Ground: Putting the “S” in safety

by Senior Airman Benjamin Stratton379th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs6/20/2013 - SOUTHWEST ASIA -- "Mission first, safety always," said Master Sgt. Michael Asdel as he explained the meaning of the phrase coined by wing safety professionals Air Force-wide."In the same way, I am an Airman first and a safety professional always," he said. "Safety is everyone's responsibility -- we're just here to make sure everyone is following the safety guidelines as trusted counselors to wing and installation leaders."Asdel is a 379th Air Expeditionary Wing safety technician deployed here from Keesler Air Force Base, Miss., who works hand-in-hand with the installation's weapons safety section. Contrary to the other two sections in safety, weapons and flight, ground is an actual Air Force specialty. This fact sets them apart from the other two safety sections."Going to safety school really opens your eyes to a new world and way of looking at things," he said. "It's a whole new experience. As an Airman we have to be safety conscious, but as safety technicians, we are here to ensure supervisors are doing what they need to do to be safety conscious themselves."Ground safety personnel responsibilities include the training of managers, supervisors and employees to identify, evaluate and control workplace hazards and ensure mishaps are investigated and reported. The ground safety program includes operational, occupational, off-duty and traffic safety concerns. These concepts are taught to each unit safety representative, who are the eyes and ears of the wing's safety office and essential to safe completion of the wing's mission."No one knows their work centers better than the individuals who work in them," Asdel said. "Our office is here to help and provide the knowledge and guidance necessary so everyone goes home safe."Asdel said he's been very happy with how concerned units are here with safety."Since I put boots on the ground in April, I've seen no signs of complacency or deviation on safety matters," he said. "I'm particularly proud of the civil engineers and maintainers with their 'lock-out, tag-out' program in place to control hazardous materials around the installation."Ground safety conducts annual inspections of all units on base, while their ground unit safety representatives carry out monthly spot inspections, disseminate safety educational materials and verify unit safety briefings are being conducted."These USR's are an instrumental component to the success of the safety program," said Asdel. "We couldn't do what we do without their assistance. With no annual or monthly inspections -- safety could be put on the backburner and service members could get hurt. So you can see why what we do here is very important."Ground safety also maintains strong partnerships with other agencies across the base."Our primary partners include bioenvironmental engineering, the fire department and public health," said Tech. Sgt. Joel Barnett, a 379th AEW ground safety technician deployed from Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska. "These agencies help us to mitigate and abate hazards."As with most functions in the military, the mission isn't a success without the combined efforts of multiple agencies. Jets require maintainers to keep them serviceable, but can't fly without pilots. Service members can't perform at their best without water, food and lodging. Without safety, the risk for injury and possibly death could skyrocket."It's a team effort," added Asdel. "It takes every Airman, all the way from airman basic to the wing commander to keep ourselves and our wingmen safe. Mishaps are going to happen, we know this, but it's our job to educate and prevent them as best we can."[Editor's note: This story is part two of a three-part series highlighting the three sections of wing safety.]

PyroLance: Water with firepower

by Senior Airman Benjamin Stratton379th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs

6/6/2013 - SOUTHWEST ASIA -- Today's aircraft rescue and firefighting emergencies require a quick response and the ability to access complex composite structures such as the many Air Force airframes protected by the 379th Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron firefighters here.To do this, firefighters require top-notch tools and equipment to get the job done safely and efficiently while limiting loss of life and property. The 379th ECES fire department practiced using a PyroLance here June 4 as part of that mission. This tool gives crews access to areas where hidden fires continue to burn. This technology allows firefighters the ability to puncture and spray water into structural walls, aircraft skin and vehicle compartments without ever having to step inside a hazardous environment."By directing the powerful stream directly at the source of the fire, fires can be cooled and extinguished with maximum effectiveness," said Staff Sgt. Kristopher Jaime, a 379th ECES firefighter.The PyroLance is typically operated by two people. One person works the water tank and pump generator, while the other works the handle and nozzle. The handle/nozzle operator must be in full personal protective equipment due to the nature of the tool and its application. The PyroLance can also be combined with foam systems for extinguishing fires traveling along sources such as gasoline and jet fuel."This tool gives us the capability to cut through and into just about anything to put out the fire," Jaime said.Useful in many applications other than aviation, this high pressure technology is also a viable asset in combating municipal, rescue, hazardous material, wildland and is now included into the Air Force's new Rapid Intervention Vehicle apparatus."Its versatility brings flexibility to our firefighting mission here," said Airman 1st Class Taner Masters, a 379th ECES firefighter. "By making such a precise insertion into an aircraft or structure, instead of cutting up the skin or walls, we can effectively save the Air Force a lot of money in repair damage."

Rachel Lipsky livens deployed servicemember’s resolve

by Senior Airman Benjamin Stratton379th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs6/5/2013 - SOUTHWEST ASIA -- During an Armed Forces Entertainment tour across the region, the Rachel Lipsky Band visited servicemembers assigned to the 379th Air Expeditionary Wing here May 29 and 30, saw several facilities, and put on two performances.Lipsky's influences are Patty Loveless, Mary Chapin Carpenter, Melba Montgomery and Selena. She is also a huntress and has a web-based hunting show called "Wild Enough to Shoot At."Today, AFE hosts more than 1,200 shows around the world each year, reaching more than 500,000 personnel at 270 military installations. From muddy make-shift stages to show-stopping extravaganzas, the performances bring a piece of home to those stationed far away from home.

Listen to your buds: Preventing hearing loss

by Senior Airman Benjamin Stratton379th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs5/28/2013 - SOUTHWEST ASIA -- After a long day of work, the last thing you might want to hear is your neighbor's favorite screaming rock band, but when fellow Airmen use their earbuds on the highest volume setting, no one gets to enjoy the silence.Music technology came a long way since Edison's first phonograph -- from loud, crackly records all the way to inner-ear buds. While these conveniences are a part of everyday life, they can also be detrimental to your health and possibly career ending."In the military, many people are exposed to dangerously loud noises on a regular basis due to our jobs, especially personnel that work on the flight line," said Senior Airman Jamie Miller, a 379th Expeditionary Medical Group public health journeyman. "Exposing ourselves to excessively loud noise or loud noise for long periods of time will cause noise-induced hearing loss. Any type of loud noise can cause this hearing loss; even listening to music that's too loud can cause permanent damage."Servicemembers understand how essential it is to wear their personal protective equipment while performing the mission in situations requiring extra hearing protection, but what most don't realize, Miller said, is hearing loss can occur at any time."Listening to loud music on an iPod is just like being exposed to any other loud noise," he said. "One thing that many do is turn the volume of their music up when they're in a place that is loud itself, like the gym. The best thing for that is simply to police ourselves; it will be well worth it."According to the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, hearing loss can come from a variety of factors, but the number one source for hearing loss in America is exposure to very loud noise. In a campaign ASHA initiated for May as part of "Better Hearing and Speech Month," "Listen to your buds" focuses on educating people, helping them communicate and promoting treatment aimed at improving quality of life.ASHA officials say listening to loud noise for long periods of time can damage the hair cells in the inner ear. Noise-induced hearing loss usually develops gradually and painlessly. A single exposure to an extremely loud sound such as an explosion can cause a sudden loss of hearing. This is called acoustic trauma.In the Air Force, NIHL is an important matter and it's the number one cause for disability. To help combat the damage done by dangerous amounts of noise, personnel at risk take annual audiograms as well as get fitted for earplugs to make sure the correct size is worn and worn correctly."Correctly wearing earplugs and earmuffs will greatly reduce the amount of noise to a reasonable level," said Miller.Preventing high environmental noise from getting in is preferable, but many servicemembers purposely play their music at dangerous volume levels, and are at significantly increased risk for injury."Hearing loss is permanent, so there is no recovery that can happen once the damage is done," Miller continued. "Without hearing, there would be communication barriers between you and your coworkers, giving orders and being aware of your environment. At home it's much more difficult to have a conversation with your loved ones or call your family far away."People with hearing loss may have:- Difficulty speaking and understanding verbal communication- Problems in academic achievement; feelings of isolation, exclusion, embarrassment, annoyance, confusion and helplessness- A reluctance to participate in activities with others- Significant problems following directions- Numerous physiological changes, sleep difficulties, digestive problems, delayed emotional development, stress related disorders, behavioral problems, body fatigue and possible immunological effectsThere is hope, however, and all these symptoms can be avoided."The positive is that NIHL is 100 percent preventable," Miller said. "As long as everyone does their part, NIHL won't be a reason for anyone to have to leave their workplace."Visit www.asha.org/public for more information on how to prevent hearing loss.

Oldest jet in AF operated, maintained by youngest crews

by Senior Airman Benjamin Stratton379th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs

5/23/2013 - SOUTHWEST ASIA -- For more than 50 years Airmen have flown the KC-135 Stratotanker to more places and supported more missions than most people experience in three, even four, life times. One such refueler, "57-1419," recently visited the 379th Air Expeditionary Wing en route to support Operation ENDURING FREEDOM."We have Eisenhower-era aircraft, flown by crews and serviced by maintainers whose grandparents may not have been old enough to vote for President Eisenhower," said Lt. Col. James Zick, the 379th Expeditionary Aircraft Maintenance Squadron commander.Putting things into perspective even further, Capt. Emma House said her dad was 3 years old when 57-1419 rolled off the assembly line. House is assigned to the 340th Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron deployed from Scott Air Force Base, Ill., and is currently the jet's aircraft commander.This 56-year-old refueler, assigned to the 190th Air Refueling Wing of the Kansas Air National Guard, is expected to fly through 2040, according to Air Mobility Command officials. Gen. Paul Selva, the AMC commander, has even said the mother of the last crew chief to service this jet has not been born yet.Its age, however, hasn't hindered its usefulness, nor has it dampened its crew's eagerness to throttle up and take to the sky."It's really a source of pride for me," House said. "So many generations of other KC-135 pilots have flown her -- I can't even begin to imagine all the places she's been and the fact I get to fly her on an OEF mission in 2013 is really something special."KC-135s are responsible for roughly 65 percent of air-to-air refueling in the 379th's area of responsibility. With that said, the 340th EARS and AMU are responsible for nearly 40 percent of that."There is literally no way to do what we do over Afghanistan without these old jets and young crews that fly and maintain them," said Lt. Col. Maximilian Bremer, the 340 EARS commander. "Our troops on the ground can count on Air Force and Navy air power overhead within minutes of a request, thanks to the fuel we provide 24/7."But for the crews who fly and maintain these aircraft, it's about much more than how old it is or how much longer the AF plans to fly them."It's definitely an honor for me," said Senior Airman Rich Bradford, 340th EARS boom operator deployed from Scott AFB. "Words can't describe how I feel. My dad was 5 when this jet rolled off the line. I'm just glad I'm able to help support troops on the ground anyway I can."In 1954, the Air Force purchased the first 29 of its future 732-plane fleet. The first aircraft flew in August 1956 and the initial production Stratotanker was delivered to Castle Air Force Base, Calif., in June 1957. The last KC-135 was delivered to the Air Force in 1965."If airplanes could talk, I'd love to hear about the things '57-1419' has seen," said Capt. Neal Brinkworth, 340th EARS mission pilot also deployed from Scott AFB. "I've always wanted to be a pilot and have definitely had the bug since my first flight lesson when I was 13-years-old. So joining the Air Force was a dream come true, but this, this definitely tops the books. I'm 27 and flying the oldest jet in the Air Force -- simply amazing."The mission is two-fold, however, and the aircrew can't complete the mission without the maintainers and crew chiefs who have kept these jets flying for more than five decades.Staff Sgt. Ray Demarco, 340th Aircraft Maintenance Unit crew chief deployed from the 108th Air National Guard Wing at McGuire AFB, N.J., said he has "a great deal of pride as a maintainer.""I've been a guardsman for 12 years, worked on airframes ranging from F-15 Eagles and F-16 Fighting Falcons to heavies like the KC-135, but the Stratotanker is definitely my favorite," Demarco said. "It's amazing that what I do and what those who have come before me have done keeps jets like these flying."Although it may be the oldest jet, this doesn't hinder the passion these Airmen have for the KC-135."This aircraft requires a great deal of flying skills," said House as she ran through her preflight checklist. "We're not passengers, the auto-pilot system is very limited and landing isn't a walk-in-the-park."These aircraft were built before human factors were a significant consideration in cockpit design, Bremer said. This makes them "especially challenging for a generation who grew up with user-friendly devices and trained in modern aircraft."The 27-year-old pilot, House, explained why she'd continue flying the Stratotanker even when its eventual replacement rolls off the production line."We're all excited to see the KC-46, but this jet isn't going anywhere anytime soon," she explained. "I hope we keep flying this airplane for another 50 years."

Day on the Job: Rivet Joint maintainers

by Senior Airman Benjamin Stratton379th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs5/23/2013 - SOUTHWEST ASIA -- Airmen from the 763rd Aircraft Maintenance Unit catch a RC-135 Rivet Joint after the aircraft returns from a mission here May 22.This airframe is the 379th Air Expeditionary Wing's primary intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance platform; picking up real-time information on the coalition's enemies.

Maintenance chaplain makes big impact

by Senior Airman Benjamin Stratton379th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs

5/23/2013 - SOUTHWEST ASIA -- With the blinding sun baking down on the hot tarmac, maintenance crews strive to keep aircraft strategically poised to support troops on the ground in the area of operations. The work isn't easy, the days are long and nerves can be frayed. That is until the maintenance group chaplain rolls up with a smile, devotion and a popsicle."It's nice to know we have the support of more than just our leadership," said Senior Airman Jonathan Donovan, a 379th Expeditionary Aircraft Maintenance Squadron C-130 Hercules crew chief deployed from Peterson Air Force Base, Colo. "He really connects with us at the most basic levels."That sentiment for Chaplain (Capt.) David Dziolek is carried across the maintenance group here, but as they say, "there's a rhyme for every reason.""He was maintenance like us, so we really feel like we can open up to him because he understands what we're going through day-in and day-out," said Airman 1st Class Paul Basirico, also a 379th EAMXS C-130 crew chief deployed from Peterson AFB.Dziolek, a Freesoil, Mich., native, began his career in 1991 when he enlisted in the Air Force as an F-15E Strike Eagle maintainer. While he had aspirations to play basketball in the NBA, he said he was needed elsewhere."The Lakers wanted me, but I had a calling to serve," he smiled.After completing technical training, Dziolek arrived at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev., where he served for five years."I completed Airman Leadership School there," he said. "But I learned at Nellis a lot of what not to do and it wasn't until my next assignment I really felt like I belonged."Dziolek credits his next assignment, the former Naval Air Station Keflavik, Iceland, for turning his life around."The Lord really got a hold of me up there," he said. "I came to him broken. But he got a hold of me through the Gospels and the Navy chaplain took me under his wing and really began to mentor me."Losing his father at 12 years old, Dziolek hadn't had a real mentor or even father figure until meeting this chaplain."He had a huge impact on me," Dziolek said. "He was one of the first to say to me, 'I believe in you.'"It was under this Navy chaplain's spiritual mentorship he began reflecting on what the future had in store."God was doing some major molding in my life," he said. "He would come to me in visions while I was reading the Bible. These were moments of clarity in my life -- I could literally see myself dressed up in a suit and tie preaching God's word."Following his calling, Dziolek left the Air Force in 2000 to pursue the higher education necessary to be a chaplain. He attained his bachelor's degree in Pastoral Ministry in 2003 from Lee University in Cleveland, Tenn., joined the Air Force Reserves in 2005 and completed his master's in Divinity from the Church of God Seminary, also in Cleveland, Tenn., in 2006. From there he went active duty in 2010 as a chaplain and has since been assigned to Wilford Hall Medical Facility at Joint Base San Antonio, Texas.He's served the men and women of the 379th Expeditionary Maintenance Group for the past six months as their chaplain. He said his experience here rekindled "some old energy and passion."These sentiments are rooted in the maintenance career field. He loves going out visiting with Airmen, because not only is he able to share God's message of salvation, he relives the things he grew to appreciate earlier in his career."I absolutely love the smell of the flightline," Dziolek said. "I love the heat baking down on you and to see those awesome planes fly."Maintenance at the core, the chaplain enjoyed reliving his youth here."I remember when the jets would break down hard and we had to troubleshoot the problem to get the aircraft back on the line," he said. "Out here you really feel connected to the mission. But now as a chaplain, I get to do some spiritual troubleshooting and help these guys with their issues -- watch them fly, spiritually."This gives Dziolek the greatest sense of accomplishment because at the end of the day, his work adds to the 379th's maintainer's spiritual readiness. But the chaplain hasn't accomplished all he has here without the guided help of his assistant, Staff Sgt. Bernard Untalan."Working with Chaplain 'DZ' I've experienced profound moments of ministry," Untalan said. "He made it a point to include me in everything he did. From our weekly devotions to simply delivering cold popsicles, I know we made a difference, but I wish we could've done more."Untalan and Dziolek both wished they could've spent more time with the crews, noting 25 or more units visited in a week just wasn't enough."We could never visit long enough," Untalan said. "As the chaplain's assistant you can really tell when your presence isn't welcome, but here, we were always welcome."Untalan feels like this had a lot to do with the chaplain's enlisted and maintenance background."You can't be mad when the chaplain walks in," said Maj. Bryan Webster, the 746th Aircraft Maintenance Unit officer in charge. "People couldn't help but smile when they saw the chaplain because he did a lot to help center us."With unit engagement as his number one priority, Dziolek made a huge impact on the maintenance group, but if you ask the chaplain, it was God working through him."To God be the glory," he said. "For all the great things he has done in my life, I'm just happy to serve."

Day on the Job: Vehicle Operations

by Senior Airman Benjamin Stratton379th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs

5/15/2013 - SOUTHWEST ASIA -- A vehicle operator from the 379th Air Expeditionary Wing returns home and as he makes his way to the gym, he notices several Airmen at the bus stop waiting for their ride to work. He feels a sense of pride, for it is this bus and many like it across the wing, that provide Airmen a cool ride 24/7 to and from their work centers."Logistics is the real key to air power," said Chief Master Sgt. David Belcher, the 379th Expeditionary Logistics Readiness Squadron vehicle operations manager deployed here from Luke Air Force Base, Ariz. "Whether it's cargo, crews or passengers, we move it."Vehicle operations provides shuttle service to the aircraft for aircrew on their way to either "put bombs on target or perform aerial reconnaissance and refueling as well as other missions at the wing," said Staff Sgt. Roque Solis, 379th ELRS vehicle operator deployed here from Fairchild Air Force Base, Wash."We're constantly doing something to support the flying squadrons on base, that's our primary mission," Solis added. "We're also in charge of providing transportation for transient aircrews either on their way deeper into the area of responsibility or coming home to their family and friends."Showing support for these family and friends stateside, many distinguished visitors passing through the region also require transportation to and from the airport."We're their first impression of the wing," Solis said. "It's important to me to be able to provide this service to the DVs as it not only makes the wing commander look good, but what we do directly reflects everyone's image of us. So we're always ready for the call."The chief and his team operate, clean and service motor vehicles; plan and schedule vehicle operation activities and transportation support requirements; maintain records and logs; perform fleet management functions; negotiate support agreements and manage the Air Force On-Line Vehicle Interactive Management System program for the installation's vehicle fleet."The thing I love most about my job is that we've come 360 degrees from the convoy days to now," said Senior Airman Carlos Cassano, 379th ELRS vehicle operator deployed here from Luke AFB. "When I deployed deeper in theater, I was the guy receiving the supplies and thankful when they showed up. Now, I'm the one making sure our troops downrange receive the supplies they need to complete the mission."With some of the wing's largest vehicles, these Airmen sure can move a 'ton' of cargo and supplies and, according to Solis, their favorite piece of equipment is the 50K Rough Terrain Container Handler."The RTCH is pretty much our moneymaker," said Solis. "With the capacity to move 50 tons and Conex boxes stretching 40 feet, there's little we can't move."Per their regulations, Solis said they're required to have vehicles capable of towing the largest vehicle assigned to the wing. Massive "moneymakers" aside, these Airmen also ensure servicemembers going home on emergency leave depart the AOR safely and securely."With our leased vehicles, we drive individuals going home on emergency with transportation from the wing to the local airport," Solis said. "Whatever the mission calls for, our vehicles are equipped to support."

Operational cyber warriors maintain information systems

by Senior Airman Benjamin Stratton379th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs

5/9/2013 - SOUTHWEST ASIA -- For more than a decade, U.S. servicemembers deploy in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM with troops completing their mission on the ground, by sea and in the air.Airmen from the 379th Air Expeditionary Wing can't support these operations without the information provided by the RC-135V/W Rivet Joint and the Airmen who maintain its information systems. Since joining the 379th in August 2003, these specialists, assigned to the 763rd Expeditionary Reconnaissance Squadron, are known as electronic warfare maintainers."It's very rewarding to know the system you maintain may save someone's life," said Tech. Sgt. Michael Sequin, 763rd ERS electronic warfare maintenance NCO in charge.These technicians are unlike what people typically refer to as maintainers. Deployed from Offutt Air Force Base, Neb., Sequin and his crew are assigned to an operations squadron, while their counterparts are generally assigned to a maintenance squadron. Maintained operationally since January 1964, these technicians instead of working directly on the aircraft's mechanical parts, they sustain the information systems on board.As with most computer equipment, the systems on board this 135-foot-long airframe must be cooled before their maintainers can begin their diagnostics and complete their checklists. Air conditioners are placed outside the aircraft with large yellow tubes connected to ports on the sides and underneath, pumping 40-degree-temperature air into the jet to ensure the computers, which generate a substantial amount of their own heat, maintain an average of 75 degrees."This is very important," said Senior Airman Thomas Toy, 763rd ERS electronic warfare maintainer. "After the jet is adequately cooled, we insert the hard drives in their bays and start the main processing unit and temperature monitor."With miles of wires and networking cables running from tip to tail, the RC-135 is key to air superiority and finds its home here with the 379th AEW. This airframe is the 379th's primary intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance platform; picking up real-time information on the coalition's enemies."Air crews have told us before that lives would have been lost if our systems weren't performing as they should, that we would not have collected all the necessary information that saved a convoy or prevented an ambush," said Senior Airman Ross Lemp, electronic warfare maintainer.RC-135s supported operations in Vietnam, Operation EL DORADO CANYON in the Mediterranean, Operation URGENT FURY in Grenada, and Operation JUST CAUSE in Panama. The Rivet Joint has maintained a constant presence in Southwest Asia since August 1990 supporting operations DESERT SHIELD, DESERT STORM, ENDURING FREEDOM and IRAQI FREEDOM. More recently, RC-135s also supported Operation ALLIED FORCE in Kosovo and Operation ODYSSEY DAWN/UNIFIED PROTECTOR in Libya."Our information systems maintainers are absolutely critical to this platform - our jets don't fly without their support," said Lt. Col. Sean Coveney, 763rd ERS commander. "Everything they do keeps the mission going. These cyber warriors maintain an intelligence collection platform critical in specialty to the Air Force and DoD."All RC-135s are assigned to Air Combat Command permanently based at Offutt AFB and are operated by the 55th Wing using various forward deployment locations worldwide.