Page 15 - Aerotech News and Review July 1 2016

STORAGE SPECIAL

Military , Law Enforcement, Fire Dept & EMT

Thank you for your service

50% OFF!

Any Size Unit For One Year!
& 20% OFF There After!

5X7-$25 | 5X10-$32 | 10X10-$52.50 | 10X15-$68 | 10X20-$80 | 10X24-$90 | 15X20-$109

Stor-Rite (661) 948-4322

1209 E. Ave I •Lancaster CA 93535 | Office: 9 am - 6 pm • Gate Open 7 am - 7 pm

Get Your News Via email!

Aerotech News and Review is now publishing a FREE email newsletter containing top stories from the five aerospace
and military base newspapers. Sign up today to receive your FREE email newsletter!

Go to www.aerotechnews.com and click on the “Join My List” button under the Feature Headlines Box!
News from Nellis, Creech, Luke and Davis-Monthan Air Force Bases; Fort Irwin NTC Army Post;
Air Force Plant 42 and Mojave Spaceport will all be included each week.
Aerotech News will never sell, rent or give your email address to any outside organization.
We have signed up with Constant Contact for the purpose of sending these email newsletters
and to remain compliant with anti-spam laws. You may opt out at any time.

Join our list today! Go to www.aerotechnews.com and click on the “Join My List” under the Feature Headlines Box.

Volume 12, Number 4 ‘Welcome home!’Published in the interest of the National Training Center and Fort Irwin community • www.irwin.army.mil April 1, 2016 Train the world’s greatest F-35 and F-16 fighter pilots April 8, 2016
Vol. 16, No. 14
INSIDE
Putting the KC-46 Pegasus through its paces Vol. 9, No. 4 Serving Southern Arizona’s military community, including Davis-Monthan Air Force Base April 1, 2016
StorIES
by Bo Joyner Vol. 66 No. 13 AN AEROTECH NEWS AND REVIEW PUBLICATION • WWW.AEROTECHNEWS.COM  Cadets soar in AZ, 3
Edwards AFB, Calif. April 1, 2016  From dice to advice, 4
Thunder and Lightning Over Arizona draws thousands  Tuskegee Airmen, 6
As the Air Force gets ready for the arrival of HHL16 provides new capabilities to JTACs  Warn kids about drugs, 7
its newest aerial refueling and strategic military  5k color run, 13
transport aircraft, a diverse group of airmen is By Airman 1st Class Nathan Byrnes of development,” said Waters. “We are
working hard to make sure the KC-46A Pegasus Courtesy photograph 99th Air Base Wing Public Affairs testing an extremely capable device that INDEx
is ready to meet the service’s needs. Lt. Col. has been manufactured in a very short
John Mikal is one of them. Lt. Col. John Mikal, a KC-46A Pegasus test pilot, is part of the team that’s putting the tanker through a series of critical pre-production tests at NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE, Nev. — time frame. What we have seen so far Action line ............................. 2
Edwards Air Force Base, Calif. Special Operations Command, De- with the testing has been extremely Briefs..................................... 3
Mikal, a reservist KC-135 Stratotanker in- partment of Defense components and valuable and useful for both JTACs and Spotlight ................................ 4
structor pilot assigned to the 370th Flight Test members from the U.S. Navy, Army, fighter aircraft.’ Diversions ........................... 16
Squadron, is also a KC-46 test pilot and member Marines and Air Force took part in the Sports.................................. 19
of the team that’s putting the Pegasus through a operational assessment of the Hand “The ability to have a portable radio
series of critical pre-production tests. 10 and KC-46 flight test and aerial refueling program,” Col. Chris Coombs, the KC-46 sys- bility of the next-generation of tankers to the Held Link 16 radio produced by ViaSat, that can transmit messages onto the U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Nathan Byrnes quotE of thE wEEk Airman 1st Class Shan Ridge
flight test for Air Force Test Center programs. tem program manager at the Air Force Life warfighter supporting our global missions for March 21-25, 2016, on the Nevada Test Link 16 network is crucial for the future A civilian contractor and a joint terminal attack controller use the Hand Held Link 16, which The Red Bull Demonstration Team performs during the Luke Air Force Base 75 Years of Airpower air show.
Boeing developed the KC-46 from its 767 jet Cycle Management Center at Wright-Patterson years to come.” and Training Range. of conducting close air support in the enables digitally aided close air support integration during the operational assessment of “Be dependable, competent, ef-
airliner and is scheduled to deliver 179 of the On Jan. 24, the KC-46 successfully completed AFB, Ohio, said after that flight. “We have had 21st century. We have always wanted a the HHL16 radio March 24, on the Nevada Test and Training Range. Link 16 was originally ficient and aggressive. Understand Luke Celebrates 75 Years of Airpower
aircraft to the Air Force by 2028. The first 18 its first in-flight refueling demonstration as it plans on paper and data from simulation labs, After the refueling test with the F-16, the KC- The HHL16 provides a tactical data standardized, secure method to imple- designed for air-to-air missions, but the technology has made the transition to ground forces how and where you fit into the
combat-ready tankers are scheduled to be deliv- passed 1,600 pounds of fuel to an F-16C Fight- but this in-flight demonstration shows we are 46A had a robust in-flight refueling demonstra- link to joint terminal attack controllers ment digitally aided CAS and this tool providing JTACs advantages on the battlefield that they didn’t previously have. wing’s mission and why your job is
ered by August 2017. ing Falcon. truly making progress on bringing this capa- tion schedule for the next few weeks. The test and pilots, and enables digitally aided will give us that capability.” important. Finally, be the Airman
with the fighter jet fulfilled the requirement to close air support integration. who finds a way to ‘yes.’”
To meet that timeline, Boeing is working “These are exciting times for the KC-46A connect to a light/fast receiver aircraft. The re- The operational assessment of the
closely with the Air Force to put the KC-46 maining tests with the boom were scheduled to “The HHL16 radio will give JTACs the HHL16 and the data collected during the Col. Robert Novotny
through its paces. The company’s first test air- use an A-10 Thunderbolt II as the light/slow re- ability to transmit friendly positions and assessment will help with the development 48th Fighter Wing commander
craft, a Boeing 767-2C, touched down at Ed- ceiver and a C-17 Globemaster III as the heavy send messages directly to fighter aircraft and timely integration of the device.
wards Air Force Base. Calif., for the first time receiver. via an extremely secure and encrypted
Oct. 15 for several days of fuel onload fatigue pathway,” said Capt. Richard Waters, “It is crucial that we integrate as early
testing. During these tests, the KC-46 flew in Mikal said the KC-46 test aircraft will be 605th Test and Evaluation Squadron, as possible with the organizations and
close formations with a KC-135 and KC-10 Ex- spending a lot of time at Edwards AFB in the Hurlburt Field, Florida, tactical air con- companies that manufacture the battle-
tender to see how the aircraft performed in dif- coming months as it goes through aerial refuel- trol party air liaison officer, JTAC. “This field systems we utilize in the military,”
ferent aerial refueling positions. While no fuel ing certification testing with a host of Air Force capability significantly reduces fratricide said Waters. “Early involvement provides
was passed, Boeing engineers were able to test and coalition aircraft. and provides all players in the close air the developers the insight they need to
the stress and strain on the Pegasus. support arena the ability to positively make the systems more practical for the
“There are about 18 different aircraft that identify friendly from foe.” warfighter.”
Mikal flew as the aircraft commander of the need to be tested as they take on fuel from the
KC-135 during the first aerial refueling maneu- KC-46,” he said. “A lot of that testing will take This operational assessment is the first Staff Sgt. Edward Wambolt, 422nd
vers of a KC-46 behind a KC-135 and in close place here at Edwards, and I am ready to help of many that the new HHL16 radio will Test and Evaluation Squadron lead joint
formation with both the KC-10 and KC-46 on out with that testing however I can.” undergo during its improvement periods. terminal attack controller instructor stat-
Oct. 19. Two days later, he flew as a pilot aboard See hhl16, on page 3
the KC-46 during an aerial refueling receiver Edwards AFB continues to be the premier “The HHL16 radio is in the early stages
onload fatigue test behind a KC-10. He was the base for flight testing the Air Force’s newest
first Air Force reservist to fly the 767-2C, the capabilities, and the Air Force Reserve’s 370th AF Hangar acceptance testing checklist paves way for new standards Story by aerial demonstration team and F-16 pilots in the Air Force. munities and allowed Airmen
commercial test variant of the KC-46. FTS continues to support when needed. 56th Fighter Wing the first-ever performance and “This was my first air show,” the opportunity to interact with
Cpl. Eli Marvin – a Soldier with Headquarters and Headquarters Troop, 1st Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment – shakes hands with James Pinnix, a Vietnam War Veteran, here, By Susan Lawson The addition to the 99th Air Base Force Civil Engineer Center at Tyndall depending on the fire protection engi- PUbliC AFFAiRS appearance by the F-35 Heri- and thank those community
“It was a tremendous honor to participate in The KC-46A Pegasus is intended to replace March 19. Pinnix, of Orange, Calif., was a Navy Hospital Corpsman who served with the United States Marines in Vietnam, 1966-67. AFCEC Public Affairs Wing fuel cell maintenance hangar was AFB, Florida, has been developing neer overseeing the test. There was no lUKE AiR FORCE bASE, tage Team, which featured the said Jowellyn Thomas, Good- members for their unwavering
and conduct KC-46 testing with the test team,” the Air Force’s aging tanker fleet, which has the first Air Force hangar fire suppres- standardized checklist to be followed uniformity even within agencies. Arizona -- Luke opened its F-35 Lightning II flying along- year resident who attended the support.
Mikal said. “The KC-46 will be an amazing been refueling aircraft for more than 50 years. Story and photos by Gustavo Bahena of the NTC headquarters, where Martin, NTC Command Sgt. meet our national security needs,” Martin said. TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. — sion system to be tested with new Uni- for all future acceptance tests around doors to a record 425,000 people side the original Lightning, the air show. “It was breathtaking
operational aircraft, and I’m humbled to have With more refueling capacity and enhanced ca- Maj. Edison Rebuck, and their families waved and greeted the The guest speaker, Joseph Galloway, was introduced by Col. Fire protection engineers convened fied Facilities Criteria, which requires the world. “In order to provide a more reliable during its “75 Years of Air- P-38. and I’m really looking forward “The partnerships we have
the opportunity to be a part of this amazingly pabilities, improved efficiency, and increased Public Affairs Office Veterans riding atop military trucks, motorcycles and classic recently for the final acceptance test of fire suppression system activation by fire suppression system and reduce or power” air show April 2 and 3. to the next one!” and the friendships we share
talented test team.” The National Training Center and Fort Irwin honored Vet- cars. The route was also lined with hundreds of Soldiers and Scott Taylor, commander of Fort Irwin United States Army an aircraft hangar foam fire suppres- triple infrared detection technology. The standardized project acceptance eliminate false activations, we need both The show provided a glimpse When they weren’t flying, the are absolutely vital to what we
See TANKER, Page 2 erans of the Vietnam War era during an event here, March 19. family members, who cheered the procession. Garrison. Galloway is a retired journalist and co-author of “We sion system at Nellis Air Force Base, checklist effort began after it was dis- oversight and consistency,” Biddle said. into the history of the Air Force F-35 Heritage Team members Putting together an air show do at Luke AFB” said Brig. Gen.
Mikal isn’t the only Air Force reservist from On a clear, warm day, just before the start of spring, the com- Were Soldiers Once … and Young.” Nevada. Judy Biddle, hangar fire suppression covered that the hangar fire suppres- See checklist, on page 3 with jets such as the World War were busy handing out and with more than 40 static dis- Scott Pleus 56th Fighter Wing
the 370th FLTS qualified to take part in the KC- manding general of this Army combat training center – Maj. The Veterans continued to receive applause and recognition subject matter specialist at the Air sion acceptance testing process differed II A-26 Invader and a glimpse signing photos for thousands of plays and 11 aerial acts takes commander. “All year long we
46 testing. The 370th has two KC-46 initial cad- Gen. Joseph Martin – proclaimed, “Welcome Home!” to the as they entered the tent for a ceremony and lunch. Taylor explained Galloway served four tours as a war corre- into the Air Force’s future with visitors to the base. a team effort. get unending support from our
re boom operators — Master Sgts. Aaron Ray Boeing photograph by John D. Parker Veterans during a ceremony celebrating their military service. spondent in Vietnam. He was recognized in 1998 with a Bronze Scan with Find us online at WANted: Motivated volunteer to lead the Nellis Retiree Affairs Luke’s own F-35 Lightning II. elected leaders, businesses and
and Scott Scurlock — who will be taking part in Approximately 500 Veterans and their guests sat inside a Martin expressed that Soldiers and the community was hon- Medal with “V” device for rescuing wounded Soldiers under your “Simply stated, the air show Another highlight of the “From successfully screening those who live throughout the
Pegasus refueling testing in the coming months. A KC-46 refuels AV-8B Harrier II March 1, 2016. cavernous tent with Soldiers and leadership during the late ored and humbled to host the Veterans “from three generations fire in Ia Drang Valley with the 7th Cavalry in November 1965. smartphone Nellis AFB & Office. Would you be interested in a dynamic position that helps Las was a tremendous success,” said show was the close air sup- our guests to supporting the Valley — and once every two
morning ceremony. They had received a hero’s welcome from ago for their service to our nation.” tTooocuornwneecbtsite Nellis Bullseye Vegas area Retirees? Do you enjoy teamwork and making a differ- Lt. Col. Christopher Bacon, air port demonstration, during best air acts from around the years we get the opportunity to
The 370th FLTS is an embedded Air Force the start of the day, which began with a motorcycle escort to “He is the only civilian to be awarded a medal for valor by ence? Please contact the 99th ABW Commander Action Group at show director. which the F-16 Fighting Falcons world, my hat goes off to each give something back in the form
Reserve unit with a mission of providing KC- “Painted Rocks,” just outside the installation gate. They took “Some of you made a long journey to come here … but all the U.S. Army for actions in combat,” Taylor said. 702-652-9900 or email 99ABW.CAG@us.af.mil by April 15. The show was headlined by showed off their combat capabil- and every member of my air of an air show. It is our way of
135 aerial refueling test support to both opera- a group photo there and then participated in a parade in front of you have come here from a long life’s journey in a time and the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds ities. This “live” demonstration show team and the countless saying ‘thanks’ for allowing us
tional and test-configured receiver aircraft at circumstance of faith that brought you in the prime of your life Galloway thanked the former servicemembers in the audi- featured pyrotechnic explosions volunteers who made it hap- to be a part of this great com-
Edwards AFB’s 412th Test Wing. The Reserve to spend a tour of duty, or more, in Vietnam, to serve the United ence and stated, “Welcome home brothers and sister Veterans.” to simulate bombs was a crowd pen,” Bacon said. munity.”
unit also leads management and execution of States in Germany, Korea or elsewhere around the world – to favorite and highlighted the fact
the business effort mission at Edwards AFB, See WELCOME HOME, page 12 Luke AFB trains 97 percent of The turnout highlighted the
which utilizes operational Air Mobility Com- tremendous support for Luke
mand KC-135 and KC-10 tankers to support AFB from the surrounding com-
routine refueling of non-test configured 412th
TW receiver aircraft.

Since some 370th FLTS pilots are test pilots
and some of its boom operators are flight test
boom operators, they augment the KC-135, KC-

April 1, 2016 • Volume 30, Issue 4 Serving the aerospace industry since 1986 Use your smartphone to connect to (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Chris Massey) Go to luke.af.mil for Luke Facebook link Use your smartphone to
www.aerotechnews.com www.facebook.com/aerotechnews our Website. connect to our website!
Two A-10C Thunderbolt IIs fly in tandem during a demonstration at the Thunder and Lightning over Arizona Open House at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz., March 12, 2016. The Desert Lightning
Team demonstration included A-10 Thunderbolt IIs, HH-60G Pave Hawks and an HC-130J Combat King.

www.aerotechnews.com « Facebook: aerotech News and review
linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/aerotechnews

July 1, 2016 Aerotech News and Review 15

www.aerotechnews.com ........ facebook.com/aerotechnewsandreview