PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID TULLAHOMA TN Vol. 66, No. 5 Arnold AFB, Tenn. PERMIT NO. 29 March 4, 2019 AEDC team members receive 2018 AFTC Annual Awards

By Deidre Ortiz ules to nominate our very best. agement for a variety of differ- tory at Arnold and there assisted AEDC Public Affairs “Well done, and best of luck ent programs, everything from in plans to triple the arc heater to our AFTC winners as they hotels, hospitals, airport expan- throughput capacity for heat flux Brig. Gen. Christopher Az- go on to compete at the AFMC- sions and even chicken process- simulations. zano, the commander of the Air level!” ing plants across the country,” He has also employed mul- Force Test Center, announced he said. “The variety of all these tiple acquisition strategies to de- the 2018 Air Force Test Center Elijah Minter, AFTC Civilian projects taught me how to deal liver $212 million in infrastruc- Annual Award winners Feb. 12, Category III winner with the challenges of executing ture over three years; brokered and two receiving this honor are Elijah Minter, AEDC Hyper- complex multi-organizational a $40 million road map for im- AEDC team members. sonics Test Investment Portfolio projects across the country at one mediate purchase of a long-lead In a message sent out to all (HyTIP) project director at Ar- time. But what’s so motivating hardware, which enabled early Air Force Test Center team- nold Air Force Base, received the about working in the AFTC is installation for a test facility; mates, Azzano said, “I could 2018 AFTC Annual Award for that the results from these proj- and erected a $70 million facility not be more proud of them (the Civilian Category III. Elijah Minter ects will make a difference in our for the Mid-Pressure Arc Heater AFTC winners) and their ac- Of this recognition, Minter, kids’ lives – we have to succeed.” Hypersonic Thermal Protection complishments—they have risen who has worked at Arnold AFB recognized at that level,” he said. As the HyTIP project direc- capability for a 270-megawatt to the top of an exceptional field the past 10 years, said he is hon- Minter stated his past job ex- tor, Minter is responsible for a power source, executing $9 mil- of nominees. Please congratu- ored to have been chosen. perience prior to working for the $350 million portfolio and is ex- lion in 2018. late the winners when you see “When you think of how DOD really helped shaped him ecuting projects estimated at $91 Additionally, Minter has them. Also, I extend my personal for the position he has now. million in calendar year 2019. much the Air Force Test Center See MEMBERS, page 2 thanks to our supervisors for tak- does, it’s very humbling to be “I started in private industry Previously, he worked within ing time out of their busy sched- for many years in project man- the High Temperature Labora- Bunch nominated to command AFMC By Air Force Materiel and is charged with developing, Bunch would take the banner Pending confirmation, Bunch Command Public Affairs acquiring, modernizing and sus- of AFMC as the new National De- would succeed Gen. Ellen Paw- taining Air Force weapon systems fense Strategy focuses each of the likowski, who retired in Septem- Lt. Gen. Arnold W. Bunch Jr. across their life cycle. services on innovation, cost-effec- ber after more than 40 years of has been nominated by the presi- The AFMC portfolio ranges tive modernization and enhancing commissioned service. When dent for a fourth star to become from basic and applied scientific lethality to address the challenge Pawlikowski assumed command the next commander of Air Force research, to Air Force uniforms, of great power competition. He is on June 8, 2015, she became Materiel Command at Wright-Pat- information systems and software, a graduate of the U.S. Air Force AFMC's second female leader terson Air Force Base, Ohio. manned and unmanned aircraft, Academy and the U.S. Air Force and only the third female four-star He currently serves as mili- and directed energy weapons. The Test Pilot School. No stranger to general officer in Air Force his- tary deputy, Office of the Assis- command includes six centers, AFMC or to Wright-Patterson, tory. tant Secretary of the Air Force including acquisition product cen- Bunch has served in a number of In late August 2018, Lt. Gen. for Acquisition at the Pentagon ters, depot maintenance facilities, leadership roles in the weapons Robert D. McMurry Jr. was named in Arlington, Va. The nomination global logistics and supply chain development, acquisition, and test as AFMC’s interim commander, requires confirmation by the U.S. wings, the Air Force Research communities, including Program bridging the gap from Gen Paw- Lt. Gen. Arnold W. Bunch Jr. Senate. Laboratory, and the National Mu- Executive Officer for Fighters and likowski’s retirement until a four- If confirmed, Bunch would seum of the U.S. Air Force. Its Air Bombers, commander of the Air star successor was named and con- will return full time to his duties as direct AFMC's enterprise which Force Installation and Mission Force Security Assistance Center, firmed. McMurry is dual-hatted, Air Force Life Cycle Management oversees 80,000 employees and Support Center provides combat and commander of the Air Force serving as Air Force Life Cycle Center commander. manages nearly $60 billion annu- support impacting installation Test Center. The B-52 and B-2 Management Center commander Date for an assumption of ally. The command oversees eight operations and Airmen readiness bombers are among the many air- and interim AFMC commander. command ceremony has not yet Air Force installations nationwide across the Air Force. craft he has flown. If Bunch is confirmed, McMurry been set. Local reaction to Lt. Gen. Arnold Bunch nomination for a fourth star

By Kathy Gattis AEDC Public Affairs

To say people at Arnold Air Force Base and area community leaders are excited about the promotion of Lt. Gen. Arnold Bunch would probably be an understate- ment. Bunch is a Tennessee native and when he received his third star in 2015, his promotion ceremony was held in his hometown of Morristown. Many members of the Air Force stationed at Arnold Engineering Development Complex and the Arnold Community Council traveled to Morristown to attend the ceremony. Walters State Expo Center was used as the venue because there were so many people expected to attend. After becoming the first commander of the Air Force Test Center (2012-2015), Bunch was a frequent visitor at AEDC. He conducted a town hall meeting at the base, toured numerous times and held meetings at AEDC dur- ing his tenure as the AFTC commander. He was also the guest speaker at one of the ACC annual banquets and when in town, he spoke at an ACC monthly membership meeting. Bunch returned to AEDC in June to conduct the Civil- ian Senior Level Career Service promotion ceremony for Dr. Tom Fetterhoff, AFTC technical advisor for Aerody- namic, Propulsion and Ground Test Evaluation. One time During a visit to Arnold Air Force Base, then Air Force Test Center Commander Maj. Gen. Arnold Bunch (third from left) prepares for live structure fire training with Arnold Firefighter Brandon Gunn (second from See BUNCH, page 8 left). (U.S. Air Force photo)

AEDC personnel recognized Area high school students Teams sponsored by at annual awards banquet vie for top spot in 2019 Arnold STEM compete in Student Design Competition FIRST® Tech Challenge

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Arnold Air Force Why prescribed fires are Base important to Arnold Air Force Base

By Brandon Bailey nipulating structure type, compe- Arnold AFB Natural Resources tition control and fuels reduction. Col. Scott Cain Manager Prescribed fire is used to improve, Commander maintain, or sometimes complete- Prescribed fire is the most ef- ly change the structure or compo- Jason Austin ficient and economical tool when sition of the landscape. Chief, managing natural ecosystems. Prescribed fire at Arnold is Public Affairs It allows land managers to al- used to maintain grassland habitat ter and improve the native ecosys- for grassland dependent wildlife, tems without utilizing more costly such as the Henslow’s Sparrow. Richard Tighe methods such as bush hogging, The use of prescribed fire pro- General Manager, under brushing and herbicide ap- motes new growth by removing National Aerospace plications. dead vegetation and suppressing Solutions All of Arnold Air Force Base’s woody species that would even- High Mach Staff: ecosystems, from forests to grass- tually grow into a forest in the Kathy Gattis, lands, are perpetuated by distur- absence of fire. Prescribed fire is NAS Executive Editor bance regimes. Disturbances can very useful for competition con- be natural or manmade. Some trol on sites where the desired spe- Deidre Ortiz, examples of natural disturbances cies is fire tolerant. NAS Editor include: major storm events, fires, It is also used in Arnold’s pine High Mach is published by floods, insect infestations and nat- plantations to control the en- Lakeway Publishers, Inc. a pri- ural mortality. Manmade distur- croachment of hardwood and oth- vate firm in no way connected bances include: timber harvesting, er undesirable species. Loblolly with the U.S. Air Force, Arnold Air Force Base, Arnold Engi- land clearing, mowing and herbi- pines, for example, tolerate much neering Development Complex cide applications. higher fire intensity than other un- (AEDC) or National Aerospace Prescribed fire allows land desirable hardwood tree species. Solutions (NAS), under exclu- managers the ability to mimic Reducing the amount of fuels sive written contract with NAS at Arnold AFB, Tenn., 37389. a natural disturbance which our available to burn in the event of Everything advertised in native ecosystems have adapted a wildfire is an important part of this publication will be made to over time. Proper utilization protecting natural resources. Fuels available for purchase, use of prescribed fire is both art and reduction is accomplished by peri- or patronage without regard Prescribed fire is the most efficient and economical tool when to race, color, religion, sex, science, as it takes a combina- odically using a low intensity pre- national origin, age, marital sta- tion of fuel conditions, weather scribed fire to consume dead fuels, managing natural ecosystems, allowing land managers to alter tus, physical handicap, political conditions, smoke management, such as leaves, broken branches, and improve the native ecosystems without utilizing more costly affiliation or any other non- ignition techniques and timing to dead grasses, and other timber methods such as bush hogging, under brushing, and herbicide merit factor of the purchaser, applications. Pictured is a prescribed fire, or controlled burn, at result in the appropriate fire -in liter. Reducing fuels with pre- user or patron. Arnold Air Force Base. (Courtesy photo) The High Mach office is tensity to accomplish site specific scribed fire does not kill the- for located at 100 Kindel Drive, management goals. est overstory, which is the highest prescribed fire operations occur cive to accomplishing Arnold’s Suite A236, Arnold AFB, Tenn. Arnold AFB has three primary layer of vegetation, and promotes from March to May. During this prescribed fire management goals. 37389-1236. Editorial content time frame both weather and fuel For more information, call (931) is edited and prepared by NAS. management goals for which pre- new growth on the forest floor. Deadline for copy is Wednes- scribed fire is the best tool:- ma The majority of Arnold AFB’s conditions are generally condu- 454-3230. day at close of business one week before publication. This commercial enterprise MEMBERS from page 1 newspaper is an allowable NAS contractor publication tackled an AEDC mandate to ex- Catarius has also taken charge to everyone who helped me get for personnel at Arnold AFB. The content of High Mach tend Capital Improvement Divi- of a $10.9 million test program at here and helped make these pro- does not necessarily reflect the sion resources and talent across WSMR, which answered Chief of grams successful.” views of the Air Force, Arnold the Complex and has partnered Staff of the Air Force goals. He The following is a listing of AFB, AEDC or NAS. The ap- with the 846th Test Squadron on has led 31 members and 16 mis- all the 2018 AFTC Annual Award pearance of advertising in this sled lethality. He assisted in the sions and ensured tests were con- winners: publication does not constitute endorsement of the products creation of multiple Hypersonic ducted safely. Airman – Senior Airman Mu- or services advertised by the Test and Evaluation Investment Throughout this, he has dis- tia M. Graham, 412 TW, Edwards Department of Defense, the Roadmap papers articulating played innovation in job perfor- AFB, CA Department of the Air Force, need for and the benefits of uni- mance by executing a new type Non-Commissioned Officer – Arnold AFB, AEDC, NAS or Lakeway Publishers, Inc. fied, national Hypersonic test ca- of testing and co-authored a best TSgt Alexander J. Rodriguez, 96 For general information pabilities. practices brief for senior leaders. TW, Eglin AFB, FL about High Mach, call (931) According to the nomina- He has assisted with the enhance- Senior Non-Commissioned 454-5655 or visit www. tion for Minter’s AEDC Annual ment of Air Force base defense Officer – SMSgt Justin A. Ghol- arnold.af.mil. Award, the Institute for Defense systems, validating enhanced son, 96 TW, Eglin AFB, FL Use High Mach to market Analyses has been quoted as say- tactics and added new Air Force 1st Sergeant – Senior Master your products and servic- ing, “With Minter as HyTIP proj- force protection tactics, tech- Sgt. Zachary C. Pate, 96 TW, Eg- es. Contact Renee at 931- Capt. Adrian Catarius 455-4545 or tnadvmgr@ ect director, the Pentagon has no niques and procedures. lin AFB, FL lcs.net. worries regarding success.” puter engineer. Catarius mentioned that “it’s Company Grade Officer – “Within two years, I was se- extremely gratifying” to have re- Capt. Adrian M. Catarius, AEDC Capt. Adrian Catarius, AFTC lected to attend Air Force Institute ceived the AFTC Annual Award (704 TG), Holloman AFB, NM Company Grade Officer of Technology to get my master’s recognizing his work on the Field Grade Officer – Maj. winner degree,” he said. “After graduat- above accomplishments. Jennifer A. Sayers, 96 TW, Eglin ing, I was assigned to the 746th Capt. Adrian Catarius, flight “To know that my direct lead- AFB, FL Test Squadron at Holloman Air commander for Detachment 1, ership all the way up through the Civilian Category I – Kyle J. Force Base as a flight test engi- 586th Flight Test Squadron based leaders at AEDC and AFTC ap- Chisum, 96 TW, Eglin AFB, FL neer and element leader. After at White Sands Missile Range, preciate the work that is being Civilian Category II – Lo- about two years at the 746th TS, I Core Values New Mexico, received the 2018 done here,” he said. “Sometimes rena P. Rodriguez, 412 TW, Ed- was moved within the Test Group • Integrity first AFTC Annual Award for Compa- it does feel like our 11-person wards AFB, CA down here to Detachment 1 as the • Service before self ny Grade Officer. His job entails detachment working on an Army Civilian Category III – Eli- flight commander.” • Excellence in all working between a customer test Post and located 1,300 miles from jah S. Minter, AEDC, Arnold During his time as flight com- we do organization and the White Sands AEDC [headquarters at Arnold] is AFB, TN mander for Detachment 1 of the Test Center to handle scheduling, easily forgotten. But at the same Individual Mobilization 586th Flight Test Squadron, Ca- resource coordination and ensure time, it’s a little awkward to sud- Augmentee Company Grade tarius has filled the detachment’s a smooth test execution. denly have all this attention. Officer – Capt. Richardson Director of Operations gap for Prior to his current position, “There are certainly people I Honore, 412 TW, Edwards AFB, three months and orchestrated Vision Catarius worked at the Munitions worked with over the past year CA daily operations worth $9.3 mil- Directorate of the Air Force Re- that I think sacrificed more, Individual Mobilization “NAS delivers the best lion. He has assisted in the seam- search Laboratory at Eglin Air worked harder and who are more Augmentee Field Grade Officer aerospace testing less transition between the De- deserving of this recognition than – Maj. Louis D. Miller, 412 TW, capabilities today and in Force Base, Florida, as a com- the future.” tachment Commander shift. I am, so I’d like to say thank you Edwards AFB, CA Values • Ethics. We are uncompromising in our Action Line integrity, honesty, and fairness. Smoking Policy • Safety & Health. We are relentless in Team AEDC, keeping people safe from harm, and 1. The following revised Arnold AFB smoking policy is effective immediately and applies to all individuals on I believe in free and open communications we provide a safe and healthy work Arnold AFB. with our Team AEDC employees, and that’s why environment. 2. Traditional Tobacco products (e.g. cigars and cigarettes): we have the Action Line available. People can • Security. We are disciplined and vigilant use the Action Line to clear up rumors, ask ques- in protecting sensitive AEDC information a. Smoking is permitted solely in Designated Tobacco Areas (DTAs) identified by designated signage. If no and ensuring system integrity to support signage exists, smoking is not permitted in that area. It is the responsibility of all smokers to keep DTAs tions, suggest ideas on improvements, enter national security and our customers. clean of cigarette butts. complaints or get other issues off their chests. • Excellence. We thrive on challenge, b. Tobacco use on the Arnold AFB Golf Course is permitted, but discouraged based on the health hazards The Action Line has been expanded to in- accomplishment, and mission success. clude an option for your ideas, comments, or • Quality. We are passionate about doing of tobacco use and secondhand smoke. No smoking is permitted within 50 feet of golf course buildings our work right the first time. except in the approved DTA. suggestions on the AcqDemo personnel sys- • People. We have a mission-focused, c. Smoking in government-owned/leased vehicles is strictly prohibited. Personnel are allowed to smoke in their tem. Simply call the normal x6000 commander’s inclusive workforce who have a diverse personal vehicles at any time; however, at no time will personnel discard cigarette butts outside their vehicle. action line. You will then be prompted to select skill set, are committed to success, option 1 for the Commander’s Action Line or Op- demonstrate innovation and have a can d. For government employees, the fact that a person smokes has no bearing on the number of breaks they do attitude. may take. Breaks should be taken in accordance with the current supervisory and personnel policies that tion 2 for the AcqDemo line. They can access the • Culture. Our team is proud of our diver- afford all employees the same break opportunities consistent with good work practices and accomplish- Action Line via the AEDC intranet home page sity, inclusiveness, and collaborative work ment of the mission. and by calling 454-6000. environment. We are proud of what we do 3. Smokeless Tobacco products (e.g. snuff and dip): Although the Action Line is always available, and how we do it. • Relationships. We build positive, long- Smokeless tobacco products are not to be restricted to DTAs. Smokeless tobacco use will be permitted in all the best and fastest way to get things resolved term business relationships through trust, workplace areas (inside and out) subject to reasonable safety and sanitary conditions. Specifically, containers is by using your chain of command or by con- respect, and collaboration. of tobacco waste product, including sealed containers, must not be left unattended or disposed of in trash tacting the organization directly involved. I en- • Innovation. We overcome challenges receptacles. Users of smokeless tobacco must flush tobacco waste down the toilet. courage everyone to go that route first, then if through creativity, perseverance, technol- the situation isn’t made right, give us a chance. ogy, and flexibility. We actively seek to 4. Electronic Cigarettes (also known as “e-cigs”): continually improve. Pursuant to Air Force Instruction (AFI) 40-102, Tobacco Free Living, e-cigs are considered to be equivalent to • Sustainability. We plan and act for the tobacco products; however, e-cigs are not restricted to DTAs and are allowed to be used outdoors at a minimum Col. Scott Cain long term benefit of our communities and distance of 25 feet from building entry/egress points. (This policy is dated July 27, 2016) AEDC Commander our environment. March 4, 2019 • 3 Lt. Col. Eric Trad – Air Force profile

By Deidre Ortiz AEDC Public Affairs

This release is part of a se- ries of profiles highlighting the contributions of our military and Department of Defense person- nel at Arnold Air Force Base. Lt. Col. Eric Trad has been working in the Test Operations Division at Arnold Air Force Base for over three years now, serving as the deputy of Test Op- erations for the past year. “My primary job is to en- sure operations run smoothly so AEDC can accomplish the mis- sion,” he said. Trad explained the job can be difficult at times because there is a lot involved. “It can be a challenge to bal- ance the needs of multiple teams across all the various test, main- tenance and investment proj- ects,” he said. “Luckily, AEDC has a great team of professionals who help to schedule, integrate, identify trade-offs, prioritize work and, ultimately, execute the mission. I wouldn’t say that it makes the job easy, but we cer- tainly couldn’t execute without a strong team.” Lt. Col. Eric Trad, the deputy of Test Operations Division at Arnold Air Force Base, speaks during his promotion ceremony last But according to Trad, he year. While his role as deputy of Test Operations can sometimes be challenging, Trad thanks the team of professionals who likes his job because it allows help to schedule, integrate, identify trade-offs, prioritize work and execute the AEDC mission. (U.S. Air Force photo by Rick him to see the behind-the-scenes Goodfriend) collaboration that it takes be- He added that in his role he’s more suburban area being from He appreciates where his Air Whenever he’s not on the tween groups to get work done. not tied to specific test projects, Plainfield, Illinois, located right Force career has taken him and job, Trad likes to decompress “I am always impressed with but it has allowed several learn- outside of Chicago, AEDC has the experiences he’s had thus far. from his at-times stressful job the way that the CTF (Combined ing opportunities. been a perfect place for Trad to “I am grateful that I have had by spending time with his fam- Test Force) teams, spanning all “Part of my job has involved work. He has an undergradu- the chance to serve as an engi- ily. divisions (Test Operations, Test assisting with investigations of ate degree in aeronautical engi- neer in multiple jobs, includ- “I look for any chance to Systems Sustainment and Test AEDC mishaps,” Trad said. “Al- neering from the University of ing developing and deploying a spend more time with my fam- Support) and both government though some of these incidents Michigan and a master’s degree Persistent Intelligence, Surveil- ily,” he said. “I coach my son’s and contractors, come together have been unfortunate, the most in aerospace engineering from lance and Reconnaissance sys- soccer and basketball teams. to develop solutions that no one memorable part is that in every the Air Force Institute of Tech- tem to Iraq, sitting on console My wife is quite involved with person would have been capable case, everyone I spoke with had nology. for a couple of Wideband Global the community in Tullahoma, of developing alone,” he said. a deep desire to get to the root of Trad also joined the Air Force SATCOM (Satellite Communi- so there are always chances to “The integration of AEDC Op- the issue, learn from what hap- as an engineer, “not realizing cations) satellite launches, and volunteer there. I enjoy running, erations is a great example of pened and get back to our criti- that sometimes engineers in the ultimately serving at AEDC as a cycling and reading. I also like how teaming can create some- cal mission as efficiently as pos- Air Force end up working in pro- small part to coordinate the im- to ‘play’ guitar, as long as I am thing that is greater than the sum sible.” gram management roles, as op- pressive array of test capabilities sure that no one is listening – of the parts.” Though accustomed to a posed to purely technical jobs.” that we provide.” hey, you gotta start somewhere.” Using lockout/tagout to control hazardous energy

By AEDC Safety all potentially hazardous energy stored energy sources such the equipment controls. One be verified by the following sources, and locked out before as electrical capacitors, lock shall be applied to each measures: checking that no The 2019 safety campaign employees perform any servicing springs, or elevated point of protection. one is exposed; attempting to is emphasizing the importance or maintenance operation. It movable components) so 5. Applying danger tags. Both operate the equipment using of safe behaviors, and the topic applies to all AEDC personnel that each energy source can lockout and tagout shall be the normal controls; and for March is Hazardous Energy and operations, including Air be isolated. At this time a required except where the returning to neutral. Control. Force, Navy, Army Corps of procedure shall be developed equipment and its energy 8. Conducting the desired Hazardous energy can be Engineers and Contractors to serve as the basic plan supply cannot accept a lock, work on the system/ controlled by following lockout/ (including Subcontractors) at for a safe control of energy in which case alternate equipment. tagout procedures. And it’s the Tennessee location and during maintenance, repair means of protection that are 9. Verifying the system/ important to remember that operations conducted by AEDC and servicing. equally as effective as a lock equipment is safe for re- a danger tag alone is never personnel outside the confines 2. Notifying all affected shall be used. energizing. Equipment considered adequate lockout/ of Arnold AFB. Training employees. Everyone who 6. Releasing or blocking any shall be visually inspected tagout protection. requirements (to include use and would normally use the stored energy or movable before energy is returned. The Safety, Health, inspection) for Subcontractor equipment being serviced parts. Any stored energy that This inspection shall include Environmental (SHE) Standard personnel training requirements shall be informed of the may remain in the system necessary measures to ensure for Lockout/Tagout addresses are established and provided by LOTO procedures being shall be safely released. This that everyone is safely clear the control of hydraulic, their management. used and instructed not to may include draining charge of the operating area and pneumatic, steam, mechanical, There are 10 basic steps for attempt to start or energize out of a capacitor, blocking that covers and guards are electrical systems, powered following the Lockout/Tagout the equipment. and bleeding down a steam in place, tools or debris are machinery, hazardous gases, Procedures. They are: 3. Shutting down equipment. line, or lowering elevated removed, and controls are off utility systems or other energy 1. Identifying all energy Using appropriate equipment components that may fall. or in neutral. sources that could cause hazards sources and procedure shutdown procedures, all Equipment components 10. Removing lockout and to personnel or equipment due development. An initial controls shall be turned off. that may move and injure tagout device(s). to unexpected startup or release. survey shall be made to 4. Locking out equipment. someone shall be physically For more information, refer It shall be used to ensure that identify all the system/ Locks shall be applied to blocked in place. the AEDC SHE Standards, any equipment, machine, or equipment's sources of isolate each power source 7. Verify lockout. Effective which can be found on the Team system is stopped, isolated from power or energy (including to prevent the operation of control of energy sources shall AEDC SharePoint site. 4 • March 4, 2019 AEDC personnel recognized at annual awards banquet

By Bradley Hicks AEDC Public Affairs

Arnold Engineering Development Com- plex leadership recently recognized annual military and civilian government award winners and nominees at the AEDC Annual Awards Banquet, which took place Feb. 8 in the Arnold Lakeside Center at Arnold Air Force Base, Tennessee. The keynote speaker was Col. William M. Brandt Jr., a reservist assigned to AEDC, Arnold AFB, who serves as the Senior Indi- vidual Mobilization Augmentee on the wing staff supporting ground test and evaluation of next generation hypersonic and aerospace vehicles, engines and ballistic missiles. The award recipients are: Airman First Class Rodrigo Noriega, Airman of the Year TSgt. Alexisa Humphrey, Non-Com- missioned Officer of the Year MSgt. Sean Roberson, Senior Non- Commissioned Officer of the Year Capt. Adrian Catarius, Company Winners are recognized during the AEDC Annual Awards banquet Feb. 8 in the Arnold Lakeside Center at Arnold Air Grade Officer of the Year Force Base. Pictured from left are Col. William Brandt Jr., keynote speaker for the banquet; AEDC Commander Col. Maj. Bryan Ralston, Field Grade Offi- Scott Cain; TSgt. Alexisa Humphrey; Airman First Class Rodrigo Noriega; Capt. Adrian Catarius; Adam Foret; Stacey cer of the Year Lamb; Elijah Minter; AEDC Superintendent Chief Master Sgt. Robert Heckman; and AEDC Technical Director Ed Tucker. Cari Gardiner-Hall, Civilian Category I (U.S. Air Force photo by Bradley Hicks) Kalyn Jones, Civilian Category II Elijah Minter, Civilian Category III Sgt. Daniel Hansford, Master Sgt. Chaunc- Vince Pecoraro. Award Light Attack Experiment Phase II ey Mitchell, Tech Sgt. Brandon Nallie, Tech Live Fire Test & Evaluation Test This team consists of: Maj. Ben Kar- Team – 586th Flight Test Squadron, Gen- Sgt. Cory Sheppard, Tech Sgt. Ruben Ama- Team – 704th Test Group, Technical low, Capt. Donny Schneider, TSgt. Steve eral Lee Gossick Team Excellence ya, Staff Sgt. Nikita Williamson, Airman Achievement Excellence Maluchnik, Jerry Sanchez, Jose Diaz, This team consists of: Lt. Col. Hans First Class Rodrigo Noriega, Phil Landin, This team consists of: Patrick O’ Con- Kalyn Jones, Don Morales and Andrea Buckwalter, Lt. Col. Patrick Killingsworth, Daniel Gilliand, Thomas Shoaf, Sandy Her- nell, Jason Sawdy, Eric Brickson, Levi Chavez. Maj. Bryan Ralston, Maj. Jeremiah John- nandez, Joe Gallegos, Tim Espinoza, Scott Coey, Scott Ehman, Mark Durick, Alex Adam Foret, Outstanding Civilian in son, Maj. Jon Gipson, Maj. John Tekell, Jones, Keith Combs, Brian Ravak, Ryan Kurtz and Russell Loos. Systems Contracting (Non-Supervisor) Maj. Ryan Lemaire, Maj. Craig Bayer, Black, Kevin Rash, Desiree Craig, William DEUCSI Test Team – 586th Flight Stacey Lamb, Outstanding Quality As- Capt. Josh Thomas, Capt. Zach Hoeffener, Hunter, Will Urick, Edwin Falconer, James Test Squadron, Exceptional Innovator surance Program Coordinator Capt. Blake Morgan, 1st Lt. Josh Winton, Darby, Charles Yockey, Ronald Sanchez, 2nd Lt. Preston Spaulding, 2nd Lt. William Raybon Phillips, Francisco Ramirez, Eric Sousa, Master Sgt. Marc Berger, Master Lagier, Dr. Ravi Penmetsa, Keith Kirk and

Maj. Paul Dolce, second from left, accepts the Technical Achievement Excel- lence Award on behalf of the Live Fire Test & Evaluation Test Team, one of sev- Col. William M. Brandt Jr., a reservist assigned to AEDC, Arnold Air Base, Ten- eral awards won by individuals and teams from the 704th Test Group during nessee, speaks during the AEDC Annual Awards banquet held Feb. 8 at the the AEDC Annual Awards. The awards banquet was held Feb. 8 in the Arnold Arnold Lakeside Center. Brandt, who serves as the Senior Individual Mobi- Lakeside Center at Arnold Air Force Base. Also pictured from left are AEDC lization Augmentee on the wing staff supporting ground test and evaluation Commander Col. Scott Cain, Col. William Brandt Jr., AEDC Superintendent of next generation hypersonic and aerospace vehicles, engines and ballistic Chief Master Sgt. Robert Heckman, and AEDC Technical Director Ed Tucker. missiles, was the keynote speaker for the awards ceremony. (U.S. Air Force (U.S. Air Force photo by Bradley Hicks) photo by Bradley Hicks) Home For Sale A moment in history: Ret. Navy Capt. Mariner receives all-female flyover

Retired Navy Capt. Rosemary Mariner, the first military woman to com- mand an operational fleet squadron, speaks at Arnold Air Force Base, March 30, 2007, at the F-14 Tomcat Dedication Ceremony in honor of the late Lt. Kara Hultgreen, the Navy’s first female carrier-based combat fighter pilot. On Feb. 2, Mariner was laid to rest in Maynardville, Tennessee, and honored with the first all-female piloted flyover in the history of the U.S. Navy. Throughout her life, Capt. Mariner paved the way for women to fol- low in her footsteps, by working tirelessly for the equality of women in the military, leading the Women Military Aviators organization and working with members of Congress and a Defense Department advisory board to overturn laws and regulations barring women from combat. The all-female flyover paid tribute to her service and sacrifice and reminded Tennesseans of the inspirational legacy she leaves for young women who wish to join the military. Tennessee Senators Lamar Alexander and Marsha Blackburn recently introduced a resolution to honor Mariner. (U.S. Air Force photo) March 4, 2019 • 5 Area high school students vie for top spot in 2019 Student Design Competition

By Bradley Hicks AEDC Public Affairs

Mars has become habitable, and the first group of colonists are on their way to establish settlements on the Red Planet. To prepare for the settlers, teams of engineers have been assembled and tasked with terraforming the fourth planet from the sun by designing and constructing robots capable of travers- ing the hills and mountains making up the Martian surface. Each robot will carry a nuclear payload, and it is the goal of the engineers to construct de- vices that are able to release their ex- plosive cargo at a specified location to complete the transformation of Mars. But a serious problem has arisen. The colonists departed for Mars much earlier than initially anticipated. Rath- er than having six months to ready their robots, the engineers now had only two hours to design and build the devices and complete the terraforming process. Nearly 50 students from seven area high schools took a crack at finding Lila Saunders and Natalie Todaro from Tullahoma High School ready their payload-depositing “robot” for a practice run a solution to this hypothetical quan- during the Student Design Competition Feb. 19 at the University of Tennessee Space Institute. Saunders and Todaro placed first in this year’s competition. Nearly 50 students from seven area high schools participated in the event.(U.S. dary during the annual Student Design Air Force photo by Bradley Hicks) Competition Feb. 19 at the University of Tennessee Space Institute. putting it together, and then the com- The event coincided with National petition is completed and they also Engineers Week, which was Feb. 17- present their idea.” 23. The Student Design Competition Arnold engineers who help with the was one of several happenings that oc- competition build and test their own curred at and around Arnold Air Force prototypes prior to the event to ensure Base to celebrate National Engineers the objective is possible for the stu- Week. Other activities included the dents to complete. Ritter said the engi- Engineer for a Day event on Feb. 20 neers are often surprised with the de- and the Engineers Week Banquet on signs students come up with each year. Feb. 21. “We try and give them supplies not According to organizers, the aim of to tailor them towards anything, but to the Student Design Competition is to give them enough in their kit where bolster the interest of students taking they can be creative and come up with part in Science, Technology, Engineer- some things that we didn’t think of, ing and Mathematics-related fields. which is what they usually do,” he “We’re hoping to give students said. “They come up with ideas that a chance to see what engineering we never would have thought of.” This year’s Student Design Com- looks like, how it’s a problem-solving Chanz Colbert and Garrett Jernigan from Huntland High School work on their thought process, how you interact with petition received a positive response design for the Student Design Competition Feb. 19 at the University of Tennes- different people and materials and the- from both the students participating see Space Institute. Colbert and Jernigan placed second in the competition. ories,” said Paul Ritter, a test engineer and the educators who attended to (U.S. Air Force photo by Bradley Hicks) and test analyst for the Space and Mis- cheer them on. sile Combined Test Force at Arnold “During the event, I talked with AFB and lead for the Student Design several teachers who came with their Competition event. “We’re hoping to students. They were excited and en- challenge the students to think of these joyed the competition,” said Paul projects as a scenario that could occur Kelly, an aeropropulsion test engineer in the real world.” at Arnold AFB and Engineers Week Because this year marks the 50th planning committee chairman for Na- anniversary of Apollo 11 landing on tional Engineers Week activities at the the moon, Student Design Competi- base. “The teachers are very support- tion organizers wanted to give this ive of this activity. They say it gives year’s event a space theme. To go the students an opportunity to put into along with the Mars-centric objective, practice things they have learned in movies such as “Apollo 13” and “The the classroom and to have fun at the Martian” were projected on the walls same time. One told me that when the of the UTSI Library where students Student Design Competition event be- worked and the planetarium from the gan 24 years ago, there were only a Hands-On Science Center was set up couple of students interested in STEM near the competition area. at her school. Now, due in large part to High schools in six nearby counties the design competition, there are 50 to were invited to take part in this year’s 60 interested in STEM at her school.” competition. The students, made up Kelly also acknowledged that the Andrew Barrett and Luke Sweeney from Grundy County High School load their of sophomores, juniors and seniors, competition was fun for the students. “robot” for a trial run during the Student Design Competition Feb. 19 at the formed teams of two. As students en- “The students were really into it,” University of Tennessee Space Institute. Barrett and Sweeney placed third in tered the UTSI Library, each of the 24 he said. “They experienced setbacks the competition. (U.S. Air Force photo by Bradley Hicks) teams were provided a bag containing but didn’t let that get them down. items such as wooden blocks, wheels, They came up with new designs and string, drinking straws and Popsicle tried again. The project was challeng- sticks that could be used to build their ing, and they all rose to the challenge. payload-depositing devices. The stu- They had fun creating and competing dents were given around two hours to their designs.” design and finish construction. Olga Oakley, Arnold Air Force The competition involved each Base STEM director, said the competi- team releasing their fully-constructed tion served to provide students with a “robot” from the top of a ramp set up glimpse of what it’s like to be an engi- in the UTSI Library. The goal for the neer and may help inspire their future students was to build a device that career choices. would come to rest within a target “I think the event was a great suc- placed on the floor several feet from cess and boosts the students’ interest the bottom of the ramp while simulta- in STEM-related fields,” she said. neously depositing its payload – in this “High schoolers are starting to think case, fishing bobbers – in the center of more about the future and what path the target. they are wanting to take. Therefore, AEDC Commander Col. Scott Cain speaks with Ruth Ann Terry, Spencer Yoder Ritter said students were scored this event was the perfect hands-on ac- and Kacie Kidd from Tullahoma High School, three of the nearly 50 students not only on how closely they accom- tivity to show a day in the life of an from seven area high schools who took part in the Student Design Competition plished this task, but also on the pre- engineer by demonstrating teamwork Feb. 19 at the University of Tennessee Space Institute. (U.S. Air Force photo sentation each team was required to and working with limited supplies and by Bradley Hicks) provide to the group before launching time.” High School. Along with a plaque, Each of these students earned $50. their robots. Students from Shelbyville Central, each student took home $100 for earn- Sponsors for the Student Design “For engineers, something that we Coffee County, Huntland, Lincoln ing the top spot. Chanz Colbert and Competition event included the Ten- really have to push ourselves to be is County, Community, Grundy County Garrett Jernigan from Huntland High nessee Society of Professional Engi- better presenters and speakers, so part and Tullahoma high schools partici- School placed second, netting each neers, the American Institute of Aero- of that score is to present their design pated in the competition. student $75. The third-place finishers nautics and Astronauts, UTSI, the to the group,” he said. “They spend Placing first were Lila Saunders were Andrew Barrett and Luke Swee- Hands-On Science Center and Arnold a few hours designing it, building it, and Natalie Todaro from Tullahoma ney from Grundy County High School. Air Force STEM. 6 • March 4, 2019 Teams supported by Arnold STEM compete in regional FIRST® Tech Challenge

By Deidre Ortiz skills and practice engi- AEDC Public Affairs neering principles. This is all while learning the All six robotics teams value of hard work, inno- supported by the Arnold vation and sharing ideas. Air Force Base Science, Teams must raise Technology, Engineer- funds, design and mar- ing and Mathematics ket their team brand, and program attended the re- do community outreach, gional Tennessee FIRST® for which they can win Tech Challenge com- awards. Participants also petition held at Middle have access to college Tennessee State Univer- scholarships as part of sity in Murfreesboro last this program. month. This year's game is According to Olga called "Rover Ruckus," Oakley, Arnold Air Force using a 2-on-2 format Base STEM Outreach played on the 12-by-12 Program coordinator, this field. Sixty matches were was the first year there scheduled to rank the 28 was an official FIRST teams, with elimination Tech Challenge competi- matches to determine the tion held in Tennessee. event winner. “For the past few Team #8411 from Tennessee Robotics Club Team #11161 out of Murfreesboro won the Collins Aerospace Innovate award ® years, the closest official Spring Hill, known as and finished tenth in qualification rounds at the regionalFIRST Tech Challenge last month at Middle Ten- FTC Competition has Team SHARP, was one nessee State University campus in Murfreesboro. The team was only five points away from advancing to the third semi-final round. TRC Team #1161 was one of six teams supported by the Arnold Air Force Sci- been the Alabama FIRST of the Arnold STEM- ence, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics program. (Courtesy photo) Competition in Hunts- sponsored teams to re- ville, Alabama,” she said. ceive the winning alli- ton, and Small Town Ro- “It helps to have an offi- ance advancement and botics from Shelbyville. cial competition closer was only one spot away Oakley congratulated to the middle Tennessee from going to the world each of the teams on a area, but it is also so fas- FTC competition. job well done. cinating to see many of Another, Tennes- “Any mistakes that our teams participating see Robotics Club Team were made in one tourna- in both tournaments.” #11161 from Murfrees- ment, were learned from FIRST Tech Chal- boro, won the Collins and allowed the teams to lenge teams are made up Aerospace Innovate fix their robots accord- of students in seventh award and finished tenth ingly and precisely for through twelfth grades. in qualification rounds. the next tournament,” As part of the competi- The team was only five she said. “It is amazing tions, the teams are chal- points away from ad- to see the students tak- lenged to design, build, vancing to the third semi- ing on the challenge and program and operate final round. loving it every step of the their robots to compete in The other teams that way.” challenges in an alliance competed, which are For more informa- format. supported by Arnold AF tion about the Tennessee Robotics Club and the These student teams STEM, were Team In- Team #8411 from Spring Hill, known as Team SHARP, competed in the FIRST® are guided by adult ception from Tullahoma FIRST Tech Challenge, Tech Challenge last month at Middle Tennessee State University in Murfrees- coaches and mentors, and High School, The Flying visit https://tennesseero- boro. Team SHARP was one of two teams at the competition to receive win- through these challenges Fish from Shelbyville, boticsclub.org/ftc-chal- ning alliance advancement and was only one spot away from advancing to the develop their STEM Torque Force from Joel- lenge/. world FTC competition. Team SHARP is from Spring Hill. (Courtesy photo) Stealth pilots, high school students create part for $2.2 billion aircraft By Staff Sgt. craft. lem,” said Adams, describ- military child, who serves Kayla White “We wanted to make ing how the students drafted as the robotics team leader 509th Bomb Wing Public sure that these switches a variety of prototype de- for the design and prototype Affairs were protected,” said Nich- signs and printed them on section of the Stealth Pan- ols. “I had a feeling if we the school’s 3D printer. thers. WHITEMAN AIR tapped our community Throughout the process, He discussed some of FORCE BASE, Mo. partners, they would work the students were guided by the challenges the team (AFNS) – “We’ve been in- hand-in-hand with our Air- several seasoned B-2 pilots. faced through the design novating since the Wright men.” “It was impressive to and production process, en- Brothers, since we first took An innovative see the ingenuity and the suring the necessary level flight,” said Brig. Gen. John partnership initiative in each of these of heat produced by the 3D J. Nichols, B-2 Spirit pi- Nichols said he believes students,” said Maj. Joe printer for stable panel cov- lot and commander of the innovation can come from Manglitz, a B-2 evaluator ers. They also needed to find 509th Bomb Wing at White- anywhere, including the pilot. “They’re young high a way to affix the covers to man Air Force Base. “We younger generation. school students, but they’re the AMAD panel without are a service of innovation.” So, he called Jerrod incredibly smart. They’re permanently altering it. Across the Air Force, Wheeler, Knob Noster the type of people we need “We realized the dual- changes to equipment, poli- School District superin- in the future of our country lock Velcro we use on our cies and procedures have tendent, the lead school and certainly in the future of robots would work really been made to save money, administrator in the small our Air Force.” well,” said Gish. to save time and to save town just outside of White- The students met with From the initial design lives. From the highest lev- man AFB, to see if the high Nichols throughout the pro- to the final printed cover, els, Airmen across the ser- school robotics team could cess and also visited the B-2 there were eight structur- vice are being encouraged help the base with a solu- simulator to test their proto- ally different designs. With Students on the Knob Noster High School robot- to innovate. It’s this innova- tion. type. feedback from the pilots, tion that will deliver lethal- “I thought it was great the robotics team made ics team, outside of Whiteman Air Force Base, Mis- Nichols’ initial simple souri, designed a protective panel that covers four ity to outpace adversaries, suggestion resembled a when they completely rose small modifications to - en says Air Force Chief of Staff to the level of the folks they sure the cover could be eas- switches in the cockpit of the $2.2 billion B-2 Spirit rectangular, rounded but- stealth bomber. Each panel costs $1.25 to produce. Gen. David L. Goldfein, ter-dish looking cover that were with,” said Adams. “I ily gripped and removed, as A four-switch panel called the airframe mounted ac- and maintain the U.S. posi- would be secured over the was super proud of them ab- well as withstand the pres- cessory drive, or AMAD, sits on the left side of the tion as the world’s strongest, switches to protect them. solutely grasping the grav- surization and heat require- B-2’s two-person cockpit. The AMAD switches con- most powerful military. The cover would have to ity of the situation and the ments of flight. Further- trol the connection of the engines to the hydraulic One such innovation be a perfect, customized fit problem, the seriousness, more, the switches needed and generator power of the aircraft. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Kayla White) came in response to a recog- that would not come loose and then handling them- to be visible to the pilots at nized potential issue within during flight, while also al- selves like professionals far all times. of the students. the Airmen and the student the B-2 – the world’s most lowing the pilots to see the beyond their years.” After extensive testing “This team of high robotics team. strategic aircraft and the switches beneath it. With the feedback and and levels of approval – school, STEM-related, su- “This is an unbelievable heart of the stealth mission Wheeler took the chal- perspective they gained Nichols was the first pilot per-smart students printed story of partnering and in- at Whiteman AFB. lenge to Christopher J. through these interactions, to fly a B-2 with the cover this,” said Nichols, punctu- novation, which has brought A four-switch panel Adams Knob Noster High the students went back to in place – the AMAD panel ating his sentence in the air a known level of risk down called the airframe mounted School, engineering and the digital drawing board. cover is now being used in- using the AMAD panel cov- in a short period of time,” accessory drive, or AMAD, technology education teach- side all 20 of the Air Force’s er in his hand. “Seventy-two said Nichols. “I’m so proud sits on the left side of the er, and his Stealth Panther ‘A dollar twenty-five’ B-2 stealth aircraft. hours from the initial design of this team. I am so proud B-2’s two-person cockpit. Robotics students, who “My favorite part of this “It feels really good to concept to the final product of this partnership with the The AMAD switches con- readily accepted. process was being able to be able to say that I helped at the grand total cost of a local community and these trol the connection of the “Part of what we do in talk geek with all the peo- keep B-2 pilots safe,” said dollar twenty-five a copy.” kids over at Knob Noster engines to the hydraulic and engineering class is to apply ple involved,” said Gabriel Gish. Nichols highlighted the High School. They just did generator power of the air- the design process to a prob- Gish, a KNHS junior and Nichols sang the praises collaborative effort between an amazing job.” March 4, 2019 • 7 Teams supported by Arnold STEM compete in regional FIRST® Tech Challenge 8 • March 4, 2019

BUNCH from page 1 Bunch delighted firefight- ers at Arnold AFB when he suited up and worked as a fireman for a day. Given his AEDC and Tennessee connections, the High Mach staff knew people here would have a lot to say about the Bunch pro- motion. AEDC readers will recognize the people quoted below.

Dr. Tom Fetterhoff AFTC Technical Advisor for Aerodynamic, Propulsion and Ground Test Evaluation “General Bunch is one of the finest officers I have had the pleasure of working with. He is centered, never takes his subordinates for granted, and makes sure everyone on the team is val- ued. He is humble and never ever forgets anything. His knowledge and leadership style will be a great asset to AFMC. We are lucky to have him.” Lt. Gen. Arnold Bunch, right, talks with Arnold Community Council member, Mike Niederhauser, after the general’s speech to several hundred council members as part of the ACC Annual Banquet. (Courtesy photo) Dave Bond Air Force Materiel be overstated.” remember. I hadn’t seen him stands ACC’s mission and gether. nity at that time and remem- Command Director in years, so it came as quite a what ACC does for AEDC General Bunch is one of ber how General Bunch of Engineering and Janice Bowling, Tennessee surprise that we would have and the USAF. We are happy the nicest people I have ever made many trips to AEDC Technical Management State Senator the opportunity to work to- to have an incoming com- met. When I was sick with to assure our base leader- (Ret) Deputy Speaker gether in support of AEDC. I mander of the AFMC who cancer, he would call me just ship and community leader- Tennessee State Senate attended his promotion cer- understands the importance to see how I was doing. He is ship that he would take care “I have hoped for years emony and there was a huge of the mission at AEDC to a genuine person who cares of AEDC because it was that this would happen. My ”I was delighted and crowd of hometown friends, keep American airpower the about everyone he knows, such a crucial part of the test thought is not what this pro- proud to hear of General family and dignitaries that best in the world, support- and he will have that same community.” motion means to General Bunch’s nomination for were on hand to wish Bunch ing General of the Air Force concern about everyone un- Bunch, but rather what it General of the Air Force. well. I was told this was the Hap Arnold’s vision of “An der his command.” Mike Wiedemer means to the AF and the As a born and bred Tennes- largest crowd at a pinning Air Force Second to None.” Maj. Gen. USAF (Ret) test community. There is sean, General Bunch has ceremony outside of those Brian Skelton ACC Past President no chance that as a former a true sense of patriotism held at the Pentagon.” Mike Niederhauser Air Force Materiel “tester” he will provide fa- combined with a strong dose “I was absolutely de- Air Force Materiel Command Civic Leader vorable or unfair favorable of the Tennessee volunteer lighted to hear that General Claude Morse Command Civic Leader Program Member treatment to the test commu- spirit. Each occasion we Bunch was nominated for Arnold Community Program Member ACC Past President nity and AFTC specifically. have shared has impressed his fourth star and for as- Council President ACC Legislative Affairs Tullahoma Utilities If there was ever a person me more and more with his suming command of AFMC. Authority President that personified the values authenticity, graciousness “I am delighted to hear “I was so excited when I He is extraordinarily well of honesty, service and ex- and dedication.” that Arnie Bunch has been heard Arnie was promoted “I was excited, but qualified and most deserv- cellence it is General Bunch. nominated for promotion to AFMC 4-star. I first met not surprised at General ing. He knows the issues Having said this, the value Jeff Fishman to general and to become Arnie and his wife Carolyn Bunch’s promotion. He associated with research, of having a Commander Arnold Community commander of Air Force in 2011 at an awards cere- earned it, and AFMC is get- development, test and evalu- that really understands the Council Past President Materiel Command. Arnold mony at Wright-Patterson. I ting a brilliant leader. I am ation better than any other challenges of testing and the “General Bunch’s fam- Community Council has had saw them again in 2012 and very proud of this Tennes- military officer who could value testing brings to the ily and my family have been great interaction with him we became close friends. sean. lead AFMC. We are lucky to acquisition process cannot friends for as long as I can for several years. He under- That’s the same year he I first met General Bunch have him in such an impor- came to a meeting of the when he was the Brigadier tant position. The ACC has ACC and asked us to ac- General at the Air Force worked with General Bunch cept the new organization Test Center at Edwards on issues of sequestration, the Air Force developed (es- in 2012. I was active with encroachment and hyper- tablished AEDC reporting both the Arnold Commu- sonic research and develop- to the Air Force Test Center nity Council and the AFMC ment to name a few topics.” at Edwards AFB). Because CLP program. AFMC was of him, we embraced it and about to begin the move to The announcement that reached out to Edwards and make Edwards the AFTC Bunch would become the Eglin. Arnie with his Ten- and AEDC was reorganized commander of AFMC was nessee style makes you slow as a complex under AFTC. made in December and Sen- down and look around to see I remember much anxiety ate confirmation is expected what you can accomplish to- around the AFMC commu- later this year.

While visiting Arnold Air Force Base in 2013, then Maj. Gen. Bunch tours the lake. Bunch was nominated in December to receive a fourth star and become the commander for Air Force Materiel Command. (U.S. Air Force photo) March 4, 2019 • 9 High school students get up-close look at engineering during Engineer for a Day event

By Bradley Hicks AEDC Public Affairs

The annual Engineer event for a Day took place at Arnold Air Force Base Feb. 20. This event, which coincided with National Engi- neers Week, provided the opportunity for area high school students to meet with engineers and learn about the wide range of engineering careers at Arnold.

Mary Forde, an engineer and scientist at Arnold Air Force Base, left, shows Engineer for a Day participants around the Arnold Chemical and Metallurgical Lab. The students, who were from area high schools, attended the event to learn about future career opportunities in engineering. (U.S. Air Force photo by Bradley Hicks)

Lena Elenchin, a chemical analyst at Arnold Air Force Base, left, and Mary Forde, an engineer and scientist at Arnold, right, discuss their work in the Arnold Chemical and Metallurgical Lab with a group of area high schoolers during the Engineer for a Day event. (U.S. Air Force photo by Bradley Hicks)

Moore County High School student Bailey Frazier, right, mixes chemicals in the Arnold Air Force Base Chemical and Metallurgical Lab while Lena Elenchin, a chemical analyst at Arnold, looks on. Frazier and other area high school stu- Casey Schewe, a reliability engineer at Arnold Air Force Base, left, discuss- dents interested in engineering as a possible future career took part in the es equipment in the Arnold oil processing facility with a group of area high Engineer for a Day event Feb. 20 at Arnold. (U.S. Air Force photos by Bradley school students. (U.S. Air Force photo by Bradley Hicks) Hicks) Phase dock keeps F-16s in top shape for Operation Inherent Resolve

By Tech. Sgt. Clinton Atkins crew approximately 700 man 407th Air Expeditionary Group hours to complete. Public Affairs “The jets are like people in a way, they still need a break SOUTHWEST ASIA now and then and need to be re- (AFNS) – With each strike, coali- freshed,” he said. tion partners move a step closer To understand the inspection to the defeat of ISIS’ so-called intervals for a jet, think about a physical caliphate. The 55th Ex- privately owned vehicle’s mile- peditionary Fighter Squadron’s age, he said. As the vehicle gets relentless pursuit supporting Op- higher in mileage, each factory eration Inherent Resolve comes recommended service interval re- with an insatiable maintenance quires a higher degree of mainte- need for the F-16C Fighting Fal- nance. No panel is left untouched. cons at the 407th Air Expedition- “From the nut plates to the ary Group. bulkheads, anything we find, we While myriad maintenance fix it,” Manzer said. sections within the 55th EFS are That level of detail requires responsible for specific parts of the phase professionals to crawl the jets, everything comes to- into every nook and cranny of gether at the phase dock, where the jet, leaving their face, fingers six crew chiefs at any time, and feet covered in grease. The 24-hours per day, are responsible dedication to their craft is visible. for the repair and serviceability The same goes with the way they Staff Sgt. Adam Bowen, 55th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron phase floor chief, inspects an of every F-16 that comes through measure success. F-16C Fighting Falcon’s engine exhaust for damage at an undisclosed location in Southwest their shop. “In our job, we measure suc- Asia, Feb. 10, 2019. In addition to fulfilling all required actions identified by the flightline main- “Phase is vital to the mission cess in our quality-assurance in- tainers, Phase personnel also perform in-depth nose-to-tail inspections of every jet that comes because it allows us more time spection passes and getting the through their shop. These maintainers deployed in support of operations in the Middle East, to dig deep into the jet, looking jet out in a timely manner or even including Operation Inherent Resolve, the multinational effort to defeat ISIS. (U.S. Air Force deeper into the integrity of the ahead of schedule to return to the photo by Tech. Sgt. Clinton Atkins) aircraft, which takes some stress fight,” he said. “We know we did Airman 1st Class Wyatt I am learning a lot more about the on the airpower that supports the off the flightline,” said Staff Sgt. our job right when we provide Struppler, 55th EFS inspection job while deployed. We have less fight against ISIS and its -endur Kenny Manzer, 55th EFS phase safe, reliable combat aircraft to team member, is on his first de- people here than we have at home ing defeat is in itself a reward. floor chief. the unit that can come out and ployment and praises the amount station so I feel a greater sense of “As you watch the pilot taxi Manzer said each F-16 can go straight to the fight without a of experience he is receiving in responsibility and that’s helped out and take off, whether day or only perform for so long before problem.” an expeditionary location. me grow as a crew chief.” night, you know every single Air- needing scheduled downtime to The more thorough, deliber- “It’s very interesting to learn In the maintenance world, man in your shop played a role perform routine maintenance and ate pace of the phase dock allows about every component of the Airmen are near the tip of the in making that mission happen,” inspections. The service inter- for an ideal learning environ- jet,” he said. “It doesn’t feel as spear and have immediate im- said Manzer. “It's a great feel- vals for the F-16s are measured ment, instilling success at the rushed out here. We can take the pact on the mission, according ing of accomplishment knowing in hours –and each takes a phase lowest level. necessary time to do the job right. to Manzer. Having a direct effect what goes into every mission.” 10 • March 4, 2019 Arnold AFB Milestones Gary Preston, TOS Darren Parker, TOS William Davis, TOS Doyle Veazey, TMAS Kyle Reed, TOS William Hale, TOS Jason Seals, TOS Suzanne Heckman, AF 25 YEARS Greggory Jones, AF Timothy Orange, TOS OUTBOUND Welsey Key, TOS Reina Shanks, TOS MILITARY Christopher Leto, AF Philip Sherrill, TOS Capt. Hedison Doe, AF Raquel March, AF Justin McClendon, TOS 15 YEARS RETIREMENTS Travis Nichols, TOS Sarah Cothran, TMAS Larry Wyche, AF Ashley Rose-Nalin, AF Jorge Servin, TOS 5 YEARS NEW HIRES Christopher Sherrill, TOS James Curtis, FSS Preston Baker, TOS Michael Simpson, TOS Robert Hiers, TMAS Marcos Moré, TMAS Gary Preston, TOS Janice Denny, TMAS Elizabeth Bennett, TOS Paul Stellato, TOS 35 Years 35 Years 35 Years William Jacques, TOS Brandon Blair, AF David Tate, TOS 45 YEARS 35 YEARS Robert Hiers, TMAS James Jumbelick, TOS Johnny Caldwell, TOS Bernard Williamson, AF Warren Shells, TMAS Lyndon Haston, TOS Marcos O. Moré, TMAS Craig Morris, TMAS Malik Crutchfield, TOS Jason Witman, TOS 'Trial by Flag' for new F-35A pilots

By 388th Fighter Wing kind of sitting there listen- ber 2018. Public Affairs ing. I was nervous. I was “I loved the A-10 and excited. Then the training its mission. It’s like a flying NELLIS AIR FORCE kicked in.” tank. Like Chewbacca with BASE, Nev. (AFNS) – Red Flag is the Air chainsaw arms. A very raw The desert screams by be- Force’s premier combat flying experience,” Rosenau low. The clouds scream by training exercise where units said. “Obviously the F-35 above. Both stretch on into from across the Department is completely different. It’s the horizon. It’s deceptively of Defense join with allied more like a precision tool. calm in the cockpit. There’s nations in a “blue force” to After seeing the F-35 go up a constant, seemingly dis- combat a “red force” in a against the near-peer threats cordant stream of chatter variety of challenging sce- replicated here at Nellis coming through his helmet. narios over three weeks. (AFB), I’m a big believer.” The digital screens in front “For us, the biggest dif- The two aircraft are simi- of him, along with images ference between this Red lar in one way. They do very projected onto his visor, Flag and our first with the F- specific things other aircraft provide enough information 35A two years ago is that we aren’t asked to do. to save lives and take a few have a lot of pilots on their “In the A-10, I liked be- as well. In the sky ahead are first assignment,” said Lt. ing the guy who was called more than 60 advanced en- Col. Yosef Morris, 4th FS upon to directly support emy aircraft, flown by some commander. “Putting them troops on the ground. To Pilots from the 388th Fighter Wing’s 4th Fighter Squadron prepare for launch of the best fighter pilots in alongside more experienced bring that fight to the en- at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev. Pilots and maintainers from the 388th Fighter Wing’s 4th Fighter Squadron and 4th Aircraft Maintenance Unit are participat- the world. They are hunt- wingmen is what Red Flag emy,” Rosenau said. “Now I ing in Red Flag 19-1 at Nellis AFB. This is the wing’s second Red Flag with the ing—looking to kill him and was designed for.” like being the guy who can F-35A, America’s most advanced multi-role fighter, which brings game-chang- his wingmen. He just gradu- Combat training has support legacy fighters when ing stealth, lethality and interoperability to the modern battlefield. Red Flag is ated pilot training. Welcome changed dramatically over they may be struggling to the Air Force’s premier combat exercise and includes units from across the Air to Red Flag. the years, Morris said. get into a target area because Force and allied nations. (U.S. Air Force photo by R. Nial Bradshaw) “I haven’t been flying “When I was a young of the threat level. We have that long. There are things pilot in the F-16, I had a more freedom to operate. them to the pilot,” Moores that stand out in my career. couple of responsibilities in We have this big radar that said. “One of our biggest My first solo flight, my first the cockpit. One, don’t lose can sniff out threats. We can jobs is learning how to pro- F-35 flight and my first Red sight of my flight lead. Two, gather all of that and pass it cess and prioritize that. For Flag mission. I don’t think keep track of a bunch of along or potentially take out the more experienced pilots I’ll ever forget those things,” green blips on a small screen those threats ourselves.” it seems like it is second na- said 1st Lt. Landon Moores, in front of me, and correlate The threat level is high at ture. … If we don’t, it’s not a 388th Fighter Wing, 4th the blips to what someone Red Flag. From the skill and like we’re getting killed (in Fighter Squadron, F-35A is telling me on the radio,” size of the aggressor forces the F-35), but we could be Lightning II pilot. Morris said. “Now, we’re in the air to the complexity doing more killing.” Moores is one of a hand- flying miles apart and inter- and diversity of the surface The pilots say seeing the ful of young F-35A pilots preting and sharing informa- to air threats, there is a real F-35A’s capabilities being who recently graduated their tion the jets gather, building sense of the ‘fog and fric- put to use as part of a larger initial training and are cur- a threat and target picture. tion’ of war. The adversary force has been invaluable. rently deployed to Nellis Air We’re asking way more of force also uses space and “When we mission plan An F-35A Lightning II takes off at Nellis Air Force Force Base as part of exer- young wingmen, but we’re cyber warfare to take out or with other units, it’s not al- Base, Nevada, Feb. 1. Pilots and maintainers from cise Red-Flag 19-1. Now able to do that because of limit technology that mod- ways about kicking down the the 388th Fighter Wing’s 4th Fighter Squadron and they are being battle-tested. their training and the capa- ern warfighters rely on. Cut- door,” Rosenau said. “It may 4th Aircraft Maintenance Unit are participating in “Going from F-35 train- bilities of the jet.” ting through the clutter is a be about looking at what exercise Red Flag 19-1. This is the wing’s second Red Flag with the F-35A, America’s most advanced ing a little over a month ago Capt. James Rosenau strength of the F-35A. the enemy is presenting and to a large force exercise with flew the A-10 in four pre- “One of the jet’s great- multi-role fighter, which brings game-changing ‘thinking skinny.’ With the stealth, lethality and interoperability to the modern dozens of aircraft in the sky vious Red Flags, but he’s est assets is to see things F-35, we can think through battlefield. Red Flag is the Air Force’s premier com- is pretty crazy,” Moores brand new to flying the that others can’t, take all the a mission and choose how bat exercise and includes units from across the Air said. “For the initial part of F-35. He graduated from the information it’s gathering we want to attack it to make Force and allied nations. (U.S. Air Force photo by the first mission, I was just transition course in Decem- from the sensors and present everyone more survivable.” R. Nial Bradshaw) March 4, 2019 • 11 Combat metals: The modern-day blacksmiths

By Staff Sgt. Jeremy L. They are the combat cased when a bird struck for flight. rib was one of the most downtime of the aircraft. Mosier metals flight, the modern- the leading edge of a wing Once the aircraft was time consuming and frus- “We would have poten- 386th Air Expeditionary day blacksmiths. on a C-130 Hercules. The back to base, the wing’s trating parts of the project. tially lost the ability to fly Wing Public Affairs “Most maintenance small bird left a softball- leading edge panel was After it was all said and at least four missions, and it people change parts but sized hole in the wing and removed and taken to the done, the combat metals would have put even more SOUTHWEST ASIA we have to make our own grounded the aircraft until metal shop where the ex- section worked 144 total strain on the remaining air- (AFNS) – While there are parts, from raw materi- it could be repaired. tensive work would begin. hours and created more craft and crews,” explained a lot of precautionary mea- als and then install them,” Shortly after this oc- Because the aircraft is than 30 parts from scratch. Chief Master Sgt. Bryan sures in place to prevent explained Master Sgt. An- curred Liederbach and his a valuable asset to the 386 With the shop creating Ford, 386th Expeditionary bird strikes and other air- drew Liederbach, 386th team jumped into action to AEW’s mission, there was all the parts in house, it cut Maintenance Squadron su- craft incidents, they are not Expeditionary Mainte- get the aircraft fitted for a no time to wait for a new nearly three weeks off the perintendent. 100 percent preventable. nance Squadron combat one-time flight patch so it leading edge to be shipped. When these incidents metals flight chief. could make the trip back to They were going to occur, there’s a small group In a deployed environ- base. have to repair it by creat- of Airmen who are called ment they are responsible Due to the aircraft being ing every part and piece by upon to do patchwork to for anything and every- grounded at an airfield with hand from sheets of metal. get the aircraft back to base thing fabrication. little to no ability to sup- Liederbach explained and to fix the damage as Whether it’s putting a port the patching of a wing, that the damage had ex- quickly as possible to miti- part together or creating Liederbach explained they tended into the inner skin gate ground time for the the part from scratch, the had to pack all their tools to of the wing and had actu- aircraft. combat metals flight sup- take with them. ally crushed one of the rib These Airmen and what ports units stationed with “We took some metal supports. they do is not completely the 386th Air Expedition- with us and made the patch The creation of the new well known. But, their im- ary Wing and those passing on site by hand,” he said. pact on the flying mission through. In just five hours they is felt across the mainte- In a recent mishap their were able to get the air- nance world. capabilities were show- craft patched and cleared

Master Sgt. Andrew Liederbach, 386th Expeditionary Maintenance Squadron combat metals flight chief, inserts temporary placeholders where rivets will be placed after a permanent patch is complete at an undisclosed location in Southwest Asia, Feb. 6. When the damage first occurred, Liederbach and his team got their tools and materials together to fly to the aircraft to place a tem- porary patch on the wing to get it back to base for a permanent repair. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Jeremy L. Mosier) 12 • March 4, 2019