Page 3 - Desert Lightning News, Nellis-Creech AFB Edition, December 17, 2021

2 December 17, 2021 Commentary Desert lightning news s. nevaDa Desert lightning news s. nevaDa news December 17, 2021 3
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A journey to a better state of mind reaper, from Page 1 __________ Maintenance Test Station as an LR cock-
Utilizing the Ruggedized Aircraft
certifying the ability to train non-LR
aircrew for future sorties. pit substitute to validate it as a backup
to ATLC via satellite control, the pilot
“While we were at MCBH, the ACE on the ground at Andersen AFB estab-
by Staff Sgt. Delaney Gonzales team conducted three rapid refuels utiliz- lished line-of-sight link with the MQ-9,
JB Langley-Eustis, Va. ing only five multi-capable Airmen who controlled it, and commanded it to land
were proficient between weapons, aircraft via ATLC. Like MCBH, this landing was
Mental health has become an im- maintenance, and communications,” conducted without any MQ-9 operations
portant conversation amongst U.S. said Lt. Col. Chmielewski, 556th TES or runway surveys being physically con-
military leaders across the globe. commander. “The current standard time ducted prior to the first landing at Guam.
These invisible illnesses have affected to regenerate a sortie is typically three “The entire logistics footprint included
many uniformed service personnel to hours; our average time was 20 minutes.” seven personnel and a half pallet of equip-
include even the most senior-ranking Departing Marine Corps Base Hawaii, ment with the generator, light cart, and
members. the MQ-9 Reaper made history by flying fuel already in place,” said Chmielewski.
So, how do we combat something to Andersen AFB, Guam for the first time “Within seven hours of equipment arriv-
we cannot physically see? in support of Exercise ACE REAPER, ing on Guam, we were able to regenerate
For one Airman, the answer to this validating the ability to transit the MQ-9 an MQ-9 sortie. All around, this rep-
question is to spread awareness by Reaper on reduced satellite bandwidth resented a nearly 90 percent reduction
sharing personal experiences about and migrate satellites. Most notably, the in maintenance manpower, 95 percent
his mental health journey. 556th TES proved that the MQ-9 in its reduction in maintenance equipment, Air Force photograph by Tech. Sgt. Emerson Nuñez
“I was initially hesitant to make the leanest and most agile logistics footprint and a 100 percent reduction in launch U.S. Air Force maintenance Airmen from the 556th Test and Evaluation Squadron perform
call,” said U.S. Air Foce Lt. Col. Ryan does not require any launch and recovery and recovery equipment.” a warm refuel test, where the aircraft is grounded and refueled while powered on but
Sweazey, Air Combat Command staff equipment to conduct launch and recov- The 556th TES ACE REAPER efforts with the engine not running, at Creech Air Force Base, Nev., Sept. 2, 2021. The warm refuel
officer and T-38 Talon pilot. ery operations, according to Chmielewski. confirmed the feasibility of the MQ-9 test was conducted to test if the operation can be accomplished in austere locations.
As many may feel when first seek-
ing out treatment, Sweazey was wor-
ried about the possible career implica- ACE “perch” concept, which leverages maintenance to communications to
tions and perceptions. the platform’s historic maintenance re- operations, our team did a phenomenal
“Although I had heard many times liability to sustain operations forward job across the spectrum to innovate new
that getting assistance would not from the standard ACE “hub” and tactics from existing capabilities on a
impact my career, I was concerned “spoke” with the ability to conduct mi- near-impossible timeline to make this
the reality would not mesh with the nor maintenance, rapid refuel, and rapid happen and start validating the MQ-9’s
policy,” Sweazey noted. “Also, as a rearming. This capability will move its ability to be agile.”
fighter pilot, I was trained to adapt logistics team out from other large foot- Building on the progress made in the
and overcome. To be able to deal with prints and remain closer to the fight, to Pacific Air Forces, the 556th TES will
complex and demanding situations. maximize its combat effectiveness. contribute to the development and evalu-
So was I being ‘weak’ by asking for “Without the enduring support from ation for MQ-9 Joint Force integration
help?” the 432nd Wing and 49th Wing in the across the kill chain into Valiant Shield
However, as Sweazey’s mental overall exercise, this never would have 2022, in an effort to increase strategic
health worsened, he noticed the toll been a reality,” said Chmielewski. “From and operational success in the theater.
it took on not only himself, but his Air Force photograph by Staff Sgt. Danny Gonzales
family as well. Lt. Col. Ryan Sweazey, Air Combat Command staff officer and T-38 Talon pilot, approaches his jet at Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Va., Oct.
“I was tired of waking up at 3 a.m. 28, 2021. Sweazey was recently treated at the 633d Medical Group Mental Health clinic, where he learned healthy coping mechanisms
angry, fists clenched and jaw sore to better his state of mind.
from grinding [my teeth],” Sweazey
stated. “I had become short-tempered, regain his confidence in knowing he tinuously exercised and kept in condi- “There is no ‘easy button’ fix; re- Air Force photograph by Staff Sgt. Divine Cox
irritable, and began not to recognize had all the tools to move forward. tion,” Sweazey said. “This is why I find covery takes time and effort on your Airmen from the 556th Test and Evaluation Squadron preflight a MQ-9 Reaper at Andersen
the person I was becoming. I knew it “Just last week, I had my last coun- the mental health counselors’ motto part,” Sweazey concluded. “Like the Air Force Base, Guam, Oct. 4, 2021.
was time to get help.” seling session,” Sweazey said. “It was so apropos: ‘We aim to work ourselves sign in my counselor’s office read: ‘It
This epiphany was a pivotal mo- an important milestone in my life in out of a job.’” won’t be easy, but it will be worth it’.”
ment, a snapshot in time that changed that I was able to look back and see “The aim is to arm you with the life- For members seeking help, please
his trajectory — to one of healing and how much I had grown and learned.” long tools to maintain mental health reach out to your local mental health
recovery. Even though his counseling sessions well after treatment,” Sweazey added. provider or resources on the ACC
Sweazey uncovered a life-changing are no longer ongoing, Sweazey un- “In that regard, treatment is just the Bridge or call Military OneSource
lesson: “Asking for help is NOT an derstands that mental health requires first phase in a lifelong journey toward 24/7: 1-800-342-9647
indication of weakness, but rather a daily effort. mental fitness.” If you have an urgent mental health
sign of courage,” Sweazey said. “[This] was not ‘mission complete’ For Sweazey, the road to recovery need, please call the crisis hotline at
After 10 months of ongoing coun- because, just as is the case with the wasn’t straightforward, but changed his 1-800-273-TALK and press 1 or text
seling sessions, Sweazey was able to body, so too must the mind be con- state of mind and future for the better. 838255.

Desert Lightning News, So. Nevada edition is Department of the Air Force or Aerotech News and For all submissions, a name and phone number Air Force photograph by Tech. Sgt. Emerson Nuñez
published by Aerotech News and Review, a private Review of the products or services advertised. of a person to contact must be included in the event A U.S. Air Force MQ-9 Reaper taxis in for
firm in no way connected with the U.S. Air Force. Everything advertised in the publication shall be questions arise. a warm refuel test, where the aircraft is
Contents of Desert Lightning News, So. Nevada edition made available for purchase and use of patronage All material is edited for accuracy, brevity, clarity
Desert Lightning News Staff are not necessarily the official views of, or endorsed without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national and conformity to the AP Style Guide, to include grounded and refueled while powered on
Paul Kinison, Publisher, Aerotech News and Review by, Aerotech News and Review, the U.S. government, origin, age, marital status, physical handicap, political military ranks and proper writing etiquette. Air Force photograph by Staff Sgt. Divine Cox but with the engine not running, at Creech
Stuart Ibberson, Editor the Department of Defense or the Department of the affiliation or any other non-merit factor of the Corrections: Desert Lightning News staff An MQ- Reaper takes off from Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, Oct. 5, 2021. MQ-9 training primarily occurs over land, but ACE Reaper
Tinna Sellie, Editorial Layout members strive for accurac y each week . Air Force Base, Nev., Sept. 2, 2021. Warm
Sandy Bueltel, Advertising Sales Air Force. purchaser, user or patron. If you notice an error in fact, contact the Desert is testing the capabilities of using MQ-9s over water to demonstrate our readiness in any environment. The purpose of ACE Reaper is refuels can increase the MQ-9’s operational
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For editorial staff: e-mail editor@aerotechnews.com an endorsement by the Department of Defense, the the week of desired publication date. editor@aerotechnews.com, and we will consider exercise also serves as an opportunity to train in a maritime environment and in a different airspace. on the ground.
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