Page 11 - Aerotech News and Review 5-20-16

Dutch F-35 OT contingent prepping to head overseas
The two Dutch F-35As will take-
by Kenji Thuloweit off from Edwards and land at Naval
Edwards AFB, Calif. Air Station Patuxent River, Md. After
fueling up and running some checks,
Several media members and Royal the duo will head out on their roughly
Netherlands Air Force representa- seven-hour transatlantic flight fol-
tives stopped by Edwards Air Force lowed by two RNLAF KDC-10 aerial
Base, Calif., May 10 to cover a big refuelers and a NATO C-17 carrying
story. gear and spare parts.

In about a week, most of the Dutch The planes will land at Leeuwar-
component of the F-35 Joint Opera- den Air Base in the Netherlands,
tional Test Team will head home which is one of two bases that will
where they will conduct test sorties be home to the RNLAF’s F-35s when
and introduce their fifth-generation they arrive permanently in 2019. The
fighter to the people of the Nether- RNLAF plans to replace its legacy F-
lands, which falls in line with a prom- 16A/B fleet with a minimum of 37
ise made by Netherlands Defense F-35s, split between two bases.
Minister Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert
to bring the jets home for an up-close The three-week mission not only
and personal viewing for the public. fulfills the Netherlands defense min-

RNLAF photograph

Most of the Dutch component of the F-35 Joint Operational Test Team, along
with their two planes, will head to the Netherlands for a three-week deployment
where they will conduct testing and also introduce the fifth-generation fighter
to the Dutch people at an air show.

ister’s promise, it also provides an and expect to learn a lot.

excellent test opportunity. “I’m sure we are going to have to

“We’ve turned it into a deployment deal with challenges. We’ve turned it

that fits really well in our operation- into a three-week deployment where

al test activities,” said RNLAF Col. we will conduct regular sorties just
Albert de Smit, Netherlands F-35 like we do here; just turn sorties so
Operational Test Detachment com- we can see if the maintenance and
mander. “We are doing a variety of
Air Force photograph by Jet Fabara things as part of OT test. There have logistics pieces all work and if [in-
been deployments by the U.S. Marine formation technology] can support us
A Royal Netherlands Air Force F-35A Lightning II touches down at Edwards AFB for the first time Jan. 16, 2015. The Corps and Navy, and by the U.S. Air throughout the whole thing. I’m sure
Dutch F-35 Operational Test Detachment has been conducting OT since and will head to the Netherlands for a three- Force to Mountain Home [Air Force it’s going to generate a ton of les-
week deployment. Base, Idaho]. So we thought one of sons learned and things to take away
the things we have not done is a long- from,” de Smit said.
range overseas deployment.”
Towards the end of the deploy-
While at Leeuwarden AB, the de- ment, Leeuwarden AB will hold a
tachment will conduct test operations
See F-35, Page 12

AcqDemo team outlines planned activities related to transition
provided by officials at centers and complexes. The first AcqDemo appraisal cycle, the Con-
by Ted Singer These sessions will provide an AFMC AcqDemo tribution-based Compensation Appraisal System, an overview of the pay pool process, provide
Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio overview, detail AFMC business rules and pro- will be an abbreviated cycle covering the period in-depth information on contribution planning
vide for question and answer sessions. Dates and June 12 through Sept. 30, 2016. A contribution and self-assessment writing and will be offered
In late May to mid-June, Air Force Materiel locations of the town halls and informational ses- plan will be created as a joint effort by the em- starting in June 2016. It should be noted that
Command employees who will transition into sions are forthcoming. ployee and supervisor, and completed by July 1, contribution plans may be updated at any time
the Department of Defense Civilian Acquisition 2016. The AFMC approved format for contribu- during the performance period, so contribution
Workforce Demonstration Project (AcqDemo) At an AcqDemo town hall meeting in the tion plans is the Contribution, Results and Im- plans may be revised/adjusted after the AFMC
will receive information detailing their individ- AFMC headquarters on May 12, 2016, Gen. pacts format. Both AFMC AcqDemo employees supplemental training seminars. CCAS seminars
ual conversion into the new pay system. Ellen Pawlikowski, AFMC commander, said and supervisors of AcqDemo employees, includ- will be offered on site at major AFMC locations,
“AcqDemo takes the management of our civil- ing military supervisors, should take advantage with Defense Collaboration Services web-con-
The AcqDemo transition effective date is June ian workforce out of the hands of the Air Force of Contribution Planning training to meet the ferencing sessions scheduled at minor locations.
12, 2016. Personnel Center and puts it into the hands of July 1 deadline. The Contribution Planning mod-
MAJCOM leadership. AcqDemo allows supervi- ule is available on-line, takes about 20 minutes, For additional information on AcqDemo:
Employees will be notified via letter through sors the flexibility to hire the right people, de- and can be found at the DOD AcqDemo site at • Within AFMC, contact HQ AFMC/A1KA,
their supervisors and advised of their Position velop skillsets as employees mature and reward http://acqdemo.hci.mil/training.html. (937) 257-0112, DSN 787-0112
Requirements Document assignment. PRDs employees based on their performance. Employ- • DOD Civilian Acquisition Workforce
will identify the career path, broadband level, ees will be rewarded based on the effectiveness AFMC will provide supplemental training Personnel Demonstration Project website
position tier and pay pool assignment. The PRD of their contributions, not by how long they have on how to write contribution plans in the CRI http://acqdemo.hci.mil/
takes the place of the GS Standard Core Person- been here.” format. This CCAS tools seminar will cover
nel Document or Personnel Document.

Town halls or informational sessions will be