Northwest Military Blogs: McChord Flightline Chatter

Posts made in: May, 2011 (31) Currently Viewing: 1 - 10 of 31

May 3, 2011 at 7:48am

More on the deployment of the 10th Airlift

The 10th Airlift Squadron takes a squadron photo as they prepare to deploy April 20 at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash. The 10th AS will soon replace the 7th AS. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Leah Young)




An airlift squadron from McChord Field deployed Thursday in support of Operations Enduring Freedom and New Dawn.

More than 100 Airmen from the 62nd Airlift Wing's 10th Airlift Squadron departed for a 120-day deployment to the Middle East. The Airmen will take over operations of the 816th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron.

The unit will operate out of a single base, managing and flying missions concentrated in and around Afghanistan, Iraq and the Horn of Africa. They are replacing McChord's 7th Airlift Squadron who are scheduled to return in May.

Their mission is to provide global strategic airlift, airdrop, aeromedical evacuation and humanitarian relief, to create an air bridge for personnel, equipment and supplies throughout the assigned areas of responsibility.

"It's always hard leaving behind your loved ones, but our Airmen are motivated and committed to the mission," said Col. Kevin Kilb, 62nd Airlift Wing commander. "They are prepared, professional, and looking forward to supporting their fellow combat warriors."

The 62 AW's four active duty flying squadrons share responsibility for the deployed squadron and rotate operating the 816 EAS continuously. The deployments allow Air Mobility Command to consistently position assets closer to the action.

May 3, 2011 at 7:49am

Watchful eye keeps 'em in the sky

Tech. Sgt. Peter Terault, 446th Maintenance Squadron engine mechanic, checks a C-17 Globemaster III engine thrust reverser during a routine inspection at McChord Field. The thrust reversers divert an aircraft engine's exhaust so that the thrust produced is directed forward, rather than aft. This acts against the forward travel of the aircraft, providing deceleration, slowing the aircraft after touch-down which reduces wear on the brakes and allows for shorter landing distances. Sergeant Terault is also a full time engine mechanic in his civilian job here. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Elizabeth Moody)    

May 3, 2011 at 7:59am

Group fitness classes help 446th Reservists get fit to fight

Tech. Sgt. Ed Callahan, 446th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, McChord Field, Wash., leads a group of fellow Reservists in calisthenics and cardio exercises during a group exercise class at the base track on April 30, 2011. Sergeant Callahan is one of the l




Reservists with the 446th Airlift Wing are not just encouraged to stay physically fit, it's one of the basic requirements for serving in the Air Force Reserve. Being able to incorporate regular physical activity into an already demanding work and family life can be a major challenge. That's why members of the 446th Force Support Squadron recently spearheaded the formation of group fitness classes to help wing members pass their PT test. 

Fitness improvement group exercise classes are now held twice every UTA Saturday with the main goal of helping Reservists pass their biannual fitness test. The class has been experiencing a rapidly growing number of participants since its formation in January. 

"We're held to the same fitness standard as active duty," said Capt. Vanessa Balint, 446th FSS Operations Officer. "This is our way to do what we can in the limited time we have during UTA weekends."

Captain Balint, a certified group exercise instructor, was instrumental in developing the group exercise class. She also helped seek out several highly qualified fellow Reservists to serve as physical training leaders. The results have been impressive. At the end of fiscal year 2010, roughly 60 percent of Reservists within the wing held "unsatisfactory" scores on their fitness test. 

"I knew we needed to do something to help our people that were failing," said Tech Sgt. Ed Callahan, a Reservist with the 446th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron and a wing fitness instructor who was sought out by Captain Balint. 

The latest results as of April 28 show only 19 percent of Reservists are in "unsatisfactory" status.

Sergeant Callahan, a certified personal trainer, is one of the lead instructors for the group exercise class. He leads Reservists through various workout routines including circuit training, calisthenics, speed work and various cardio exercises. He also tries to be a valuable fitness resource for fellow Reservists, offering tips and tricks to anyone that needs a helping hand. 

"Fitness is a passion of mine that has carried over from my time in the Marine Corps," said the Wenatchee, Wash. native and full-time nursing student. 

Since the classes began in January, Captain Balint said she's already received positive feedback.

"I've received about 15 emails telling me how great Ed's class was," she said. 

The instructors say they want to keep the classes fun and upbeat, even though many Reservists are mandated to be there until they improve their fitness scores.

"We're not just going to run a mock fitness test," said Capt. Carrianne Culy, 446th FSS wing fitness instructor and certified personal trainer. "Instead, we'll try to focus on targeted activities involving upper and lower body that will help us pass the fit test."

For those interested in attending, classes are held every UTA Saturday at 5:30 a.m. at the main gym, and again at 3 p.m. at the outdoor track. A nutrition and weight management class is also being held every other UTA Sunday in Bldg 1207 at 8:30 a.m.

May 4, 2011 at 7:27am

Air Force further reduces officer RIF requirements

Several year groups and competitive categories no longer will be required to meet the September 2011 reduction-in-force board. 

Air Force officials announced that RIF-eligible officers from previously announced competitive categories for chaplains, medical service corps and 1999 and 2000 judge advocate general year groups will not meet this year's RIF board.

The RIF board will now only consider officers in the grade of captain and major in the following year groups and competitive categories:

Captains: line of the Air Force, 2000 and 2003 through 2005 only.

Majors: line of the Air Force, 2000; judge advocate general, 2001 through 2003; and biomedical service corps, 2000 and 2001

According to Air Force officials, the RIF board will consider approximately 9,000 officers to retain at least 95 percent in the year groups and competitive categories listed above. 

Answers to specific RIF and voluntary separation pay questions are available at the FY11/12 Force Management Programs section on the Air Force Personnel Services website. Type "15766" in the search by keyword box to go directly to the FAQs. 

For information about specific skills needed by the Air Force Reserve or Air National Guard select embedded links. Detailed RIF eligibility criteria, to include the latest information on year groups and competitive categories eligible for the RIF board, are on the AFPERS website at https://gum-crm.csd.disa.mil/app/login; do a keyword search for RIF. First time users will need to create an account with a username and password.

(Courtesy of the Air Force Personnel, Service and Manpower Public Affairs)    

May 4, 2011 at 1:51pm

Welcome home 7th Airlift from McChord

JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCCHORD, Wash. - More than 130 Airmen from the McChord Field 

are due to return Thursday to Joint Base Lewis-McChord after a 120-day 

deployment in support of Operations Enduring Freedom, New Dawn, Odyssey Dawn 

and Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa.

During their deployment, the C-17 squadron moved more than 33,984 passengers 

and delivered more than 81 million pounds of cargo to include 9,635 bundles 

with a combined weight of more than 15 million pounds on 280 drop zones.

The Airmen, comprised mostly from the 7th Airlift Squadron, were deployed as 

the 816th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron.  Their mission was to provide global 

strategic airlift, airdrop, aeromedical evacuation and humanitarian relief, to 

create an air bridge for personnel, equipment and supplies throughout the 

assigned areas of responsibility.

The 62 Airlift Wing's four active duty flying squadrons share responsibility 

for the deployed squadron and rotate operating the 816 EAS continuously.  The 

deployments allow Air Mobility Command to consistently position assets closer 

to the action.

May 5, 2011 at 5:56am

446th Salutes for May




MCCHORD FIELD, Wash., -- Take a moment to say congratulations, hello, and farewell to our Reservists who in April are award winners, promoted, new to the wing, or retiring.

Enlisted Quarterly Award Winners

Airman
Senior Airman Nathan Jolley, 446th AMXS

NCO
Staff Sgt. Buell Richardson, 446th MXS

Senior NCO
Master Sgt. Cynthia Delzer, 446th AMXS

Promotions

Chief Master Sergeant
Shanna Gerard, 446th ASTS

Master Sergeant
Kent Jackson, 36th APS
Ronald Smith, 728th AS

Technical Sergeant
Faye Escobedo, 313th AS
Ian Hunt, 446th AES

Staff Sergeant
Cory Brockman, 446th AMXS
Alesha Kelly, 97th AS
Charles McKenzie, 446th CES
Melissa Terwilliger, 446th SFS

Senior Airman
Elissa Barrigar, 446th ASTS
Valencia Watson, 446th ASTS

Airman First Class
Schynequa Mathis, 446th FSS

Newcomers

Lieutenant Colonel
Troy Larson, 446th OSF

Major
Jennie Steldt, 446th AW

Captain
Joseph Schneider, 446th AES

First Lieutenant
Teycee Werner, 728th AS

Staff Sergeant
Chris Kelley, 97th AS
Savouth Seng, 446th ASTS 

Senior Airman
Palma Campos, 446th OG
Gad Frempong, 446th ASTS
Michael Kehoe, 446th SFS
Tiffany Millisor, 728th AS
Edmundo Nicolas, 446th ASTS
Aimee Patterson, 446th AMDS
James Puig, 86th APS
David Strong, 86th APS

Airman First Class
Justin Baker, 446th AES

Retirements

Technical Sergeant
Robert Hall, 446th MXS
Richard Smith, 446th SFS

May 5, 2011 at 2:00pm

Jay Leno to perform at McChord Field

MCCHORD FIELD, Wash.- Emmy Award-winning host of The Tonight Show, Jay Leno will perform Saturday, May 7th in Hangar 4 at McChord Field, as part of the Air Force Reserve's Tour for the Troops. Reserve Generation from the Band of the Air Force Reserve will open the show starting at 7 p.m. performing a variety of popular music. The show is free and open to only military ID holders and their guests.

Military personnel will represent all of the military installations in the Puget Sound area including: Airmen, Soldiers, Sailors, Marines, and Coast Guardsmen from the Reserve, Army and Air National Guard, and active-duty components but not limited to: Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Naval Base Kitsap, Camp Murray, and U.S. Coast Guard Base Pier 36 in Seattle.   The performance is a gesture of appreciation for the hard work and sacrifices they make day-in and day-out.

Tour for the Troops is a concert series sponsored by the Air Force Reserve that visits military bases around the world.  This is the second Tour for the Troops for Jay Leno, who performed last year at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson. Leno joins a list of entertainers including Kid Rock, John Legend and Ludacris who have appeared in past concerts as a way of showing their support for our military service men and women.

May 7, 2011 at 5:40am

Family, friends welcome home 7th Airlift Squadron

A girl waves an American flag as she waits for her father, a 7th Airlift Squadron pilot, to return from a 120-day deployment May 5 at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Leah Young)




JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCCHORD, Wash. -- More than 130 Airmen from McChord Field returned home Thursday after a 120-day deployment in support of Operations Enduring Freedom, New Dawn, Odyssey Dawn and Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa. 

"We had a completely successful deployment from total force Team McChord," said Lt. Col. Eric Carney, 7th Airlift Squadron commander. "Our Airmen did an excellent job, we remained mission focused and came out with great results. I'm very proud of them."

During their deployment, the C-17 squadron moved more than 33,900 passengers and delivered more than 81 million pounds of cargo, which is like moving about 1,800 F-22 Raptors. 

The cargo included 9,635 bundles with a combined weight of more than 15 million pounds on 280 drop zones. 

The Airmen, comprised mostly from the 7th AS, were deployed as the 816th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron. Their mission was to provide global strategic airlift, airdrop, aeromedical evacuation and humanitarian relief, to create an air bridge for personnel, equipment and supplies throughout the assigned areas of responsibility.

The deployment was Staff Sgt. Eric Welp's first with the C-17 Globemaster lll. As a previous KC-135 Stratotanker crew chief, he said the deployment helped him learn about the plane and its mission.

"It seemed like we made a huge impact with this deployment," said Sergeant Welp. "The C-17 mission is a little more diverse than the KC-135. It was amazing to actually see our Airmen perform things like aeromedical evacuations and airdrops."

While Sergeant Welp appreciated the knowledgeable experience, he says he is glad to be home with his family.

"When I left, my son just turned five months old and wasn't even sitting up by himself," said Sergeant Welp. "Now, he's crawling all over the place. We can barely keep up with him!"

The 62nd Airlift Wing's four active duty flying squadrons share responsibility for the deployed squadron and rotate operating the 816 EAS continuously. The deployments allow Air Mobility Command to consistently position assets closer to the action.

May 7, 2011 at 7:53am

T-SHIRT GIVEAWAY TO SEE JAY LENO TONIGHT IS AT THE PX TODAY AT 11:30 A.M.

Emmy Award-winning host of The Tonight Show, Jay Leno will perform May 7 at Joint Base Lewis-McChord's McChord Field, as part of the Air Force Reserve's Tour for the Troops. 

Reserve Generation from the Band of the Air Force Reserve will open the show starting at 7 p.m., performing a variety of popular music. The show is free and open to only military ID holders and their guests.

A T-shirt give-away event will take place at the Exchange on JBLM Lewis Main from 11:30 a.m., to 12:30 p.m.  (EDITOR'S NOTE): PX FOLKS SAID TO ARRIVE AT LEAST BY 11 A.M.  1000 SHIRTS TOTAL TO GIVE OUT.

Tour for the Troops is a concert series sponsored by the Air Force Reserve that visits military bases around the world. This is the second Tour for the Troops for Jay Leno, who performed last year at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska. Mr. Leno joins a list of entertainers including Kid Rock, John Legend and Ludacris who have appeared in on the tour as a way of showing their support for our military men and women. 

Before replacing Johnny Carson on The Tonight Show in 1992, Mr. Leno began his career doing stand-up comedy. Mr. Leno's love for stand-up has not diminished and he regularly performs to sold-out venues around the country.

Keep updated with the latest information regarding Jay Leno's Tour for the Troops 2011 performance atwww.AFReserve.com/JayLeno

May 10, 2011 at 6:50am

McChord's 447th Air Expeditionary Group developing NCOs in Iraq

Photo by Tech. Sgt. Randy Redman Master Sgt. Daryl Baldosser, 447th Expeditionary Communication Squadron Cyber Transport Systems section chief (left) and Master Sgt. Christina Riegel, 447th Expeditionary Logistics Readiness Squadron Traffic Management su

NEW AL MUTHANA AIR BASE, Iraq - As the war on terror rages and assassinations grab headlines, airmen serving with the Iraq Training and Advisory Mission-Air and 447th Air Expeditionary Group are focusing their efforts on building the foundation of the Iraqi air force. Equipment transfer and technical training are important, but a small group of non-commissioned officers are also teaching enlisted professional development as part of U.S. Air Force efforts to rebuild the Iraqi air force as a strong, regional air power partner.

Master Sgt. Brian Carter, ITAM-Air medical advisor, is the lynchpin for the current class and said a committee of about 15 people planned the course, which covered Iraqi air force core values, professionalism and training. 

"We had 51 students for each night," said Carter, who is deployed from Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, N.C. "The students were divided into three small groups based on rank... warrant officers, NCOs and airmen."

According to Carter, the enlisted corps of the Iraqi air force is similar to the U.S. Air Force, but there are differences. For example, the Iraqi air force has many highly-experienced enlisted airmen and new airmen with about a year or so on active duty. However, there are very few serving in mid-level enlisted positions.

"The senior NCOs, or warrant officers they call them, have been in many years. Some had even served in the Iraqi army and served under Saddam's regime [during] Desert Shield and Desert Storm," said Carter, who is originally from Wilson, N.C. "They face many challenges, such as training issues and lack of resources. However, they are not as empowered by their officers to solve these problems on their own as our senior NCOs would be."

Master Sgt. Daryl G. Baldosser, 447th Expeditionary Communication Squadron Cyber Transport Systems section chief, volunteered his time as an instructor for the professional development course. Baldosser, deployed from Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash., said he was impressed with the experience and knowledge the Iraqi senior NCOs exhibited.

"The first group we addressed was the senior NCOs. We asked the question, ‘What part of your training program needs the most help?' The Iraqi senior NCOs were very passionate with their responses," said Baldosser, a native of Republic, Ohio. "They cited issues like ‘lack of training on the newer, digital aircraft platforms' and obstacles like officers not being responsive to their training requests or needs. We tried to get them to focus on the items within their span of control."

Tech. Sgt. Rebecca McKeever, 447th Expeditionary Medical Squadron non-commissioned officer in charge, also volunteered to teach. McKeever, originally from Winchester, Va., taught during the second night of the course and focused on the four Iraqi air force core values, which are: learn English, integrity, loyalty to country and military discipline.

"I volunteered to teach the class so I could find out how the enlisted members of the Iraqi air force compare to our enlisted members. I also wanted to meet the airmen we are here to help develop and grow into an independent force," said McKeever, who is deployed from Buckley AFB, Colo.

Master Sgt. Christina Riegel, 447th Expeditionary Logistics Readiness Squadron Traffic Management superintendent, who is deployed from Ramstein AB, Germany, said she was amazed at how much the enlisted corps of the U.S. Air Force and Iraq Air Force have in common.

"We are the same! Both would like to make improvements to their processes and sometimes we encounter the same challenges in making those improvements," said Riegel, a Greeley, Colo. Native.

As with any good training, the communication was a two-way process. The Iraqi NCOs who participated in the training said they enjoyed the opportunity and felt the small-group discussion method of instruction was highly effective. Several also mentioned they felt the long term benefit of the training would build a strong foundation for the Iraqi air force.

A secondary goal for this training was to give the Iraqis a chance to interact with Americans and practice their English language skills.

"A lot of the aviation training and operations require English, and understanding the language is crucial to building their capabilities as an air force," said Carter.

McKeever said everyone here should seize opportunities to work with the Iraqi air force.

"They have an energy and willingness to learn that is refreshing to see. They seem to enjoy talking to the U.S. airmen and working on their English skills the most," McKeever said. It was a great experience and memory that I will enjoy reminiscing about for years to come!"

Archives

2024
January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October
2023
January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December
2022
January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December
2021
January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December
2020
January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December
2019
January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December
2018
January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December
2017
January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December
2016
January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December
2015
January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December
2014
January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December
2013
January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December
2012
January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December
2011
January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December
2010
January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December
2009
November, December

Recent Comments

Jackson Williams said:

Thanks for listing down some of the things to consider when buying renters insurance. I totally...

about

abigail said:

you are say about this Air Force highly recommends absolutely right and i appreciate your...

about Air Force highly recommends renters insurance

nurisahi juan said:

This is real take it serious, my name is marian i, who will believe that a herb can Cure...

about JBLM soldier completes ALS

Ken Beseau said:

Its always a treat to be able to get on base and all of the planes from around the world come...

about AMC Rodeo to have new life

Electrician Rochester NY said:

Thanks for giving us nice info. Fantastic walk-through. I appreciate this post.

about Don't be shocked: 446th electricians find the spark