Avionics puts bombs on target, keeps Airmen safe

by Senior Airman Benjamin Stratton379th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs

6/7/2013 - SOUTHWEST ASIA -- Combat search and rescue operations, supply drops to forward forces, calculated strategic bomb runs and an array of countless other missions around the world, would not be possible without the tireless efforts of avionics specialists deployed here to the 379th Expeditionary Maintenance Squadron."We are the avionics centralized repair facility for the entire area of responsibility," said Tech. Sgt. Andrew Falcon, the 379th EMXS avionics intermediate section production supervisor deployed here from Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho.Falcon and his crew are responsible for ensuring the avionics systems onboard F-15 Strike Eagles, F-16 Fighting Falcons, C-17 Globemaster IIIs and B-1B Lancers are ready to accomplish the mission day and night for every air base in the U.S. Central Command's area of responsibility."We don't take this mission lightly," said Senior Master Sgt. Gene Sing, the 379th EMXS avionics flight chief deployed here from Seymour Johnson AFB, N.C. "Not only is our mission important but it also saves the Air Force money."By having the CRF at the 379th Air Expeditionary Wing, the Air Force is capable of fixing these systems that provide pilots with a necessary function for performing the mission."Avionics gives the Air Force the ability to locate, track and destroy targets through precision and accuracy," said Staff Sgt. Craig Lewis, a 379th EMXS B-1B avionics technician deployed here from Robins AFB, Ga. "Where in the past, like during World War II, we would drop a massive amount of bombs and hope they hit something."Lewis said avionics techs maintain many systems on an aircraft including guidance, communications, navigation, radar and surveillance. This ultimately prepares aircraft for low-altitude attack profiles, precision bombing, covert operations and reconnaissance missions."So we take care of much more than just the weapons systems," said Lewis. "We remove, install, check and repair avionics systems and line-replaceable units while performing and supervising alignment, calibration and bore sight of avionics systems using uploaded maintenance and operational software."Avionics can be found on every Air Force airframe service-wide, said Senior Airman Benjamin Wagner, a 379th EMXS B-1B avionics technician deployed here from Ellsworth AFB, S.D.Deployed avionics technicians do much of the same mission here as they do at home station."Same systems, same technical orders," Lewis said.But the great thing about being deployed, Sing said, is that it allows his Airmen a chance to work on other airframes rather than just being knowledgeable on the specific aircraft their home unit flies."It gives our Airmen an opportunity to expand their job knowledge and become more familiar with other aspects of our career field," said Sing. "It allows them to see the bigger picture."The 379th EMXS's AIS shop plays an integral role in keeping the Air Force's bombers, fighters and cargo planes ready to go whenever they're needed."If it flies and has avionics equipment, we can fix it," Wagner said.

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.

Equal Opportunity: “Bridging the gap by building bridges”

by Senior Airman Benjamin Stratton379th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs6/4/2013 - SOUTHWEST ASIA -- Air Force Equal Opportunity strives to accomplish its mission by promoting an environment free from personal, social or institutional barriers that could prevent Air Force members from rising to their highest potential."Our greatest strength is our diversity," said Master Sgt. Carlos Barter, the 379th Air Expeditionary Wing Equal Opportunity director deployed here from F.E. Warren Air Force Base, Wyo. "[The wing commander] constantly emphasizes that people should be treated with dignity and respect. These words I echo in just about every brief I give."Barter has had his hands in the equal opportunity world for most of his life. Growing up in Panama City, Panama, he moved to the U.S. in search of a better life, and in 1995, at 22 years old, he joined the Air Force."That was one of the best decisions I've ever made," he said. "And after nearly 18 years of service, I wouldn't change a thing."Barter began this "life-changing experience" as a logistics troop. He said while his initial career field was fun, he always felt a calling to do something more, to help people."One day the Air Force called me giving me the option to retrain and I jumped at the chance to better help people on a personal level," he said. "I absolutely love working with people."Barter said cross-training to equal opportunity has given him the chance to really see just how diverse the Air Force is.The Air Force broadly defines diversity as a composite of individual characteristics, experiences and abilities consistent with the Air Force Core Values and the Air Force Mission. Air Force diversity includes, but is not limited to: personal life experiences, geographic background, socioeconomic background, cultural knowledge, educational background, work background, language abilities, physical abilities, philosophical/spiritual perspectives, age, race, ethnicity and gender."The greatest strength of our Air Force is our Airmen," said Gen. Mark A. Welsh, Air Force Chief of Staff, according to the Air Force Diversity public website. "The greatest strength of our Airmen is their diversity. Each of them comes from a different background, a different family experience and a different social experience. Each brings a different set of skills and a unique perspective to the team. We don't just celebrate diversity ... we embrace it!"But these strengths and this diversity don't just happen. Barter said maintaining a professional environment is key to mission success."We need to sustain an atmosphere where people can feel comfortable approaching leadership when they feel they've been treated unprofessionally," said Barter. "If someone's not 100 percent focused on their job, their mission -- the effectiveness of our overall mission would significantly diminish."As a result of this mission impact, the Air Force enforces a ZERO tolerance policy for all equal opportunity concerns."What I bring to the team is unique in that I help others find resolution in their concerns," Barter said. "I like to be out talking to this wing's Airmen, getting to know their issues and providing assistance where I can. If the issue isn't something I can assist with, I will find the appropriate agency to take care of that individual."Barter said his job allows him to gain insight into a unit's climate, thus providing the commander insight he may not have had before."Equal opportunity supports the mission by breaking down barriers," he said. "We bridge the gap by building bridges."For more information or to attain equal opportunity assistance, call 437-2512.

Local school stimulates servicemember’s spirit

by Senior Airman Benjamin Stratton379th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs

to come to," she said. "We are very grateful for everything you have done for us and our country and planned this day as a way of saying thank you."

Day on the Job: EOD techs

by Senior Airman Benjamin Stratton379th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs

5/30/2013 - SOUTHWEST ASIA -- Explosive ordnance disposal technicians deployed to Afghanistan perform counter-improvised explosive device operations in harsh conditions daily. Equipment and supplies are an essential element to this mission and without the modular supply depot here at the 379th Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron's EOD flight, safe, secure and reliable operations would suffer."The big difference between here and stateside is that we do a lot of logistics moving supplies and equipment in and out of theater," said Senior Master Sgt. Loren Green, the 379th ECES EOD flight superintendent. "Units in Afghanistan will coordinate what they need with U.S. Air Forces Central Command and if we have what they're requesting, we'll get it to them as soon as possible."Green said if they can't support it, the request is forwarded to other AFCENT wings and eventually stateside.Instead of the traditional combat role they fulfill in Afghanistan, Staff Sgt. Joel Calahan, a 379th ECES EOD craftsman, added they're also an essential element in the force protection mission here."It never gets old," said Calahan. "We volunteered for this job -- you can't be assigned to EOD, not to mention the technical school is very hard and has a high dropout rate, so you really have to be committed."But after completing the 162 days of technical training, Green and Calahan said they get to play with many of the best equipment in the Air Force."We definitely have some of the coolest toys," Green said. "That's why I got into it in the first place."Joining the Air Force in 1996, fresh out of high school, Green, deployed here from Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, said he couldn't see himself doing anything else."When I first came in, we didn't do nearly as much," Green said. "Back then, we were pretty much an insurance policy and we all felt very under-utilized."Much has changed in the last 17 years, including the expeditionary nature of the U.S. military following the start of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM."Now we're an essential part of the mission," he said. "Especially in the deployed environment."As an EOD technician, Green and fellow technicians handle live explosives, daily. Their job is to detect, identify, render safe, recover and dispose of unsafe explosives and ordnance, including conventional military ordnance; criminal and terrorist homemade items; and chemical, biological, and nuclear weapons."I love blowing stuff up," said Green, the Tampa Bay, Fla., native. "They pay me extra money to do it, too. You can't beat that anywhere."EOD techs also have opportunities to work on the flightline during aircraft emergencies, on bombing ranges during range clearances, in munitions storage areas, in accident areas and in any other area or climate where an explosive hazard exists. They also analyze unknown munitions and explosives for exploitation and use by the intelligence agencies, and, in some cases, may provide protection to the president, vice president and other dignitaries in support of the United States Secret Service."We're all confident in our job and love what we do," said Calahan. "I can't see doing anything else in the Air Force."

Kal Penn, Kate Walsh visit Grand Slam Wing

by Senior Airman Benjamin Stratton379th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs5/29/2013 - SOUTHWEST ASIA -- American Actors Kal Penn and Kate Walsh visited the 379th Air Expeditionary Wing here May 26 during a USO Handshake Tour with stops including the Intra-theater Care Program, a B-1B Lancer facility, military working dogs demonstration and a Patriot missile facility, as well as, a meet-and-greet at the base club."I'm hugely grateful for everything you guys are doing here," said Kate Walsh, whose father served in the Korean War. "We couldn't do what we do without you."They were able to visit many aspects of the wing's mission, but one thing stood out above all others for Penn and Walsh."The diversity here is amazing," Penn said. "It's great to see how efficient your operations are."Penn recently returned from a two-year sabbatical during which he served as an associate director for the White House Office of Public Engagement. Among his many tasks, he also worked on programs assisting employment and health benefits for returning veterans.Walsh related military operations to life on set, saying it takes so many different people from so many different backgrounds and specialties to bring a production together."Except what you do is real," she said. "I didn't expect to see all this energy and discipline. It's beautiful what 8,000 people with differing personalities can do when they come together and make this production a reality."But at the end of the day, Penn and Walsh said the greatest thing about their visit was getting to know the people serving here."It's been great sitting around and talking with people," said Walsh. "It's great to hear their stories and understand where they came from."Similarly, Penn found he has connections to many people deployed here, especially those from his home state of New Jersey."On a tour like this, you meet so many people," he said. "But it's not until you really take the time to get to know them. This personal interaction makes a huge difference for our servicemembers who are deployed here away from their family and friends. Thank you for what you do for us; we all really appreciate your sacrifice."

Grand Slam Wing observes Memorial Day

by Senior Airman Benjamin Stratton379th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs5/28/2013 - SOUTHWEST ASIA -- U.S. and coalition forces deployed to the 379th Air Expeditionary Wing came together May 27 here during a Memorial Day retreat ceremony at Memorial Plaza.The ceremony included a few words from the 379th AEW commander, Brig. Gen. Roger H. Watkins, an invocation and prayer by the wing chaplain, Col. Bruce Glover, and taps played by Chaplain (Capt.) James Bastian.Military retreat ceremonies serve a twofold purpose: to signal the end of the official duty day and to pay respect to the American flag. Retreat was first used by the French Army and dates back to the Crusades.

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."