On the cover: Senior Airman David Ringer, left, uses a ratchet strap to pull part of a fence in place so Senior Airman Michael Garcia, center, and 1st Lt. Andrew Matejek can secure it in place on May 21, 2015 at Coast Guard Air Station Clearwater. The fence was replaced after the old rusted fence was removed and the drainage ditch was dug out. (ANG/Airman 1st Class Amber Powell)

JUNE 2015, VOL. 49 NO. 6

THE CONTRAIL STAFF

177TH FW COMMANDER COL . JOHN R. DiDONNA CHIEF, PUBLIC AFFAIRS CAPT. AMANDA BATIZ PUBLIC AFFAIRS SUPERINTENDENT MASTER SGT. ANDREW J. MOSELEY PHOTOJOURNALIST TECH. SGT. ANDREW J. MERLOCK

EDITOR/PHOTOJOURNALIST SENIOR AIRMAN SHANE S. KARP EDITOR/PHOTOJOURNALIST AIRMAN 1st CLASS AMBER POWELL

AVIATION HISTORIAN DR. RICHARD PORCELLI

WWW.177FW.ANG.AF.MIL

This funded newspaper is an authorized monthly publication for members of the U.S. Military Services. Contents of The Contrail are not necessarily the official view of, or endorsed by, the 177th Fighter , the U.S. Government, the Department of Defense or the Depart- On desktop computers, click For back issues of The Contrail, ment of the Air Force. The editorial content is edited, prepared, and provided by the Public Affairs Office of the 177th Fighter Wing. All Ctrl+L for full screen. On mobile, and other multimedia products photographs are Air Force photographs unless otherwise indicated. tablet, or touch screen device, from the 177th Fighter Wing, tap or swipe to flip the page. please visit us at DVIDS! Maintenance 101 Story by Lt. Col. John Cosgrove, 177th Fighter Wing Maintenance Commander

When you attend a summer barbecue Storage Area, Avionics Intermediate equipment daily; in all types of and someone finds out you’re in the Shop/Electronic Counter-measures and weather but they really get to show off military, have they ever asked, “Do you Fabrication. their learned skills on deployments like know so-and-so?” After you provide The Aircraft Maintenance Combat Archer and Thracian Star. some details, the curious neighbor (AMXS) is the second largest squadron Additionally, outside of their scheduled begins to realize that the military is a and is commanded by Maj. Brian workload they continually volunteer to diverse profession. The same could be Cooper. The three main sections in launch and recover aircraft on said about the Maintenance Group. If AMXS are Aircraft Power-plant and weekends for fly-bys and deployments, you don’t regularly engage with General (APG; crew chiefs), Weapons, and they also provide support to the maintainers, you may not know how and Flight-line Avionics. These Thunderbirds and Blue Angels for local the group operates or how it is members maintain and repair on- airshows. organized. aircraft equipment and load/launch/ So I hope now that you have a better There are approximately 545 airmen in recover aircraft. understanding of how the the Maintenance Group, making up The Maintenance Operations Flight Maintenance Group is organized and almost half of the base. The largest (MOF), commanded by Maj. Jessica what we provide! Maintainers squadron in the Wing is the Lewis, includes Plans and Scheduling, continue to impress me on their ability Maintenance Squadron (MXS) Analysis, Training/UDM, and the to get the mission done in a safe and commanded by Maj. Joe Leonard. The Maintenance Operations Center compliant manner. The 177 MXG is MXS back-shops maintain and repair (MOC). proud and motivated to support the off-aircraft equipment and support 177th Fighter Wing team! Please equipment. There are over 18 AFSCs in Life in the Maintenance Group is enjoy a safe summer and we’ll see you this squadron with personnel challenging and rewarding. The in August!! occupying several different buildings. OPSTEMPO is always high because we Every back-shop is instrumental to the have a product to deliver every day – maintenance group’s capabilities, safe, reliable, mission-capable aircraft. however some of the areas in the MXS Maintainers earn their qualifications you may be familiar with because of and continually improve their abilities their location include the Munitions by working and training on aircraft and D Eploy F Or T raining

Story and photos by Airman 1st Class Amber Powell

1st Lt. Andrew Matejek shovels debris out of a drainage ditch at Coast Guard Air Station Clearwater, Fla. on May 21, 2015. Civil Engineers removed an old rusted fence and dug out objects slowing down the flow of water before replacing the fence. group of 48 Airmen from the 177th Fighter Wing’s Civil The Airmen were split up across various job sites based on what A Engineer Squadron deployed to Florida for training at Coast training they need for their AFSC. Guard Air Station Clearwater and Sector St. Petersburg from May 17-30. “In order to meet the training requirements of Air Force Instruction 10-210, Airmen in upgrade training get the chance to have certain requirements signed off,” said 1st Lt. Andrew The Airmen performed multiple types of projects ranging from Matejek, project officer for the DFT. “The big thing is to maintain pouring concrete and laying tile to rebuilding a foundation and proficiency and skill level in everyone’s particular AFSC, while moving a heating, ventilation and air conditioning unit. providing new Airmen with on-the-job training.”

“When guard members can come with the experience and skills that they have, and we just furnish the materials, it improves the material condition of the base in ways that we just wouldn’t be able to do over the course of the year,” said Chief Warrant Officer Jason Briggs, Facility Engineer Sector St. Petersburg. Master Sgt. Delroy Wallace, center, and Senior Airman Michael Garcia, right, guide Airman 1st Class Christopher LoDico as he operates a skid steer to lift a concrete slab at Coast Guard Sector St. Petersburg, Fla., “I can't say enough good things about the people who have on May 20, 2015. come down and the work that has been done. They’ve been a really hard working group of people,” said Briggs. “These last couple of weeks have been my first experience working with the guard when they have been deployed and recognizing the level of skill and training that all the members have, far exceeded what my expectations were and really helped us accomplish what we hoped to achieve.”

Deployments for training take place every year as a means to provide training opportunities that may not normally be available at home station.

“It’s real world training for our Air Force specialty code and also offers the opportunity for cross training,” said Master Sgt. William Ericksen, first sergeant of the 177th Civil Engineer Squadron. “Instead of putting up a tent at our base and tearing it Airman 1st Class Christopher Walsh, left, and Master Sgt. Todd Butcher, from down, we’re able to go to another base and use our skills, Tech. Sgt. Brian Wright, left, watches as Airman 1st Class Kristofer Flores solders two copper pipes together the New Jersey Air National Guard’s 177th Civil Engineering Squadron, use a that will be connected to an air conditioning unit that is being installed at Coast Guard Sector St. Petersburg, leaving something permanent. It’s a win-win situation.” jackhammer to break up a concrete sidewalk at U.S. Coast Guard Sector St. Fla., on May 26, 2015 Petersburg, Fla., May 18, 2015 Top: Tech. Sgt. Grant Robinson pushes a veteran in a wheel chair after the Honor Flight arrived at their gate at the Clearwater International Airport.

Bottom left: Master Sgt. Michael Thompson hugs a veteran as the veteran made his way down the welcome line on May 19. Story and photos by Airman 1st Class Amber Powell Members of the military and local community lined the hallway of the Clearwater International Airport, giving hugs and well wishes to U.S. Air Force Airmen from the New Jersey Air National Guard came together with members of the World War II veterans. a local gulf coast community May 19 to welcome home approximately 80 World War II veterans. Bottom right: Senior Airman David Ringer shakes the hand of a veteran after the Honor Flight returned from visiting war memorials Members of the 177th Fighter Wing, who were deployed to Florida for training to work with in Washington, D.C. Coast Guard Air Station Clearwater and Sector St. Petersburg, lined the halls of the Clearwater International Airport, shaking hands and thanking the veterans returning home from a trip to Washington, D.C.

“It’s important to go because it shows respect,” said Chief Master Sgt. Michael Jones, 177th Fighter Wing civil engineer chief enlisted manager. “They paved the way for us, so it was good for the younger generation to see that these were actual people ... knowing what they went through.”

The veterans first walked from their gate in the airport passing military and community members, balloons, and welcome home signs that led to a live band, actors in vintage uniforms, and a photo opportunity to end the trip.

“It was humbling to be there,” said Senior Airman Tom Ewald, from the 177th Fighter Wing’s civil engineer structures shop. “I never thought I would get to see anything like that in my life. It was a once in a lifetime event and they deserved every bit of that.”

“The veterans love seeing military people,” said Nancy Stevens, a representative from the Honor Flight Network, a non-profit network that flies veterans to Washington D.C. to visit the war memorials honoring their service. “They love being able to talk and swap stories with them.” Story by Dr. Richard V. Porcelli

The North American F-86 Sabre, a Truly Iconic American Aircraft Part 3 – The F-86E And The All Flying Tail

Col. Fred Ascani and his F-86E broke the world speed record for the 100-km closed course in 1951 reaching 635 mph. Note the fuselage fairing under the tail that housed the “all-flying tail”. (USAF) increases in transonic flight. At a wing’s critical Mach number the accelerated airflow locally on the wing’s top surface reaches Mach 1 forming a shock wave, even though the aircraft itself is flying below the speed of sound. As the aircraft flies faster, the shock wave on top of the wing gets bigger and moves rearward, creating high lift further back along the wing, lifting the tail and causing the nose to pitch down or "tuck." This also causes a disturbance of airflow over the tail, further aggravating the effect and making it difficult to recover from a steepening dive. Instead of making the elevators larger to try to offset this effect, North American engineers modified the horizontal stabilizer to be moveable, geared to the movement of the elevators, thus increasing the overall effectiveness of pitch control. As the elevator is moved up, the stabilizer’s leading edge moves down, giving greater control in Shown above is an F-86E from the , 336 Squadron, “the Rocketeers” Col. Frances Gabreski’s F-86E, at Suwon Air Force Base during the . The colored the transonic region and better maneuverability in general. Called a over Korea. (USAF) bands on the aircraft’s nose signified that it was the Wing Commander’s jet. (USAF) “stabilator” (or stabilizer – elevator combination), its earlier use in the Bell X-1 research rocket plane was a key innovation that made Chuck he next member of the illustrious Sabre family was the F-86E, Yeager’s first supersonic flight possible. The stabilator is now used in 1s allocated to the Air Defense Command’s 33rd Fighter Interceptor T ordered by the Air Force on January 17, 1950. The initial 60 practically every aircraft in service from the Piper Cherokee to the Wing [FIW] at Otis AFB, Massachusetts, in May 1951. However, due examples produced were almost unchanged from the last block of F- Boeing 787 Dreamliner. On high performance jets, like the F-16C to the pressures of the Korean War where even greater numbers of 86A-5s, with the A-1CM gun sight, the AN/APG-30 ranging radar and Vipers sitting on the Atlantic City ramp, the concept is taken to the MiG-15s were being encountered, after one squadron of the 33rd FIW 5,430 pounds thrust J-47-GE-13 jet engine. The single difference was extreme as the one-piece stabilators are electronically linked to had been equipped, further production block F-86E-1s and F-86E-5s perhaps one of the most significant technical developments of the era provide both pitch (left and right working together) and roll (working went directly to the 4th Fighter Wing [FW] at Kimpo AFB, where they – the “all flying tail.” differentially) control. supplemented F-86As, and the 51st FW at Suwon AFB where they replaced Lockheed F-80C Shooting Stars. The background of this new feature is that during the testing of the Getting back to the F-86E, it featured full hydraulic aileron and XP-86 and combat experience with the F-86A, pilots found that the horizontal tail control with an artificial aileron and horizontal “feel” At the same time, the markings on the Sabres were changed. Solid when the aircraft entered the transonic speed range the flight system, in which the pilot felt increasing loads as the stick or rudder yellow bands replaced the black/white identification stripes around controls lost their effectiveness. More dangerously, they suffered pedal deflection was increased and as speed increased. The only the fuselage and wing tips. The 4th FW Sabres (with its 334th, 335th “control reversal” meaning that for example, in a high-speed dive visual difference of the F-86E from the previous F-86A was a raised and 336th Fighter Squadrons) also featured a solid yellow band pulling back on the stick actually resulted in the nose going down, fairing at the base of the vertical fin and rudder, above the all-flying around the vertical tail. The 51st FW jets (with its 16th, 25th and deeper into the dive. (The classic 1952 British movie directed by tail, that contained the controls for the new tail unit. later, 39th Fighter Squadrons) had a black and white checkerboard David Lean titled “Breaking The Sound Barrier” dramatically depicts tail. The first -F 86E-1, serial 50-0579, first flew on September 23, 1950 at this phenomenon. It is a “must see” movie if you can find it.) The the hands of the famous test pilot George As an example of the effectiveness of the new Sabres, 51st FW rearward movement of the wing’s center of pressure causes this Welch. A total of 456 were built for the Air Force, with the first F-86E- commander Col. Frances “Gabby” Gabreski (famed New York phenomenon, also known as “Mach tuck,” as the aircraft speed native and -WW II Thunderbolt ace) and his He was released in the fall of 1953 after Rabbit,” was initiated. At the height of the combat. The results pointed out a need for squadrons’ pilots claimed 25 MiGs in just the enduring many months of torture. supply problem, MiG kills fell to 17 in the month even further performance improvement to of February 1952. Once supplies started to flow match the MiG-15. Possibilities including first month in combat with the E-model Sabre. However, the rapid buildup of Sabre forces in again, the monthly average soared to 83 MiGs retrofitting more powerful J-47-GE-27 engines, Also, as described in the June 2013 issue of The Korea with the transfer of F-86Es to the 4th and in April, with the loss of only 6 Sabres. but their short supply made this impossible. GE Contrail, Col. Walker “Bud” Mahurin who 51st Fighter Groups severely strained logistical also proposed boosting the thrust of the piloted the P-47D Thunderbolt named “Spirit of support. By January 1952, more than 45% of The buildup of the combat force of Sabres with existing - J 47-GE-13 engines, but at the cost of Atlantic City” for most of his 20.75 kills credited the Sabres were out of commission due to the the arrival of the F-86E also strained the supply engine life and reliability – an unacceptable during WWII, also flew the F-86E with the 51st lack of spare parts. Also, the shortage of of pilots. The Air Force was forced to option for the Air Force. North American FW’s 25th FS during the Korean War. Flying his external fuel tanks severely limited operations supplement the initial cadre of WW-II combat engineers developed an expedient that personal F-86E-5 (serial 51-2747), named for a time; without them, the Sabres lacked the veteran fighter pilots with multi-engine increased the top speed by several knots and “Honest John”, Mahurin added 3.5 MiGs to his range to reach “MiG Alley.” If they did not drop transport and bomber pilots until the stateside increased service ceiling by several thousand career total 24.25 air-to-air victories. these tanks when encountering a MiG, they Replacement Training Units [RTUs] feet. Called the “6-3 wing” modification, the Unfortunately, Mahurin was shot down on May were at a severe combat disadvantage. The came up to speed. The Air Force had a similar wing inboard and outboard leading edges were 15, 1952 while proving the ground attack shortages of spare parts and fuel tanks were problem 15 years later during the . increased by 6 inches and 3 inches, respectively, capabilities of the - F 86E Sabre and then only alleviated after an Air Force-wide priority Operational suitability tests of the F-86E ended eliminating the slats of the original wing at the captured by the Chinese (not North Koreans). program to build up supplies, named “Rapid in July 1952 after almost a year of Korean War same time. The inexpensive kits ($4,000 each) could be field installed. Only 50 kits were sent to the units in Korea by the end of 1952. This new wing, however, would become a feature of the subsequent production version, the F-86F fighter-bomber, which will be described in the next issue of The Contrail. As an interesting historical note, due to the demand for F-86E Sabres for the Korean War, as well as to equip USAF and NATO squadrons in Europe, North American Aviation could not produce Sabres fast enough at their Englewood, California, production plant. To supplement production, Canadian aircraft company Canadair, Ltd. produced F-86Es under license in Ville St-Laurent, Quebec, Canada. They supplied 60 of the Air Force’s 456 Above is an F-86E with the 119th Fighter Squadron at McGuire total buy; these were modified with Air Force Base. The lightning flash was red in color. (177th FW) USAF equipment at North American’s Fresno, California, facility. They were known as F-86E Tito out of the Soviet sphere of influence. combat missions during the Korean War, with one MiG- McGuire, received their F-86Es in February 1956, -6s. Canadair also supplied 353 Sabre Mk2s and 438 15 kill scored on July 4, 1952. Assigned to the 335th FS Some E models were transferred to aircraft and engine when they replaced the earlier F-86A Sabres. The Sabre Mk4s (essentially F-86Es with European of the 4th FW, his personal Sabre was sarcastically manufacturers, including Boeing, to act as chase 141st also switched to the Republic Thunderstreak compatible radios and other equipment) to the air named “Slow Boat To China.” planes. Some ended up in “private” hands, including a fighter-bomber in the spring of 1958. California and forces of Canada, and Italy. Canadair built F-86E flown by aviatrix Jacqueline Eventually 140 of the F-86Es retired from Air Force Colorado Air Guard Air National Guard fighter Production of the F-86E by North American Aviation Cochran when she became the first woman to break service were transferred to Air National Guard units. squadrons held on to their E-model Sabres through ended in October 1952. It was to be replaced on the the sound barrier. On May 17, 1953 she also broke the The New Jersey Air National Guard’s 119th Fighter- 1960. production line by the F-86F version. But as another international speed record over a 100-kilometer course Bomber Squadron holds the distinction of being the The April 2014 issue of The Contrail contained a interesting bit of aviation trivia, delays in the engine fascinating story of a former 119th FS crew chief who intended for the new version forced North American The 119th Fighter Squadron won the Spatz trophy as best Air Unit in the National Guard. named “his” F-86E after his wife, “Miss Claire.” That to build additional aircraft as the F-86E-10 than The unit was equipped with this, serial 51-006, and other F-86Es at the time. (177th FW) aircraft, serial 51-2848, had earlier been assigned to originally contracted for. The E-10 had a flat front Edwards AFB, where in December 1953 it flew chase windscreen but was otherwise the same as the for Chuck Yeager’s recording breaking Mach 2.44 previous production block. One of them, F-86E-10 flight in the Bell X-1A rocket plane. serial 51-2721, piloted by Col. Fred Ascani set the Another 119th F-86E-1, serial 51-0600, named world speed record of 635.685 miles per hour over a “Valerie Jean”, was noted as being a part of the 100-kilometer course on August 17, 1951. This jet squadron when it won the Spatz Trophy. The Spatz was almost immediately sent to the 25th FIS in Korea Trophy is awarded annually by the National Guard where it achieved 2 MiG kills. Association to the top Air National Guard flying unit. Then, further problems with the production of the F- That particular aircraft earlier served with the 51st 86F’s engine caused North American again to revert FW at Suwon AFB during the Korean War. Today it is to the earlier model, this time building 93 additional awaiting restoration at the Pima Air Museum in F-86E-15s which featured many of the airframe Tucson, Arizona; it is probably the only remaining F- enhancements of the F-86F, including strengthened 86E airframe that served with the 119th FS. wings and hard points. (These ‘hybrid’ block E-15 The story of the Sabre family will continue in next Sabres went directly to Air National Guard units, month’s The Contrail with the description of the including the DC ANG’s 121st FIS.) first Air National Guard unit to receive the F-86E. The averaging 652.337, displacing the previous record set 119th transitioned from the F-51D Mustang to the F- development and Korean War combat of the fighter- In fact, soon after hostilities in Korea ended on July by another F-86E in 1951, as noted earlier. 86E starting in May 1955, while still at Newark Airport, bomber version, the F-86F, and the “ultimate Sabre”, 27, 1953 the phase out of F-86Es from active duty the F-86H. As will be related, this last model served In the February issue of The Contrail, mention was taking them as the re-designated 119th Fighter service, was begun. Many went to our allies, with the 119th FS as well as other Air National Guard made of the highly recommended book and Interceptor Squadron to McGuire AFB when the unit including Greece, Turkey and , as part of the units with great distinction during the Cold War subsequent move, “”, starring Robert moved in February 1956. The Republic F-84F Mutual Defense Assistance Program [MDAP]. Even years. Mitchum and Robert Wagner. The author, James Thunderstreak replaced the F-86E Sabre in March Communist-aligned Yugoslavia received some 120 Salter, was F-86E-5 Sabre pilot with more than 100 1958, shortly prior to the move to Atlantic City. New examples of the F-86E in an effort to entice President Jersey ANG’s 141st Fighter Squadron, based at “Remember the difference between a boss and a leader….A boss says "Go!" A leader says "Let's go!" ~E.M. Kelly What makes a true leader has always fascinated me. I have noticed that it is both a combination of their leadership style in which they lead and their ability to maximize the potential of those around them. In the military organization one can have both traits, and neither of them, and still be called a leader or a boss. I remember that one of my supervisors used to say: “a leader leads by example.” How true this was when I was in both The Marine Corps and the Air National Guard. I think each one of us is a leader at some point in time and almost everywhere. We all can set an example. You do not have to have a title to be considered one. You simply need to influence those around you. When you speak do people listen? What example do you set? More importantly, what example do you want to set? Ask yourself if you have these Leadership qualities, which include humility, integrity, fairness, assertiveness, and dedication? Good leaders encourage others to share their ideas and opinions without fear of reprisal. They are in touch with their emotional, mental, and physical needs and those around them. They realize the mission is not about one individual but the whole. Good leaders give credit where credit is due with words and actions of appreciation as part of their daily routine. They laugh often, listen always, and learn from others. Good leaders have the ability to “paint the big picture,” and provide a rewarding vision. They motivate others to embrace the vision and in turn, become more productive than if they just performed routine job requirements. Good leaders command confidence and trust, not by demanding but by encouraging. Even in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds, an effective leader will tell you “don’t give up but to keep fighting.” And isn’t that what we are called to do every day at work and at home? If you have any questions or want to discuss your leadership definition, come on over to Building 229 or contact me at 609-761-6871/[email protected]. Airman 1st Class Brooke Hunt, from the New Jersey Air National Guard's 177th Fighter Wing Fire Department, helps a student use a fire hose on June 9, 2015 at Alder Avenue Middle School's Not All Heroes Wear Capes event in Egg Harbor Township, N.J.

Story and photo by Airman 1st Class Amber Powell

Local first responders and military personnel could try on. visited Alder Avenue Middle School in Egg Harbor “This is the coolest thing I’ve ever seen,” said a Township, New Jersey, to celebrate the school’s student referring to the Humvee. “It’s like the “Not All Heroes Wear Capes” event on June 9, toys but bigger!” 2015. Students from sixth and seventh grade Airmen from the New Jersey Air National Guard’s participated along with second graders from 177th Fighter Wing and first responders brought Slaybaugh Elementary. equipment and set up display tables to teach the students about the services they provide to the “We have been holding this event for 10 years, local community. but the event has grown to include over 200 students,” said Wenzel. “We wanted the students “The goal of this project from an educational to be able to learn about the jobs of our first standpoint was to have the students learn, think responders and military and to gain an about, and honor the roles our first responders understanding of the sacrifices that our heroes and military play in keeping our great nation make.” safe,” said Kelli Wenzel, teacher and coordinator of the event. “Additionally, the students were exposed to a variety of professions that may be future job opportunities for them.” Explosive ordnance disposal technicians from the 177th FW brought an Air Force Medium-Sized Robot and protective gear to show students. Firefighters from the Wing unrolled fire hoses from their truck and allowed students to spray water. Also, a High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle, commonly known as the Humvee, from the Wing’s 227th Air Support Operations Squadron, was on display along with a tactical vest and ballistic helmet that students For more awards photos, check out the 177th Fighter Wing Facebook page!

Teenagers from Southern Transitional visited the 177th FW on June 5 for a group tour. Areas that were visited include the 177th Maintenance Group, air crew flight equipment and the fire house. (ANG/Airman 1st Class Amber Powell)

Tech. Sgt. Danielle Todman, 177th FW Force Support Squadron, prepares to compete in a race in the Netherlands as a member of the Air Force Running Team. Todman won second place in the Swedish Relay and third place in the 400m. She also qualified for the World Games which will be Atlantic County Special Services School visited the 177th FW on June 2 for a group tour. Students visited the held in South Korea in October 2015. (Courtesy photo) 177th Maintenance Group, air crew flight equipment and the fire house. (ANG/Master Sgt. Andrew Moseley) An image from a tour of the 177th FW on June 2, 2015. The combined tour included students and faculty members of the Atlantic County Special Services and the NJ Police K-9 Association Police Patrol Dog Class #11. (ANG/Master Sgt. Andrew Moseley)

For more awards photos, check out the 177th Fighter Wing Facebook page! Airman from the 177th Maintenance Group receive Airman of the quarter and noncommissioned officer of the quarter awards for the second quarter. (Courtesy Photo) From left to right: Airman 1st Class Shane Dietrich, Staff Sgt. Matthew Zeile, Airman 1st Class Dyshay Smagacz, Senior Airman Kristopher Gleason, Senior Airman James Mohr- Murphy, and Senior Airman Michael Romanelli. Not pictured: Tech. Sgt. Nicholas Celentano, Tech. Sgt. Denny Donahue, Staff Sgt. Michael Farra, and Staff Sgt. Rocco Lazaro.

Final Photo

Master Sgt. Rodger Dallett, Aerospace Control Alert Technician with the 177th FW, enters the cockpit of an F-16D Fighting Falcon for an incentive flight at the Atlantic City Air Guard base in Egg Harbor Township, N.J., on June 13, 2015. Dallett, who has been a crew chief with the unit since 1990, will be retiring soon. (ANG/TSgt. Andrew J. Merlock, Jr.)