO TEST NEW BOOT
The Liberty Press has evolved from a
Airmen at Luke Air Force Base to test stain
black and white newsletter handed
resistant, low-maintenance boot prototype.
out during Unit Training Assembly
See page 18.
sign-in to an award-winning full-color
mailed magazine. It now changes to an
electronic weekly edition and a printed
annual almanac. (Graphic illustration by Quick Reference
Capt. Marnee A.C. Losurdo)
PERSPECTIVES 3 AFRC NEWS 19
CONTACT INFO
NEWS 4-11 CIVILIAN NEWS 20
512th Airlift Wing Public Affairs Office FEATURES 12-17 BRIEFS 21
202 Liberty Way
AF NEWS 18 RECOGNITION 22-23
Dover Air Force Base, Del.
19902-5202
[phone]
e-mail:
[email protected]
UTA Schedule
2010 A & B Team
January 9-10 23-24
This funded Air Force Reserve newspaper is 2009 A & B Team February 6-7 20-21
an authorized publication for members of the March 6-7 20-21
U.S. military services. Contents of the “Liberty
Press” are not necessarily the official views of the September 12-13 26-27 April 10-11 24-25
Government, the Department of Defense or the October 3-4 24-25 May 1-2 15-16
Department of the Air Force.
The editorial content is edited, prepared and November 7-8 21-22 June 5-6 26-27
provided by the 512th Airlift Wing Public Affairs December 5-6 19-20 July 10-11 24-25
Office (Air Force Reserve Command) Dover Air
Force Base, Del. All photographs are U.S. Air Force
photographs unless otherwise noted.
Page 2 www.512aw.afrc.af.mil September/October 2009, Liberty Press
PersPectives
Records Check
Reservists need to check personnel
records online before it’s too late
Col. Michael T. Fitzhenry
512th AW commander “
It is imperative
For a “seasoned” Air Force member like myself, for you to take the
embracing the electronic era can sometimes feel
like a daunting task, especially as more and more time to review the
programs are migrating online.
electronic images
One of the most recent computerized transitions is
one that will have a huge impact on your career. Earlier of your virtual
in the year and in line with the rest of the Air Force, our
record online.
wing’s personnel records were transferred to Headquarters
Air Reserve Personnel Center in Denver, Colo. There,
the hard copy files were scanned and imported into an Col. Michael T. Fitzhenry
512th AW commander
electronic database, which brings us to the next step I
think we should all make sure we do before the deadline.
On Oct. 21, ARPC is scheduled to destroy all of the
hard copy records they’ve received. This includes your computer or use your Common Access Card reader
enlisted and officer performance reports and Department at home to access the secure Automated Record
of Defense Form 214s (Certificate of Release or Management System site.
Discharge from Active Duty). Log onto the Air Force Personnel Center Secure Web
These records, previously maintained by the 512th site at https://wwa.afpc.randolph.af.mil/afpcsecure/
Military Personnel Flight Customer Service section are MainMenu.asp or via the AF Portal at https://armsweb.
the property of the Air Force, not the individual. The afpc.randolph.af.mil/CyberDOCS/noticeARMS.htm.
Air Force directs their management and disposition, and If you have any difficulties with ARMS, consult the
ARPC will not return these records to the base or the 512th MPF at [phone] or e-mail Tech. Sgt. Erica
member as we have asked. Weatherspoon at [email protected].
It is imperative for you to take the time to review the After reviewing your records in ARMS notify
electronic images of your virtual record online. I’m glad I ARPC with any discrepancies at ARPC.DPO@ARPC.
did; I found one electronic scan that did not offer the best DENVER.AF.MIL or call [phone].
readability. ARPC was very helpful in trying to restore Since I’m an airline pilot, I compare a lot of things
the image online and even mailed a hard copy to my to flying. Imagine you are on a B-737 and the oxygen
home. Once those hard copy records are gone, they’re masks drop down. Take care of yourself first and then
gone; and, it may become extremely difficult to verify help those around you.
some very important information later in your career such Supervisors, over the next couple of unit training
as DD-214s. assemblies, ensure your Airmen are afforded
An e-mail was sent out last month by our 512th an opportunity to analyze what’s been archived
Mission Support Squadron detailing how to log on and electronically. It could greatly impact an Airman’s
view your records online. Even in this digital age, I’m career. If you fail to view these documents now and
aware some members may not have daily access to their are missing legible documents, then expect to spend
military e-mail account, so I’ve included a shortcut to get countless hours trying to locate vital records, so they
you there from home or work. can reaccomplish a DD-214 or some other document
Be sure to conduct your review from a government that was not readable online or simply never scanned.
Liberty Press, September/October 2009 www.512aw.afrc.af.mil Page 3
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LIBERTY PRESS - END OF AN ERA
News, photos now to be found online
After more than 25 years in existence, the Liberty Press will
change formats in an effort to keep the wing in line with
the digital era.
This issue will be the last bi-monthly edition to arrive in the mail.
The 512th Public Affairs Office is embracing several new electronic
endeavors, which reduces the number of Liberty Press mailings to
once a year.
“More and more people are getting their information and news
from the World Wide Web, and many prominent newspapers around
the world have also focused their attention to online reporting as
well as social media avenues such as Facebook and Twitter,” said
Capt. Marnee A.C. Losurdo, chief of 512th PA. “In fact, almost ev-
erything that you read in the Liberty Press has already been posted
on our Web site.”
For those individuals who do prefer a printed product, the
transition to the Web may be a challenge. However, in a time of
limited budgets and personnel constraints, the Air Force issued a
policy to end its long-standing tradition of producing papers in lieu
of online publications.
Some bases, such as Dover, opted to contract out their newspaper
two years ago, said 1st Lt. Brian Maguire, chief of 436th PA.
“Rather than military members laying out the Airlifter, a civilian
organization publishes it; and, in turn, that organization earns money
from the sale of advertisements,” he said. “This is what’s known as
a commercial enterprise newspaper.”
Per Air Force Instruction, every base is entitled to only one
newspaper, unless there’s a specialized need, such as Reserve units
assigned to a host base that has members who reside at various
geographical areas. In these circumstances, Reserve units, including
the Liberty Wing, are required to pay for the printing and mailing
of their periodicals, which is costly.
However, reservists and their families won’t have to rely entirely
on the Web.
“We plan to create an annual almanac edition similar to that of U.S. Air Force Illustration by Tech Sgt. Ryan Labadens
‘The Book’ done by Airman magazine,” said Master Sgt. Veronica A. Social networking has taken the Air Force above and be-
Aceveda, Liberty Press editor. “This periodical will not only feature yond a new horizon, ushering in a new era in the way we
wing news, features and pictures from throughout the year, but it share the Air Force story. Become a fan of the 512th Airlift
will also include leadership biographies, fact sheets on the unit and Wing’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/512aw.
its aircraft, a list of UTA dates as well as highlight any benefits and
For almost 26 years, the Liberty Press staff has documented and
services available to reservists and family members.”
published the achievements and historical events of the reservists
The 512th Airlift Wing is not alone in making this move toward
who serve in the Liberty Wing.
modern technology. As of mid August, only 13 out of 34 Air Force
Throughout these years, the Liberty Press has been published in
Reserve Command units were printing a publication. Over the past
many formats ranging from eight to 24 pages, from black and white
couple of years, a noticeable trend for many PA offices showed
versions to full-color and from regular paper and cardstock to the
newspapers reducing their frequency to bi-monthly, then quarterly,
current glossy magazine style.
online only and ultimately for some, they were eliminated all to-
As the Liberty Press now evolves to an electronic weekly edi-
gether. Many units made this decision in order to focus on their
tion and a printed annual almanac, reservists and their families will
Web sites and other social media, in addition to saving money and
still be kept informed on happenings in the wing, on base, in the
manpower.
Reserve and Air Force.
Full-time 512th AW employees have already begun seeing part of
For any questions, or to submit an article or photo to the Web site,
the Liberty Press’ next look. The Liberty Press Weekly, a one-page
e-mail 512th PA at [email protected] or call [phone].
edition of news, events and other information is sent via e-mail every
(Courtesy 512th Public Affairs)
Monday and will be posted online.
Page 4 www.512aw.afrc.af.mil September/October 2009, Liberty Press
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Serving
overseas
Security forces
reservists
return from
six-month
Submitted photo
Staff Sgt. James Black and 12 other reservists from the 512th Security Forces
deployment Squadron deployed to Kirkuk Regional Air Base, Iraq, earlier this year and re-
turned in July. While at Kirkuk, Sergeant Black patrolled the base perimeter and
worked in the towers, where he monitored the base for potential threats.
Capt. Marnee A.C. Losurdo through the majority of her pregnancy on her own,” he said.
Chief, 512th Public Affairs This was the first deployment for the Lower Merion, Penn.,
policeman who enlisted into the Air Force Reserve in 2004. At
Thirteen Airmen from the 512th Security Forces Squadron here Kirkuk RAB, Sergeant Black patrolled the base perimeter and
returned from a six-month deployment to Kirkuk Regional worked in the towers, where he monitored the surrounding area
Air Base, Iraq, at the end of July. for potential threats.
The reservists, assigned to the 506th Expeditionary Security “It was a good experience to see the broader aspect of the Air
Forces Squadron, provided base defense operations such as Force mission and how we operate in a deployed location,” he
perimeter security, entry control and base patrol. said.
The city of Kirkuk, located approximately 250 kilometers north Sergeant Mooney, a U.S. Capitol police officer, said he also
of the capital city Baghdad, has more than 750,000 residents. increased his knowledge of security forces operations. This was
More than 4,000 U.S. personnel work at the air base, located at the first time he worked in a base defense operations center, a
the edge of Kirkuk. Units serving there include the 506th Air command and control facility that serves as the focal point for
Expeditionary Group; the U.S. Army’s 18th Engineer Battalion; the base security and defense.
6th Squadron, 6th Cavalry Regiment of the 10th Mountain Division; “It was a learning experience working in the BDOC,” said
the 3rd Brigade of the 25th Infantry Division; and, the U.S. State Sergeant Mooney, who added the base was attacked 16 times
Department Provincial Reconstruction Team. while the team was there. “The first time was a little intimidating;
Master Sgt. Raymond Mooney led the first team of Dover Air after that, it became somewhat normal. Fortunately, nobody was
Force Base security forces specialists who ranged in ranks from injured while we were there.”
senior airman to master sergeant. Two 512th SFS teams are still While the team conducted their pre-deployment training
serving with the 506th ESFS. together at Mineral Wells, Texas, they worked in different areas
It was a deployment of firsts for Sergeant Mooney and some of and shifts on Kirkuk RAB.
his teammates. While he has deployed before on active duty, this was “It would have been great to have been able to work together,”
the first time the reservist was charged with being a team leader. said Sergeant Mooney. “But despite this, the group did really
“It was a challenge to have full responsibility for the team,” said well.
Sergeant Mooney. “Some people were stressed about leaving their “I’m proud of the team and how they represented Dover Air
families, so I tried to keep the morale up and keep the team focused Force Base,” said Sergeant Mooney. “During this whole process,
on accomplishing the mission.” from the pre-deployment training throughout the deployment,
Staff Sgt. James Black, 512th SFS, said the toughest aspect of everyone maintained a positive attitude and had a lot of enthusiasm
his deployment was leaving behind his pregnant wife, Shanah, who, despite the long days and long nights. We made a positive first
in August, was in her ninth month of pregnancy. impression and led the way for the two 512th SFS teams who
“It was hard to leave her behind knowing she would be going followed us and are still serving there.”
Liberty Press, September/October 2009 www.512aw.afrc.af.mil Page 5
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Lt. Col. Mike Semo, 709th Air-
lift Squadron pilot, gives a tour
of the C-5M Super Galaxy to
a media member during Ex-
perimental Aircraft Association
AirVenture Oshkosh in Wiscon-
sin. More than 10,000 guests
toured the aircraft during The
Spirit of Normandy’s two-day
visit to the event.
Photo by Staff Sgt. Chad Padgett
Photo by Staff Sgt. Chad Padgett
Team Dover members unload the aircraft in Wisconson as Experimental Aircraft Association AirVenture Oshkosh visitors
wait for the opportunity to tour the C-5M Super Galaxy. More than 10,000 guests viewed the aircraft during The Spirit of
Normandy's two-day visit to the event.
Page 6 www.512aw.afrc.af.mil September/October 2009, Liberty Press
NeWs
Photo by Staff Sgt. Chad Padgett
Visitors board the C-5M Super Galaxy, The Spirit of Normandy, at the Experimental Aircraft Association AirVenture Oshkosh
in Wisconsin. More than 10,000 guests toured the aircraft during The Spirit of Normandy’s two-day visit to the event.
GOING BIG
Team Dover flies to one of nation’s biggest air shows
Staff Sgt. Chad Padgett Dave Horton, 436th Operations Group the massive plane.
436th Public Affairs commander. "We come out here and enjoy The crew also played host to Oklahoma
the throng of people who come through Senator James Inhofe who was attending
Every year Wittman Regional Airport to see this airplane and hear about what his 31st EAA Airshow. As a pilot, he
in Oshkosh, Wisc., hosts one of we do; it's just amazing." was keenly interested in the airplane's
the nation's largest Air Shows, Even while waiting for their morning enhanced reliability and capability as
the Experimental Aircraft Association breakfast at the hotel, interested Air Show well as how it factored into the overall
AirVenture, bragging an attendance of attendees would ask Airmen questions modernization plans for AMC.
more than 500,000 during the week. regarding the C-5M. After two days, the crew of The Spirit
This year, 20 Team Dover members "I was an Airman 1st Class back in the of Normandy packed up their equipment;
from both the 436th and 512th Airlift '50s, and we didn't have anything like and, as thousands lined up to watch, they
Wings flew a C-5M Super Galaxy, [the C 5M] back then," said Mel Cook. performed a maximum effort take-off to
The Spirit of Normandy, to represent "It really is an amazing aircraft. It's so return home to Dover.
Dover Air Force Base and Air Mobility big; it's hard to believe." "In two days, we were able to pass more
Command. Nearly 10,000 spectators of The trip also allowed the crew to than 10,000 visitors through our plane
all ages toured the aircraft and asked the interact with the next generation of and probably answer as many questions,"
Dover crew a myriad of questions -- How Airmen. said Colonel Horton. "These events are
much does it weigh? What can it carry? "The aircraft is so huge, I walked not only good training for the crew, but
Where do you fly? through and got to ask questions," said it's great to be able to interact with the
"It is a great feeling to be able to four-year-old Rory Broderick, who then public, many of whom don't get to see
support these kinds of events," said Col. proceeded to ask more questions about these aircraft on a daily basis."
Liberty Press, September/October 2009 www.512aw.afrc.af.mil Page 7
NNeeWWss
Liberty Wing reservists work to form
Canadian sister squadron program
Capt. Marnee A.C. Losurdo received a flight briefing Aug. 22 about air Members of the 46th APS and 512th
Chief, 512th Public Affairs space protocols and procedures. The next ALCF met with 2 Air Movements Squadron
day, the 326th AS aircrew flew a training members Aug. 24 and received a tour of their
Reservists here visited members of mission consisting of low-level navigation, facilities. On average, the Canadian squadron
the Canadian air force’s 8 Wing assault landing zone operations, tactical processes 23 million pounds of freight and
at Canadian Forces Base Trenton, arrivals and departures in Canadian military 42,000 passengers annually, according to the
Ontario, Aug. 22 - 24 as part of an effort to airspace. unit’s Web site.
initiate a sister squadron program. “It’s great for low-level flying,” said “Anytime we can get together and train it
Airmen with Dover’s 512th Airlift Wing Captain Churchill. “We benefited from will enhance our mutual operations, which
hoped to forge a partnership with the Canadian this training, because we were able to fly are not all that different,” said Maj. Aaron
Airmen and identify training opportunities procedures we can’t typically conduct on the Spott, 2 AMS commanding officer. “We
for flying, aerial port operations, airlift East Coast due to heavier air traffic.” deploy to the same areas and share the same
control and maintenance procedures. Future plans are to fly with 429 TS ramp space, so the more we know about
A C-17 Globemaster III and 10 members aircrews, said the captain. each other’s systems, the better we can work
from the 326th Airlift Squadron, 46th Aerial “The program will allow our crews and together.”
Port Squadron, 512th Airlift Control Flight unit personnel to exchange unclassified Senior Master Sgt. Dan Schultz, NCO in
and 712th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron tactics, techniques and procedures while charge of the 46th APS ramp section, said
flew to the Canadian base, two miles building camaraderie with our Canadian he is looking forward to working with the
northeast of Trenton, Ontario, to meet with allies,” said Colonel LaFave. Canadians.
active-duty members of the 429 “We like this idea, because
Transport Squadron and 2 Air it’s an excellent opportunity
Movements Squadron. to jointly train together,
The program was the brain which is beneficial for us,
child of 326th AS Commander especially with an Operational
Lt. Col. Craig LaFave. He said Readiness Exercise next year
he developed the idea of pairing and the Operational Readiness
up with the Canadians while Inspection in 2011,” said
working as the 512th AW program Sergeant Schultz.
integration officer transitioning But, this isn’t the first time
the 326th AS to the C-17 in 2007 512th AW reservists have trained
and 2008. However, a series of with the Canadians.
inspections in 2008 and early 2009 “The Canadians have been
put the idea on the back burner until down here this summer using
this summer, he said. our C-17 simulator, and my
Much like the 326th AS, the 429 special projects office has sat
TS has been flying the C-17 since down with them during the
the summer of 2007. planning for these missions,”
The 429 TS is part of the 8 Wing, said Colonel LaFave.
which is the heart of Canada’s air The 512th ALCF and
mobility forces and is one of the reservists from throughout 22nd
largest air force bases in Canada. In Air Force participated in Maple
addition to the C-17, 8 Wing also Flag Exercise 42, held at Cold
flies the CC-130 Hercules, CC-150 Lake Air Base, Alberta, Canada,
Polaris, the CH-149 Cormorant from May 29 - June 14.
Photo by Capt. Marnee A.C. Losurdo
tactical transport search and The wing’s next trip to
Canadian air force Maj. Andy Cleveland (left), discusses
rescue helicopter and the CC-144 Canada is planned for Sept
flight plans with Capt. Steve Churchill, 326th Airlift Squad-
Challenger, which transports VIPs, 12-14.
ron aircraft commander, and Capt. Dan Zappe, 326th AS
according to the unit’s Web site. pilot, Aug. 23 at 8 Wing Canadian Forces Base Trenton. “We hope we can continue
During the three-day venture, Dover Air Force Base reservists traveled to Trenton in a regular exchange, probably
326th AS Aircraft Commander Ontario province to identify future training opportunities quarterly or semi-annually,”
Capt. Steve Churchill and his crew with the Canadians. said Colonel LaFave.
PPPaaagggeee 88 8 wwwww.5w1.25a1w2a.awfr.ca.farcf..mafi.lmil Septe S m e pb teer/mObcetor/bOecrt 2o0b0e9r, 2L0ib0e9r,t Lyi bPerertsys Press
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Photo by Capt. Dan Zappe
1st Lt. Onef Reyes, a 326th Airlift Squadron C-17 Globemaster III pilot, flies a training mission in Canada Aug. 23.
Photo by Capt. Marnee A.C. Losurdo
Senior Master Sgt. Dan Schultz, NCO in charge of the 46th APS ramp sec-
Photo by Capt. Marnee A.C. Losurdo
Master Sgt. Henry Fortney (left), and other tion here, discusses aerial port operations with Canadian air force Warrant
512th Airlift Wing reservists, met with Cana- Officer April Roach of the 2 Air Movements Squadron, a unit of the 8 Wing
dian air force Maj. Aaron Spott, 2 Air Move- Canadian Forces Base Trenton, Ontario, Aug. 24.
ments Squadron commanding officer, during
a visit to the 8 Wing at Canadian Forces Base
Trenton, Ontario.
LibeLritbye Prtrye sPsr, eSsesp, Steemptbeemr/bOecr/tOobcetor b2e00r 92009 wwwww.w51.521a2wa.wa.farcfr.ca.fa.mf.mil il PaPagge e9 9
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Photo by Staff Sgt. Steve Lewis
Team Dover port dawgs work together to push a pallet off a 60K loader during a graded exercise July 20. Aerial Porters
from the 512th and 436th Airlift Wings teamed up at the Air Mobility RODEO at McChord Air Force Base, Wash., where their
skills were tested on events aimed at moving cargo and passengers.
RODEO
Team Dover participates in Air Mobilty competition
Staff Sgt. Steve Lewis “I feel more confident training-wise, and I’d love to take some of
Staff writer the stuff I learn to show people back at home station,” said Airman
Devine.
Airmen from the 512th and 436th Airlift Wings have returned to In the closing ceremony celebration on July 24, 74 awards were
Dover Air Force Base, Del., after participating in the Air Mobility announced to the competing teams. Among the different categories
RODEO 2009 at McChord AFB, Wash., July 19-25. was the Best Air Mobility Team award, which went to the 62nd
More than 100 teams, including seven foreign countries, faced off in Airlift Wing, McChord AFB. The scoring was close, with the final
the biannual competition, which tested the Airmen in airlift operations results being tallied just minutes prior to the ceremony.
including aerial port, maintenance, security forces and aircrew. “What an amazing week this has been for the mobility community
Although Team Dover’s extensive preparation and cohesiveness and from what I saw, (RODEO) was just as competitive as I thought
didn’t result in any trophies, the competition did serve as a vital it would be,” said General Arthur J. Lichte, Air Mobility Command
learning experience for the participants. commander, during his closing remarks at the ceremony. “Everyone
“The RODEO was a great experience and I thought the blended is leaving here a winner.”
team concept worked well,” said Lt. Col. Kevin Higginbotham, team As Team Dover works together to hone their skills and tactics
chief and 326th Airlift Squadron member. gained from the RODEO, Colonel Higginbotham said he was
For most of Team Dover’s participants, this year’s RODEO was determined to have the wings come home as winners in the
a first-time experience. future.
Senior Airman Mark Devine, 436th Security Forces Squadron, said “We look forward to doing RODEO again in two years, and next
the competition was the highlight of his Air Force career so far. time we’ll bring home a trophy,” he said.
Page 10 www.512aw.afrc.af.mil September/October 2009, Liberty Press