MOBILITYTHE MAGAZINE OF AIR MOBILITYFORUM COMMAND | SPRING 2020

Agile, Prepared, Responsive: Readiness as an Asymmetric Advantage

2019 SAFETY AWARD WINNERS Pages 20-29 With Dedicated Airmen, Team McConnell Conquers Challenges THE Volume 29, No. 1 MOBILITY Spring 2020 FORUM CONTENTS Gen

DIRECTOR OF SAFETY Col Brandon R. Hileman [email protected]

EDITORS Kim Knight [email protected] Sherrie Schatz 5 21 32 34 Sheree Lewis [email protected] FROM THE TOP SEASONAL 36 515th Air Mobility GRAPHIC DESIGN Operations Wing Elizabeth Bailey 3 Agile, Prepared, CONSIDERATIONS Operation Christmas Responsive: Readiness 15 Gone in a Flash: Flash Drop 2019 The Mobility Forum (TMF) is published as an Asymmetric Floods Can Endanger four times a year by the Director of Advantage You and Your Property at Safety, Air Mobility Command, Scott a Moment’s Notice AMC HERITAGE AFB, IL. The contents are informative and 5 Brig Gen Charles Bolton, not regulatory or directive. Viewpoints Vice Commander of 32 ’s First Female expressed are those of the authors and the 18th Air Force, Talks AMC NEWS Aircraft Maintenance do not necessarily reflect the policy Officer, Pilot, and of AMC, USAF, or any DoD agency. Readiness Advocacy 18 Prince Sultan Air Base Aerial Port Squadron 7 Cybersecurity at the Reopened by the 621st Contributions: Please email articles and Commander photos to [email protected], , Contingency Response fax to (580) 628-2011, or mail to , IL Support Squadron REGULAR FEATURES Schatz Publishing, 11950 W. Highland 20 AMC’s Annual 2019 Ave., Blackwell, OK 74631. For RISK MANAGEMENT questions call (580) 628-4607. TMF Safety Award Winners 38 Mishap-Free Flying editors reserve the right to make 9 Pitot Static Woes: Are 21 Safety Office of the Year: Hour Milestones editorial changes to manuscripts. You Prepared? 22d Air Refueling Wing, 39 Quickstoppers DE denotes digitally enhanced photo. McConnell Air Force 40 A Day in the Life Subscriptions: U.S. Government FLIGHT SAFETY Base, KS Publishing Office: 2020-745-102/10019. 23 AMC’s Annual 2019 ON THE COVER For sale by the Superintendent of 12 Pilot Monitoring Documents, U.S. Government Publishing During Flight Individual and Team A C-17 Globemaster from Office. Internet: bookstore.gpo.gov. 16 The 618th Air Operations Safety Award Winners McChord AFB, WA, flies over Phone: toll free (866) 512-1800; DC area the flight line during Air Mobility (202) 512-1800. Fax: (202) 512-2104. Center, Scott Air Force 30 With Dedicated Airmen, Command’s Mobility Guardian Mail: Stop IDCC, Washington, DC Base, IL, Works Through Team McConnell 2019 at Fairchild AFB, WA, Sept 20402-0001. Obstacles to Make the Conquers Challenges 10, 2019. AMC RP 91-2. Dist: X Mission Happen USAF photo by 34 2d Phoenix Spark Tank ISSN 1559-159X and the U.S. Air Force Amn Kiaundra Miller Spark Tank Competitions Visit www.themobilityforum.net for current and past editions of

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2 The Mobility Forum FROM THE TOP

Gen Maryanne Miller Agile, Prepared, Responsive: Readiness as an Asymmetric Advantage

Right Effects. Right Goldfein, Air Force Chief of Staff, in place since 1992’s Dream Team. refers to the 43 quintillion possible Despite Team USA’s roster having the Place. Right Time. combinations of a Rubik’s cube as youngest and most athletic players to an analogy for the multiplicative ever play the game, the team was not These three “rights” describe the operational combinations our as prepared as those of Puerto Rico, characteristics that make the mobility Joint Force must present to our Lithuania, and Argentina, who had all mission a strategic advantage in the adversaries. Like a neural network defeated us in the games. defense of our nation. Woven together, able to anticipate and exploit the these “rights” create synergy as we weaknesses of an opponent, an agile Like a championship team, diligent project decisive strength across Joint Force shapes conflict through preparation is required for our Air contested domains—our Vision. Yet, rapid adaptation and compounds the Mobility Command (AMC) team to without a state of readiness this stressors levied on an enemy system. achieve the right effects. If we want to synergy is not possible. As Mobility reap the benefits of agility, we must Warriors, we must remain focused on Agile operations put our enemy “on sow the hard work of preparation guaranteeing these “rights” every day. the horns of multiple dilemmas.” Like now. Though we are not currently As we continue to make progress in putting money in the bank, agility is engaged in conventional state-on-state each of our command’s six priorities, the currency with which we operate war, the geopolitical climate should I want to adjust our focus and examine in the information age. This is what it prompt us to remain vigilant and a few aspects of readiness fundamental means to move at the speed of war. carefully assess our weak areas. We to a lethal force. must not delay—now is the time to Prepared. Anyone familiar with mend the nets. Agile. Readiness enables agility and team sports understands that practice makes us able to change faster than the is essential in order to work together. changing environment around us. As The results are devastating when the Photo above: C-130Js, KC-135s, C-17s, and a we consider the challenges inherent to team is not prepared. During the 2004 KC-30 line up on the flight line during Mobility Guardian 2019 at Fairchild AFB, WA. The interstate competition, we recognize Olympics, I remember watching the aircraft taxied in an “elephant walk” formation, the need for our actions in the USA men’s basketball team bring in which multiple aircraft lined up on the flight battlespace to occur more quickly than home the bronze medal breaking line and flew in formation. our enemy can anticipate. Gen David our gold medal winning streak USAF photo by SrA Kristine M. Gruwell

Spring 2020 3 FROM THE TOP

Each of our functional communities Readiness is more than the color green on a enjoys the benefit of carefully developed training programs—and stoplight chart; the Airman who is prepared our training is truly world class! Readiness is the desired end state of all in body, mind, and soul is truly ready to training efforts; however, functionally prescribed training is only one element execute the mission in peace, in war, and of preparedness. Each Airman must be fit in mind, body, and soul to be everywhere in between. ready to handle the costs of conflict. As wingmen, we need to help each other build this comprehensive fitness by We are making progress every day to was still enroute—and restore the sharing our weaknesses and working set the conditions for future success. legitimate president to power. The together to improve. This also means It is essential that we all understand strategic end state of Operation that we fight for excellence regardless our current environment and the Uphold Democracy was achieved of what the training tables indicate, parameters in which we operate. These without firing a shot, a reality made never settling for the minimum tools set us on the right heading. possible by the readiness of our Joint standard. This ethos maximizes the Force, empowered by Mobility Airmen strengths of the team and will set us on Responsive. Readiness has always who were ready for action.1 the course to superior lethality. been an asymmetric advantage. Not only does it have deterrent value, For the many ways we quantify unit The headquarters staff is also working it also pays dividends in combat readiness measurements, there is also hard to ensure our support networks responsiveness. AMC provides a qualitative standard incumbent on are prepared for the full spectrum of Rapid Global Mobility not just for each of us to measure individually. conflict. With the 2019 Warfighting the Air Force, but for the Joint Force. We must consider the high threshold Headquarters Transformation In this role, we are busy supporting of preparedness essential for an agile complete, the staff is poised for operations around the globe, 365 days force and ask ourselves if we are as decision dominance with the Air a year. Every day, our Joint Force prepared as we could be for operations Force Forces (AFFOR), the Organize, depends on support from AMC— in every phase of war. Readiness is Train, and Equip (OT&E), and the America’s Mobility Warriors—to more than the color green on a stoplight 618th processes achieve mission success. Success in chart; the Airman who is prepared in streamlined into a comprehensive the future fight requires us to always body, mind, and soul is truly ready to battle-rhythm, which aligns be ready. To be victorious, we must set execute the mission in peace, in war, operational processes to the 2018 our aim on mastering the skills needed and everywhere in between. A mobility National Defense Strategy and our for every environment we might face. force comprised of such Airmen is rich AMC Vision. Utilizing cross-functional Consider an example from our not-so- in the elements of readiness—agility, experts and careful planning, we have distant history. preparedness, responsiveness—and crafted the first-ever Air Operations will continue to be an asymmetric Plan, which aligns operational In September of 1994, the U.S. advantage for our nation. planning and mission execution with responded to a coup of Haiti’s first my commander’s intent and that of democratically elected president by So … are you ready? the Commander, U.S. Transportation launching an armada of C-130 aircraft Command. A comprehensive overhaul carrying 4,000 from the of operational Special Instructions 82d Airborne Division as the lead and new Annual Training Guidance element of a forced entry. The threat 1 Robert deV. Brunkow and Kathryn A. complements these updates to connect posed by this staggering invasion Wilcoxson, Poised for the New Millennium: The Global Reach of the Air Mobility policy to real-world effectiveness for force caused General Cédras to Command: A Chronology (Scott AFB, IL: our Airmen. abandon course—while the formation AMC Office of History, 2001), 12–13.

4 The Mobility Forum FROM THE TOP

Brig Gen Charles Bolton, Vice Commander of the 18th Air Force, Talks Readiness Advocacy

BY MS. KIM KNIGHT, STAFF WRITER Brig Gen Charles Bolton, 18th Air Force Vice Commander

eadiness at the 18th Strategy (NDS). “The NDS states the Air Force [AF] and Air surest way to prevent war is to be Standing ready Mobility Command prepared to win one. That requires a “R [AMC] means investing lethal, ready force,” said Bolton. to respond at a in our Airmen mentally, physically, and spiritually. It means outfitting “Our adversaries seek to counter our moment’s notice our aircraft and support equipment advantage with mobility operations with the most modern, reliable every day, so that requires AMC and is a necessary technology and making sure we 18 AF units to compete, deter, and maintain the ability to deploy when win in contested environments,” way of life for necessary,” said Brig Gen Charles he said. “The future of warfare is Bolton, Vice Commander of the going to be more joint, coalition, AMC Airmen. 18th Air Force, Scott Air Force Base transregional, and fast. It is going to (AFB), IL. cause us to have to react with greater speed and precision.” directly with the staff directorates to Bolton reflected on a quote from ensure transparency, and that we have the dynamic airpower strategist, To move at the speed of war, AMC adequate representation of the wing veteran of both Great Wars, and first and the 18 AF recently underwent a training, equipment, infrastructure, Chief of Staff of the Air Force, Gen transformation: Mobility operations and mission assurance needs.” Carl A. Spaatz, who said, “We better were transferred from 18 AF to the be prepared to dominate the skies AMC Commander to provide a more The change in the direction of 18 AF above the surface of the earth or be agile and ready force in support of also meant a significant reduction in prepared to be buried beneath it.” operations around the globe. This staffing from nearly 200 personnel to a transformation allows 18 AF staff to staff of approximately 35. Bolton said, The words from the extremely focus the bulk of their efforts on the “We advocate readiness for the forces experienced aviator echo through command’s most valued resources— daily. It allows Maj Gen Sam Barrett the ages and serve as a reminder the Airmen. Bolton said, “After the [18th Air Force Commander] and that there are dire consequences for transformation, we deliberately Chief Daniel Simpson [18th Air Force those who do not remain ready to engaged in all the key processes at Command Chief Master Sergeant] meet an adversary in battle. Today, headquarters and multiple other to really focus on taking care of our the concept of readiness remains a levels to represent those 36,000 Airmen because the AMC mission high-priority military objective, as Airmen across the 13 wings that never stops. With the new advocacy outlined in the National Defense we have. We do that by working role, we make sure the Airmen have

Spring 2020 5 FROM THE TOP

everything they need and are healthy to succeed at their mission.”

“We have to remain ready for the unpredictability that Mother Nature brings to air mobility,” Bolton continued. “We respond to natural disasters such as hurricanes, tsunamis, and earthquakes in order to protect and save lives. Recently, a crew out of McChord [AFB, WA] brought 83,000 pounds of rice to the people in need in Honduras. This [aid] is part of the Denton Cargo Program, which is the DoD [Department of Defense] initiative that allows us to carry humanitarian cargo on a space-available basis. It was Abundant Rain Ministries who provided nine pallets of sustenance for the people in Honduras.”

Readiness is essential for ensuring the safety of Airmen because the missions of AMC are worldwide and include flying over contested environments to provide much-needed fuel or to resupply the warfighters on the ground. “We land in areas that have been devastated by natural disasters or torn apart by war, and we extend airpower by transferring fuel from one aircraft to another while flying several hundred miles per hour while 10,000 feet above the surface of the earth,” Bolton stated. “For AMC’s global Maj Gen Sam C. Barrett, 18th Air Force Commander and U.S. Army Lt Col Marty Wohlgemuth, 5-3 mission, our units do everything from Field Artillery Battalion Commander, listen while Capt Guy Evertson, Pilot, shares the applicability of joint-basing to real-world skills development on Joint Base Lewis- air refueling to airlift to transporting McChord, WA, Feb. 21, 2019. As a joint base, both Air Force and Army personnel have more essential cargo and personnel to opportunities to learn from each other and practice effective joint-training. missions.” USAF photo by Amn Mikayla Heineck

AMC’s global reach would not be possible without the 36,000 Airmen of errors on the flight line, readiness their families back home are being who are vigilantly prepared to support is important. Again, readiness and cared for. That sense of assuredness any mission, no matter how complex. safety have a lot to do with making could not be accomplished without our To succeed, readiness at all levels sure our Airmen always have the Airmen feeling safe in their jobs and is essential to significantly reduce right equipment, so they are not using having the comfort to dedicate their risks. Bolton said, “Whether it’s the shortcuts to make the mission happen.” full mind to their tasks at hand.” maintainer on the flight line, making sure he’s fully trained and an expert in “Readiness advocacy is also about As the voice for Airmen, 18 AF is there his craft, or making sure that he or she taking care of families. When we have to advocate readiness and ensure has enough downtime to mentally or Airmen downrange we want them AMC is prepared to dominate the skies physically recharge to reduce the risks focused on the mission, knowing that above the surface of the earth.

6 The Mobility Forum AMC NEWS

Cybersecurity at the 375th Air Mobility Wing, Scott Air Force Base, IL

BY MS. KATHY ALWARD, command and control systems that networks, land mobile radios, and STAFF WRITER reside at Scott AFB, which includes telephony services, as well as satellite Air Mobility Command (AMC), communications for Scott AFB and its n a recent conversation concerning the U.S. Transportation Command 36 mission partners. cybersecurity at Scott Air Force Base (USTRANSCOM), the Military (AFB), IL, with Col Scot Heathman, Surface Deployment and Distribution When asked about the recent ICommander of the 375th Air Command, as well as the 618th Air cybersecurity and technological Mobility Wing (AMW), Scott AFB, and Operations Center (AOC), which changes implemented at Scott AFB, Col Shay Warakomski, Commander manages and controls all of the U.S.’s Warakomski mentioned that in 2018 of the 375th Communications Group, mobility aircraft and assets globally. the 375th Communications Squadron Heathman stated, “Depending on was designated as a pathfinder for the who you talk to, the term cybersecurity As the Communications Group Cyber Mission Defense Team, whose has many different definitions and Commander, Warakomski said primary mission is to defend the local is constantly evolving.” According they are ultimately responsible for installation and its critical mission to Heathman, they must make sure everything that happens across the sets from cyberattack and intrusion that anything connected to their 375 AMW as well as their three dozen by using a toolkit referred to as the communication network is not mission partners headquartered Cyber Vulnerability Assessment Hunt vulnerable or susceptible to outside at Team Scott. According to (CVAH). According to Warakomski, attacks. “Cybersecurity fits into Warakomski, the Group consists CVAH is a suite of laptops, servers, mobility operations in a contested of two separate squadrons. One is and sensors that Airmen utilize across environment; that’s one of General the 375th Communications Support the board. These systems are laid over [Maryanne] Miller’s [Commander, Air Squadron that develops, operates, the relevant cyber mission terrain and Mobility Command] key priorities,” and maintains the Mobility Air Force allow the team to take a closer look said Heathman. Command and Control systems at the dependencies, the single points and applications that enable rapid of failure and critical nodes on the According to Heathman, cybersecurity global mobility and provide direct network, the intel overlay, and the affects individuals at the 375 AMW support to USTRANSCOM and their most critical aspects of the mission. directly or indirectly every day, Joint Deployment and Distribution and it also affects their 36 mission Enterprise (JDDE). Their sister unit, “Right seat, left seat” training on the partners. When he thinks of Warakomski stated, is the 375th cyber range that is owned by the 900 cybersecurity, Heathman stated that Communications Squadron, which and 901 Cyber Protection Teams began he automatically thinks about their provides classified and unclassified in November 2019 when Mission

Spring 2020 7 AMC NEWS

Everything is becoming connected, and we need Pathfinder, which is a marriage of sorts between software code developers, to understand the data coming in and going out, security experts, and of course, the and how best to analyze and protect it.” operator, the ultimate customer when “ it comes to the applications. “Through this partnership, though, our Airmen are becoming even Defense Team members trained by day-to-day. Warakomski said they are more skilled in terms of software sitting side-by-side with the 900 and fortunate to have the 900 and the 901 automation technologies, and they 901 Cyber Protection Team members. Cyber Protection Teams as mission use a concept that we call test-driven “We can baseline exactly what they partners, given their alignment with software development. As they’re are looking for, and we can make sure USTRANSCOM. developing the software, they’re that [the] CVAH toolkit looks the exact also creating or ‘baking in’ these same across all three systems, that the “We are going to be able to work very automated functionality checks sensors are aligned, and that everybody closely with members from that team to further enable rapid software is on the same sheet of music moving to basically all sit on the [618] AOC building,” said Warakomski. forward,” said Warakomski. terrain in 2020,” said Warakomski. According to Warakomski, in addition Regarding long-term plans for the Warakomski explained the difference to identifying spots to sensor and software development career field, between the Communications Group performing a functional mission Warakomski is closely following and the Cyberspace Capability analysis, the critical focus for the 375 Headquarters Air Force efforts to Center (CCC). The CCC is one of AMW and higher headquarters, in capitalize on the talents of existing the mission partners at Scott AFB, terms of the 618 AOC team moving Airmen—both within and outside and the Communications Group into 2020, is returning to the intel- the cyber community—to meet the provides them direct support, he driven, threat-specific aspect of the growing demand for innovative, stated. Warakomski pointed out that, program. This emphasis will allow the digital solutions. Meanwhile, Scott while CCC falls under Air Combat teams to identify the optimal locations AFB’s software developers continue to Command (ACC), they are a tenant on to apply those sensors in an effort to work closely with their counterparts Scott AFB, and employ comprehensive detect indications and warnings of at development innovation hubs like AF-level cyberspace initiatives potentially malign cyber actors. Boston’s Kessel Run and LevelUP in across the board, from information Colorado Springs. technology asset management to According to Heathman, as Airmen, cloud-hosted enterprise services. the AF needs to stay informed with the “Everything is becoming connected, Warakomski said they are capitalizing cybersecurity progress and how it is and we need to understand the data on the fact that the CCC, as well as the being perfected and developed through coming in and going out, and how 567th Cyberspace Operations Group the Department of Defense (DoD) and best to analyze and protect it.” This and the 900 and 901 Cyber Protection private industry. “We are all after the is the vision at Scott AFB according Teams, resides alongside them at Team same level of cybersecurity, and it is to Heathman, who sees the cyber Scott, enabling rapid global mobility in important to protect small business division growing. The command has support of JDDE. owners who may have the opportunity begun to engage with innovation to secure significant contracts with the hubs and spaces across the region so According to Warakomski, the “Team government or the military, and who Airmen can learn from these experts— of Teams” is being developed in 2020 are making critical components for the to include academia, and further to get onto the operations center DoD,” said Heathman. innovative efforts at Scott AFB. The and its mission-relevant terrain by 375th Air Mobility Wing is a learning combining the 375th Communications Innovation, modernization, and organization that is focused on how Squadron’s Mission Defense Team technology advances at Scott AFB have the Air Force and the private sector and the 618th Air Communications evolved AMC into that cutting-edge can assist each other to create the skills Squadron Mission Defense Team, command. According to Warakomski, and opportunities to identify and which works hand in glove with the DoD selected them as a Dev Sec Ops overcome any cyber challenges that 618 AOC in defending their terrain (development, security and operations) may arise.

8 The Mobility Forum RISK MANAGEMENT Pitot Static Woes: Are You Prepared?

BY MR. BILL KROUSE, AMC/A3TO

t is a great day! You are out of the uncommon problem, the passengers but works in generally the same office, away from the phones, and on Air France 447 may have a different manner and can have three possible flying the standard training profile opinion. A search of the ASAP malfunctions: Ifrom your home location with your scoreboard found seven submissions unflappable copilot. Your mission is related to inaccurate airspeed due to i The pitot tube blocked and the cleared to FL350 enroute to the air icing, and AFSAS had an additional static ports clear and functional; refueling track, and it is time to take seven reports related to ice-related a sip of your double espresso latte flight-control issues. A study1 of 334,190 i The static ports blocked and the before things get busy. During the commercial and general aviation pitot tube functional; or climb, the aircraft enters instrument events2 during a 24-year period yielded meteorological conditions, and you 645 accidents and incidents caused i Both the static port and the pitot notice the autopilot begins to increase by icing—nearly 27 events a year. The tube blocked and inoperative. the aircraft pitch in an attempt to subject of pitot-static system failures, mitigate the ever-increasing airspeed. whether from icing or any other Fortunately, each of these The autopilot is unable to maintain malfunction, is an area in which every malfunctions provides clues to the the desired speed during the climb, pilot should be an expert. aircrew and is based on air density so you take over manual control of and a variance in atmospheric the aircraft, pulling the throttles to In the simplest of terms, the airspeed pressure due to a change in the idle and extending the speedbrakes indicator (ASI) compares static aircraft’s altitude. For scientifically to prevent overspeeding the jet. To pressure from the static port with the minded individuals, a more in-depth your surprise, the aircraft begins to ram air (dynamic + static) from the description of what happens to the buffet and descend. Sound a little pitot tube. The static pressures cancel pitot-static system during the three far-fetched? Read Air Force Safety each other out, creating dynamic malfunctions follows the summary of Automated System (AFSAS) report pressure. The ASI converts the this article; but, for the speed-readers, #880739 for the single investigating difference between static and dynamic the cliff notes follow:3 officer’s conclusions of this actual pressure into an indicated airspeed event, or better yet, Airman Safety (IAS). Of importance to note, the ASI i If the pitot tube is blocked but the Action Program (ASAP) submission does not indicate how fast the aircraft static port is free, then the IAS #13257 for the pilot’s overview. The is actually going through the air, just will increase during a climb and questions here are, what happened the relationship between the static and decrease during a descent. to this crew, and why did the aircraft dynamic pressures. If any part of the stall when the airspeed appeared pitot-static system is blocked, for any i If the pitot tube is clear but the to be approaching an airframe reason, the ASI will be affected. static port is blocked, then the IAS overspeed? This article will explain will decrease during a climb and what happened, the warning signs Each weapon system has minor increase during a descent. the crew failed to recognize, and what differences to its pitot-static system pilots need to do to prevent this from i If the pitot inlet and the static ports happening. By the way, the crew are both blocked, then the IAS will 1 Steven D. Green, “A Study of U.S. Inflight lost 12,500 feet of altitude before— Icing Accidents and Incidents, 1978 to 2002,” remain constant despite changes in luckily—recovering the aircraft! Underhill, VT: Flight Operations Research, actual airspeed or altitude. January 2006.

As the article title suggests, this 2 Events were pulled from the National mission was affected by a “pitot-static” Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) Accident Database and the Federal Aviation 3 https://www.skybrary.aero/index.php/ system failure: to be exact, pitot-static Administration (FAA) Accidents/Incidents Unreliable_Airspeed_Indications [9/20/2019 icing. Although many think this is an Data System (AIDS). 3:05:22 PM]

Spring 2020 9 RISK MANAGEMENT

The best defense to prevent the effects of pitot-static icing is a great offense.

In the previously mentioned stall scenario, the crew observed icing any time of the year, with summer having the tendency the ASI increasing as the aircraft climbed to FL350, and the to surprise crews due to the warm surface temperature. autopilot increased the pitch to chase the rising airspeed. The Equip yourself now with the skills needed to be a survivor pilot’s decision to reduce the throttles to idle to prevent an and not a victim! airframe overspeed allowed the actual aircraft airspeed to slow and to develop into a full stall—a classic blocked pitot- As for the scientific explanation of the pitot-static system, tube scenario. think of the ASI as a simple balance scale (Figure 1).5 Static pressure is present on both sides of the scale, and dynamic The best defense to prevent the effects of pitot-static icing is pressure is present on just one side. As the aircraft climbs a great offense. Start with a thorough preflight inspection, and descends, the static pressure remains the same. checking all pitot tubes and static ports. Kudos for the submitters of ASAPs #12758, #12512, and #12369 for finding The Airspeed Indicator painted or taped-over static ports during their walk-around! 0kts Use pitot heat as the technical orders direct. Develop an 100kts in-depth understanding of the aircraft’s pitot-static system and its relationship with other systems (for example, autopilot, flight director, and air data computer). Maintain Static knowledge of typical power/control parameters associated Pressure with a specific phase of flight (for example, speed, pitch, Static Ports Dynamic thrust settings, fuel flow, and descent/climb rates). Monitor Pressure these key power/control parameters whenever the aircraft is suspected of having entered icing conditions. Static Pressure If all the defensive efforts have failed:4 Pitot Tube i Reconfirm the pitot heat switch is on. i Attempt to keep the aircraft away from the low- Figure 1. The Relationship of Static and Dynamic Air Pressures When the speed and high-speed ends of the flight envelope. Aircraft Climbs i Disconnect the autothrottles, autopilot, and As the aircraft climbs: flight director. • Air density decreases, causing a decrease in both static and dynamic pressures i Revert to safe default parameters for the pitch attitude • Results in decreasing IAS and a thrust setting that is associated with the current phase of flight. With a fully functioning pitot-static system, when the i Make every effort to remain or return to the visual aircraft climbs, air density decreases, which decreases meteorological conditions flight environment. the static and dynamic pressures on the scale; however, because static pressure is equal on both sides of the scale, In summary, the crew in the noted stall event experienced a static pressure has no impact on the IAS. During a climb, pitot-tube blockage due to icing. The failure to recognize the the net relationship between static and dynamic pressures deteriorating situation led to a full aircraft stall. The clues is a decrease in IAS, assuming constant thrust and climb were there. Will you be prepared for this challenge? Icing is rate for the purpose of this discussion. The reverse is true not associated with just fall and winter. You can experience during a descent.

4 https://www.skybrary.aero/index.php/Unreliable_Airspeed_Indications 5 Aleks Idris, “What Happens When Your Pitot Tube Ices Over?” [9/20/2019 3:05:22 PM] Boldmethod, December 26, 2017.

10 The Mobility Forum RISK MANAGEMENT

A1C Ryan Celestino, 909th Aircraft Maintenance Unit Instrument and Flight Control Systems Journeyman, turns on a TTU-205J test set to perform pitot-static tests for the KC- 135R at Kadena AB, Japan. USAF photo by SrA Omari Bernard

So what happens when icing blocks the static port? The static the climb; thus, as you climb, the aircraft will be going faster pressure becomes trapped (Figure 2). If the altitude is not than the ASI shows. The reverse is true during a descent. changed, the IAS is correct. When the pitot tube is blocked and the static ports are clear If the aircraft climbs, however, the dynamic pressure will (Figure 3), as the aircraft climbs, the dynamic pressure decrease due to the decrease in air density, and the static does not change; however, the static pressure decreases as pressure will remain constant due to the blocked static port. expected. This issue causes the relationship between static The difference between the static and dynamic pressures is and dynamic pressure to increase. Thus, the ASI shows the now less because the static pressure is not reducing during aircraft traveling faster than it actually is.

Airspeed: Climbing (Static Ports Blocked) The Airspeed Indicator (Blocked Pitot Tube) 0kts 0kts 100kts 100kts

No changes in No changes in Static static pressure Pressure dynamic pressure Static Pressure Static Ports Static Ports Dynamic Dynamic Pressure Pressure

Static Pressure Static Pressure Pitot Tube Pitot Tube

Figure 2. Aircraft Climbing with a Blocked Static Port Figure 3. Aircraft Climbing with a Blocked Pitot Tube

When the static port is blocked: When the pitot tube is blocked: • Static pressure is trapped and does not change when the • Dynamic pressure is trapped and does not change when the altitude is changed altitude is changed • Dynamic pressure decreases during the climb • Static pressure decreases during the climb • Results: the ASI shows a lower speed then the aircraft is • Results: the ASI shows a higher speed then the aircraft is actually flying actually flying

Spring 2020 11 FLIGHT SAFETY Pilot Monitoring During Flight

BY LT COL LANCE HOLLAWAY, HQ AMC FLIGHT SAFETY

n the aviation community, pilots Within the framework of TEM, Group have provided relevant are expected to effectively manage Enhanced Flight Path Monitoring and and measurable data to enhance a multitude of threats and errors active pilot monitoring have become flight safety and incorporate active Ithroughout every flight. How significant topics of concern in the monitoring as a fundamental tool to they choose to manage those threats flight operations community. The trap known errors made between the internally as a flight crew directly lack of proactive pilot monitoring pilots on the flight deck. affects flight safety and mission has significantly contributed to capability through the preservation undesirable aircraft states, aviation Monitoring can be defined in broad of life and property. In today’s mishaps, and the overall reduction terms simply as keeping an eye on environment, aviation operations of inflight safety. Since 2013, the the aircraft’s flight and taxi path. harness the extensive data points Federal Aviation Administration Stated more specifically, monitoring provided by Line Operations Safety (FAA), in partnership with U.S.- is adequately watching, observing, Audits (LOSAs), Flight Operational based commercial airlines, aircraft keeping track of, or cross-checking. Quality Assurance, and Airman Safety manufacturers, university professors Many of Air Mobility Command’s Action Programs to identify, analyze, and psychologists, and other (AMC) aircraft accidents and incidents, and scrutinize potential hazards. professional aviation organizations, or near mishaps, can be attributed The collection and categorization have formed two separate working to inadequate pilot monitoring. All of hazards provide insight into the groups to evaluate how to manage flying inherently involves some development and creation of Threat monitoring errors on the flight deck. degree of risk at any given phase of and Error Management (TEM). TEM Specifically, the FAA Flight Path flight, and everyone shares common has become a proactive flight safety Management Working Group and vulnerabilities encountered in the management strategy. the Active Pilot Monitoring Working civilian aviation sector. Therefore, it

A KC-135 Stratotanker approaches Honolulu Airport for a landing Jan. 17, 2020, during exercise Sentry Aloha 20-1. USANG photo by SrA John Linzmeier

12 The Mobility Forum FLIGHT SAFETY

Figure 1: Monitoring/Cross-Checking Errors by Phase of Flight Take a minute to think about each one of these “barriers to active monitoring,” and determine whether or not they 35% pose any risk to flight operations, and, if so, what could 30% be changed to mitigate and better manage each one? Most 25% paradigms are shaped by personal flight experiences and 20% knowledge of the tools used in other aviation organizations 15% to manage monitoring errors. Most experienced pilots 10% acknowledge their vulnerabilities and limitations and have 5% all experienced times on the flight deck when the lack of 0% KC-135/KC-10 C-5 C-130 C-17 C-40 C-21 active pilot monitoring created an undesirable aircraft state Predeparture/Taxi-Out Takeo/Climb Descent/Approach/Land and a reduction in safety margins. Source: Air Mobility Command’s Line Operations Safety Audit (LOSA) Since 2011, AMC has conducted multiple LOSAs across all flying fleets, and the graphs provided may add value is important to discuss and recognize some of the findings by providing insight and statistical analysis to the active and recommendations the final report of the Active Pilot pilot monitoring discussion. Proper monitoring and Monitoring Group identified and compare that data with the cross-checking have now become universally accepted aviation community.

Following are six barriers considered to be most relevant in Figure 2: Monitoring Observations Rated Poor or Marginal active pilot monitoring and effective flight path management: Occurred During at Least One Phase of Flight 70% i Human factor limitations 60% 60% 54% 50% i Time pressure 45% 44% 40% i Lack of feedback to pilots when monitoring lapses 30% 29% 28% i Design of flight deck systems and 20% standard operating procedures 10% i Pilots’ inadequate mental models of autoflight 0% KC-135/KC-10 C-5 C-130 C-17 C-40 C-21 system modes Source: Air Mobility Command’s Line Operations Safety Audit (LOSA) i A corporate climate that does not support an emphasis on monitoring

The FAA Flight Path Management Working Group noted Figure 3: Phases of Flight in Which a Monitoring Error Occurred* that “while 99 percent of the pilots believe that monitoring Number of Errors Preflight 1 and cross-verification are important skills, when asked if the Pushback topics of detecting and managing errors were included in 5 their recurrent training, only 47 percent responded that it was Taxi out 30 explicitly discussed as a specific topic. In addition, 34 percent Takeo 4 stated that monitoring and cross-verification were covered Climb 36 somehow, but not explicitly, while 19 percent said it was Cruise 16 marginally covered or not covered at all.” This report directly Descent 52 correlates with the findings from the Active Pilot Monitoring Group’s assessment as one of the barriers. In addition, a 1996 Approach 33 FAA report identified insufficient autoflight mode awareness Landing 4 as a significant vulnerability area. Fast forward 24 years since Taxi in 12 that report, and autoflight operation is still a key barrier in *More than one error occurred in some of the 188 reports analyzed. flight path management and monitoring. Source: Active Pilot Monitoring Group

Spring 2020 13 FLIGHT SAFETY

Figure 4: What Set the Stage for the Monitoring Error? Figure 5: Consequences of Improper Monitoring

Number of Errors Number of Errors Failure to verify MCP 31 Improper Configuration 14 Radio monitoring 16 Incursion 3 Failure to cross-check instruments 57 Unstable Approach 4 Failure to cross-check FMS 40 Takeo with Flaps Up 10 Taxi Error Pilot briefing 3 19 Stall 3 Out of sequence 5 Speed Deviation 7 Verification of paperwork 10 Overspeed 12 Failure to cross-check charts 26 Other 32 First ocer head down during taxi 6 Course Deviation 43 No call for flaps/gear 7 Altitude Deviation 62 Other 18 Rejected Takeo 2 Source: Active Pilot Monitoring Group Source: Active Pilot Monitoring Group

TEM countermeasures within the Simply stated, 20 proposals were and have contributed significantly to aviation community. Figures 1 and developed and organized into four the advancement of aviation safety. 2 display data captured from AMC main categories: They will continue to play a vital role LOSA observations concerning pilot in the future development of new monitoring errors. To provide an i Monitoring practices aircraft, operational procedures, and understanding of the observations training programs. within Figure 2, “Poor” is defined as i Procedures, policies, and “the observed performance had an monitoring It is important to mention that impact on safety,” and “Marginal” is worldwide flight operations and defined as “the observed performance i Monitoring autoflight systems aviation organizations are unique was barely adequate.” Figures 3, in their flying operations, and these 4, and 5 display the data collected i Training and evaluating recommendations were developed from 188 observations of U.S.-based monitoring skills to serve as a guide to compare commercial airlines in 2014 related to against an organization’s current pilot monitoring errors. The websites listed below provide a policies, procedures, and practices, more in-depth look at these examples with the intent to improve active Therefore, with the knowledge and recommendations. The monitor- pilot monitoring. The data provide a these errors exist, this article will ing recommendations presented have convincing baseline that each aviation take a broad look at some of the been incorporated into many of the organization can use to improve its recommendations put forth by the aviation policies and practices, espe- aviation safety and potentially prevent Active Pilot Monitoring Group. cially in the and Europe, future accidents and mishaps.

More information on the Working Groups’ analysis can be found at https://flightsafety.org/files/flightpath/EPMG.pdf and https://www.faa.gov/aircraft/air_cert/design_approvals/human_factors/media/oufpms_report.pdf

14 The Mobility Forum SEASONAL CONSIDERATIONS Gone in a Flash: Flash Floods Can Endanger You and Your Property at a Moment’s Notice

BY MR. MATTHEW LIPTAK, STAFF WRITER of flooding in your area. Is your be replaced, but you cannot. Get house or daily commuting route out of the way of that moving ccording to the federal in a low-lying area? If so, know water! According to a report in government, one of the largest where the nearest high ground is USA Today, water moving at 10 weather-related killers in the and the fastest way to get to it. miles per hour can exert the same AUnited States is flash floods. pressure as wind gusts of 270 From 2009 through 2018, floods took 2. Be prepared for emergencies. miles per hour. the lives of nearly 100 people each If you find yourself in a flood year. This number is second only to situation, out of harm’s way but 5. Turn Around, Don’t Drown. the number of lives lost to heat-related isolated, it is essential to have Avoid evacuating through flood incidents annually. enough supplies to last until water. Water that is only two feet rescue comes. Prepare beforehand. deep can float most vehicles. Six Specifically, flash floods can be defined Store non-perishable food, water, inches of fast-flowing water can as floods that occur during or a few medicines, a battery-powered knock you off your feet if you are hours after a rain event. They are radio with additional batteries, walking. Live power lines or toxic considered to be the most dangerous and other emergency equipment pollution in the water can also kind of flood because they can be fast- in a secure, dry section of your prove to be deadly or dangerous. moving and unpredictable in addition home where you will have quick to having all the destructive power of access in case of an emergency. 6. Be patient. Stay in a safe a regular flood. They can form when Prepare a similar emergency kit to location until authorities have dry streams or water beds, already keep in your vehicle. announced that the threat has flowing creeks or rivers, stormwater passed. Flash floods can occur in infrastructure, or land formations fill 3. Be prepared to evacuate. If multiple surges. Even after the with excessive water and overflow, a flood or flash flood watch or water recedes, it may not be safe sometimes with a current. warning scrolls across the bottom to return home. More flooding of your TV screen, an alert shows may be around the corner. Put the As mentioned previously, flash floods up on your cell phone, or you safety of you and your loved ones are unpredictable. They can happen learn you are in danger in some above any impulses to take risks. when a levee breaks, water washes other way, get ready to roll. If your out a road, rain inundates a dry home is in one of the danger areas, Floods are destructive and dangerous. canyon, and in myriad other ways. seriously consider traveling to Flash floods are the worst type of Flash floods often occur with no higher ground; however, be sure flooding. You can increase your warning, which is one of the reasons to review the route before leaving chances of avoiding trouble, however, they are so dangerous. your home. If your journey takes if you take weather warnings seriously, you into other flooded areas, prepare for natural disasters ahead Although they can be unpredictable, it might be safer to stay on the of time, and move quickly and make implementing the following tips will second floor of your home until intelligent decisions when you are help to mitigate the dangers of flash the threat passes or until first facing a flood or flash flood. Poor floods, and floods in general: responders are able to reach you. choices can make for tragic endings, but carefully considered choices can 1. Understand your geography. 4. Be fast. If a flash flood is on its keep you safe. Take the threat of floods Due to their location, some homes way or you are encountering and flash floods seriously, and you will are prone to flooding, and some flooding, retreat to higher ground. most likely come out of the experience are not. Search for the history Property and possessions can to tell the tale.

Spring 2020 15 FLIGHT SAFETY The 618th Air Operations Center, Scott Air Force Base, IL, Works Through Obstacles to Make the Mission Happen

BY MS. BETTY NYLUND BARR, STAFF WRITER

ometimes getting a VIP from When the 618 AOC had everything Point A to Point B is not easy. ready, engineers addressed some “We had to get In the fall of 2019, the 618th Air pressing maintenance issues, which creative to come up SOperations Center (AOC) at took about 30 minutes. Next, they Scott Air Force Base (AFB) in learned that their plane was delayed with an air refueling to was tasked with providing a C-17 to because of a ramp freeze at Andrews: shadow the plane of a distinguished The Vice President was there, and no enable them to make it visitor (DV) on an extensive trip. That pilots could taxi or even start engines the distance.” was the original plan, but with factors until his aircraft departed. such as weather, maintenance issues, and even airfield issues, plans can Inflight, the maintenance issues change quickly. persisted, making it necessary to to its destination. Refueling is a 3- or divert the aircraft to Joint Base Lewis- 4-hour prospect, which would lead The DV was on the primary aircraft McChord, WA. Typically, the shadow to even further delays and jeopardize at Andrews AFB; he had meetings plane takes off shortly after the the mission, which was to get the DV scheduled abroad within 12 hours primary, but in this case, it did not, and where he was going in time for his of his departure, so the timing the delay presented a dilemma. “Do we first meeting. was critical. Col Jason Pavelschak, wait to get that plane out of Andrews, Senior Controller of the 618 AOC or do we try to grab an aircraft on the Lt Col Todd Matson, Deputy Director for the mission, explained his team’s West Coast to keep him moving?” of Operations for the 618 AOC, said, assignment. “When he [the DV] travels, recalled Pavelschak. Whereas the “We had to get creative to come up we have what we call a shadow, so we plane at Andrews AFB had all the with an air refueling [plan] to enable always have an aircraft that shadows secure communication equipment them to make it the distance.” They him in case there are issues with his and gear that the DV needed, another coordinated with several agencies to plane or something happens.” plane would not necessarily have that find an available tanker to do the job, equipment. Pavelschak went on, “We and finally located one at Eielson AFB Pavelschak recounted the preparations: tasked different folks on the floor to in . “The plan was for them to “On that shift we had anywhere from look at different options. We had our fly down and link up with the C-17 60 to 75 people—active duty, civilians, Director of Operations [DO], Deputy as they departed McChord,” Matson Guard, and Reserve—working the Director of Operations [DDO], and recalled, but “that refueling didn’t different pieces of checking the other people helping with airfield happen.” Severe turbulence at the weather, making sure the airfield could issues, maintenance issues, diplomatic refueling location caused a glitch in the accept us, making sure the crew had clearances.” They decided to wait. matrix in the airspace. enough duty day to fly, making sure we could get the plane fixed if there The diversion to McChord, however, Time to scramble again. Matson said, was a maintenance issue, or making presented a new problem: the C-17 “They went through NORTHCOM sure we could get fuel at a location.” would not have enough fuel to get [United States Northern Command]

16 The Mobility Forum FLIGHT SAFETY

to get approval to use one of the other because of the nature and priority of the issue, it’s usually several hours’ delay tankers, which doesn’t happen very mission,” Pavelschak explained, “and or even totally canceled.” often but did for the high-priority the crew asked for it. That’s important mission.” They eventually received because we don’t encourage our crews Thanks to the capable and efficient approval to use a tanker at Fairchild to make any high-risk decisions. We way the 618 AOC dealt with obstacles, AFB in Spokane County, WA. leave it up to the aircraft commander from maintenance issues to delays to to request—on his crew’s behalf—to go changes in flight plans, a DV made All the delays led to another quandary: ahead and get a waiver to an Air Force it halfway around the world safely the duty day. Because the process instruction or deviation.” with only minimal delay. Clearly, the took so much longer than expected, 618 AOC demonstrated that it could the shadow air crew would be 16 to Finally, all the parts were in place, navigate obstacle courses. 17 hours into their duty day when everything was fixed, and the tanker the air refueling would occur. For performed an air refueling that “It’s what we do on a routine basis,” safety reasons, technical events such night. The C-17 was able to get to its said Pavelschak. as air refueling or combat landings are destination. How late did the DV arrive supposed to take place within the first at his destination? Only 2 or 3 hours! 12 hours of a duty day. A C-17 Globemaster III from Joint Base “It’s pretty incredible if you think Charleston, SC, lands at Scott AFB, IL, “We had to request a waiver from about it,” said Pavelschak. “If you fly Sept. 11, 2018. our commander to assume that risk commercial and have a maintenance USAF photo by A1C Nathaniel Hudson

Spring 2020 17 AMC NEWS Prince Sultan Air Base Reopened by the 621st Contingency Response Support Squadron

BY MS. BETTY NYLUND BARR, are on a 12-hour response time. The approximately 500 personnel, Patriot STAFF WRITER most challenging piece is not once long-range defense missiles, B-52 you get on the ground,” he stressed. “I bombers, and a maritime strike ow does one reopen a military would say the most challenging part is force led by the aircraft carrier USS air base that has been closed putting all of those pieces together in Abraham Lincoln. for 15 years? If anyone knows, a short amount of time, which is what Hit is Lt Col Shane Hughes, makes the CRSS a unique mission set.” Of the more than 30 different Air Force Commander of the 621st Contingency Specialty Codes (AFSCs) in the 621 Response Support Squadron (CRSS). Once the 621 CRSS team arrived at the CRSS, including aerial port and aircraft air base, they ascertained what steps maintenance, vehicle maintenance, With the assistance of the civil were necessary to prepare the base and security forces, power production, civil engineer and the airfield operations established a timetable for the arrival of engineering, and air traffic control, officer, Hughes took part in the additional aircraft. According to Hughes, Hughes said, “We have to train them initial site survey of the Prince Sultan some of the needs to be determined all to accomplish that [particular] Air Base (PSAB), south of Riyadh, were, “How much cargo do we need to mission, and we have to choose the , in preparation for the bring in; how fast do we need to bring it right personnel to go out the door to fit deployment of personnel, aircraft, in; how many aircraft need to be on the that mission.” and equipment. Establishing an ground at any given time; and is it going expeditionary force at PSAB was a to be a 24-hour operation?” response to increased threats from —and it was no small feat. Each air base is different, so the U.S. Airmen and Soldiers arrive at Prince Sultan Air Base, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, in requirements for equipment and response to the White House authorization of “You have to build the right team in personnel are unique to that base’s approximately 1,000 additional troops in U.S. a short amount of time and get them circumstances and attributes. The Central Command’s area of responsibility. out the door,” Hughes explained. “We deployment to PSAB included USAF photo by SrA Sean Campbell

18 The Mobility Forum AMC NEWS

After assembling the appropriate and we’ve continued to develop that Whereas a typical air expeditionary AFSCs and resources, Hughes said, partnership with the Saudis,” he said. wing can include more than 1,000 “The next piece is actually getting out “I would say the best integration people, “We [the 621 CRSS] can do the door, the deployment piece—the we had with the host nation was air that with 80 to 115 personnel—as logistics of getting the team and the traffic control. We had some of our long as we have the right personnel equipment to anywhere we need to air traffic controllers that integrated and they are cross-functionally go in the world at the right time.” The with theirs and got qualified on their trained.” Hughes continued to PSAB mission required five aircraft to tower, RAPCON [Radar Approach point out the vital importance of the transport the entire team to the site. Control System], [and] we worked “hybrid Airman” to the opening of “We had about 120 personnel that side-by-side for fighter operations and an air base—“Making sure we can went out the door. From the time the mobility operations. I felt like we and do more with less equipment and first boots on the ground arrived until the strengthened fewer Airmen, and we do that with the last boots on the ground left was each other as a team. We integrated cross-functional training and making 90 days.” the weather team and aerial port team. sure, for instance, that our contracting Our security forces integrated with officer isn’t just a contracting officer The 621 CRSS worked together with their air police on multiple occasions.” but can also drive a 10-K forklift, help sister services and the Royal Saudi build up and tear down tents, and help Air Force to make it happen. “There An expeditionary base is staffed and with the generators.” are a lot of moving pieces, and there’s equipped to operate for up to 60 days. no way we could do it without a lot “At that point, we’ll either transition Although every base opening and of training and relationship building to a larger follow-on force, close down disaster response effort is different, within the joint base,” Hughes said. the base if necessary—say, if it’s after the “hybrid Airmen” of the 621 CRSS a big disaster response—or we can operate lighter and leaner to answer To prepare for opening ports and air transition back to the host nation,” the call and get boots on the ground at bases, the CRSS trains with the Army Hughes says. “In some of those any point on the globe, any time they and the Defense Logistics Agency. In disaster responses, initially, the host are needed, with incredible speed. the predeployment phase of PSAB, nation cannot open and operate the they worked with members of Task airbase, so we will go in and do that, Airmen with the 1st Expeditionary Civil Force Spartan, which is made up of and once they get their feet back under Engineer Group secure the floor liner for a active Army and National Guard units them, we hand it back off to them and small shelter system at Prince Sultan Air Base, and U.S. Army Reserve support units. let them continue the operation.” Saudi Arabia. USAF photo by TSgt John Wilkes “The relationship between us and the Army was good because we helped each other out whenever we needed each other,” Hughes remarked. “Initially we did a lot of the base operating support and provided them with tents and some of the equipment they needed to get their operations up and running, and once they were up and going, they opened up a field kitchen that allowed us to transition off of MREs [Meals, Ready-to-Eat] and have hot food, which was a real morale booster for the Airmen—along with all the health benefits.”

Hughes believes that the 621 CRSS’s relationship with the Saudi base leadership team was also solid and beneficial. “We definitely developed some long-term friendships there,

Spring 2020 19 AMC’S ANNUAL 2019 SAFETY AWARD WINNERS

Safety Office of the Year AMC Safety Civilian 22d Air Refueling Wing Professional of the Year McConnell Air Force Base, KS Mr. Robert Clapp 22d Air Refueling Wing AMC Director of Safety McConnell Air Force Base, KS Aircrew of Distinction Award Outstanding Achievement for , SC Occupational Safety (Cat II) Safety Officer of the Year , DE Capt Hunter Shirey 22d Air Refueling Wing Outstanding Achievement for McConnell Air Force Base, KS Occupational Safety (Cat III) Flight Safety NCO of the Year 628th Air Base Wing Joint Base Charleston, SC MSgt Bradley J. Warnock 43d Air Mobility Operations Group Outstanding Achievement for , NC Occupational Safety (Cat IV) Outstanding Achievement Award 728th Air Mobility Squadron for Weapons Safety Incirlik Air Base, Turkey 628th Air Base Wing Director of Safety Aviation Joint Base Charleston, SC Maintenance Safety Award Distinguished Motorcycle Safety Award 721st Aircraft Maintenance Squadron 436th Airlift Wing 521st Air Mobility Operations Wing Dover Air Force Base, DE , Germany AMC Safety Enlisted Professional Koren Kolligian, Jr. Trophy of the Year SrA Devyn Freeze 61st Airlift Squadron TSgt Lance Hughson Little Rock Air Force Base, AR 436th Airlift Wing Dover Air Force Base, DE Director of Safety Special AMC Enlisted Professional Achievement Award of the Year – SNCO , CA MSgt James Musgrave 60th Air Mobility Wing Travis Air Force Base, CA

20 The Mobility Forum Safety Office 22d Air Refueling of the Year Wing, McConnell Air Force Base, KS

cConnell AFB [Air Refueling Wing (ARW), McConnell on McConnell. SSgt Roberto R. Force Base] was AFB, KS] has very clearly articulated Rodriguez, Occupational Safety officially established that safety is the responsibility of all Journeyman, said, “I dealt firsthand in “M in 1951, so it’s seen front-line supervisors; my team is no the KC-46 delivery ceremony, which a variety of changes throughout different. This award is an excellent took a lot of different agencies from the decades. The KC-46 represents punctuation mark to a year of hard a new way for the Air Force and work and determination by our safety AMC [Air Mobility Command] professionals,” said Lt Col Luke D. From left to right: SSgt Roberto R. Rodriguez, to do business, and that requires Spathes, Chief of Safety, 22 ARW. Capt Rich Duarte, TSgt Jonathan M. Murphy, Mr. Steven C. Hagler, Mr. Galen J. Truan buy-in from the entire leadership (USDA), Capt Marshal O. Russell, Lt Col Lucas team here at McConnell. Col Richard In January 2019, when the KC-46 D. Spathes, Mr. Thomas A. Cable (USDA), TSgt Tanner [Commander of the 22d Air was delivered, all eyes were focused Daniy A. Barnett, and Capt Hunter Shirey.

Spring 2020 21 AMC NEWS

around [the] base providing their Since January, the fleet of KC-46s effort when other transportation own safety expertise. The day of the has multiplied, and with the KC-135 routes, such as naval or ground, ceremony we walked through, making ops running concurrently, aircraft aren’t quick enough to get the mission sure everything was taken care of, parking area is at a premium. SSgt accomplished. Since Hill AFB was such as tripping hazards or stage Jareth L. Clinard, Weapons Safety, having a runway closure, they needed guardrails to safeguard the attendees.” Noncommissioned Officer in Charge to find a place to support in case that (NCOIC), said, “Our echo ramp OPLAN was called upon. Working With the new aircraft, has been there, however, due to its with us, our counterparts at AMC, location next to what we use for secure and with Materiel Command, who are the office at the 22 holder safe haven, basically explosive the owners of the STAMP program, storage for ground transportation figured out our capabilities and ways ARW took on the vehicles, we had to develop a new for us to support when needed.” enormous task of $800,000 project and design a place where we could install it on the Mr. Galen J. Truan, a wildlife biologist establishing an entirely installation and reduce the hazard with the United States Department of away from echo ramp so we would Agriculture (USDA) and lead for the new KC-46 safety have uninterrupted ops if we needed Bird/Wildlife Aircraft Strike Hazard program—from the to have a secure hold. The project was (BASH) program, said, “The main approved by the DoD [Department emphasis is reducing bird strikes with ground up. of Defense] in just 4 days.” the aircraft, and strikes were reduced by 58 percent.” Capt Hunter Shirey, Chief of Flight In addition to having the newest aircraft Safety, said the team looked back at in AMC’s fleet, McConnell also had two Mr. Thomas A. Cable, Wildlife AMC’s last acquisition, the C-17, as significant updates to the base over the Specialist with the USDA, spoke of a guideline for development. The past year. The first was the construction the first side-by-side comparison of crosstalk with the safety professionals of an $11.3 million control tower and bird strike rates between the KC-46 who assisted in founding the C-17 the second, a new $9.1 million combat and KC-135 to see if the new aircraft safety program and working with arms training and maintenance (CATM) has an increased strike potential. The various agencies on base, range. TSgt Jonathan M. Murphy, specialists have teamed up with USDA Aerospace Company, and the 344th NCOIC, Occupational Safety, said, scientists in at the National Air Refueling Squadron at McConnell “Our control tower was not able to Wildlife Research Center because of a all contributed valuable information sustain winds, so anytime we were in noticed trend the KC-46 was showing, to build the new program. Shirey said, a high wind advisory, everyone had but they will have to acquire a full year “It has been coming together to find to evacuate the control tower. We had of data when available in mid-March creative and safe solutions to any of been tracking and maintaining a RAC for a complete analysis. the problems that may have come [risk assessment code] through our up. It has been interesting. With the hazard abatement program, and we Both USDA safety professionals KC-135 that’s been around for 60 years, started construction last year and were who joined the team at McConnell we know what all the main problems able to complete the project this year. in 2018 have brought new ideas on it are, how to fix them, and what to In addition to that, we broke ground into the program by working with look for, but with the KC-46 it has been on our new CATM range that will Sedgwick County commissioners to all brand-new equipment, avionics, eliminate a RAC we had been tracking fix drainage issues on the airfield. and electronics.” He added that Capt for 10-plus years.” Their primary focus has been habitat Marshal O. Russell, Deputy Chief of management to make the airfield Safety, brought unique expertise to McConnell also architected a STAMP, less desirable for wildlife instead the program because he is one of the or Standard Air Munitions Package, of trapping or depredating. very few S-coded individuals who support plan in response to the are instructor pilots on the KC-46. runway closure at Hill AFB, UT. Congratulations Russell is also credited with assisting Clinard said, “It is a headquarters in the writing of the Operational Air Force plan basically designed to to the 22 ARW Risk Management Form, specifically rapidly air transport critically needed Safety Office for an risk mitigation, while flying during munitions downrange to support any chemical defense training. type of contingency or warfighting outstanding year!

22 The Mobility Forum AMC’s ANNUAL 2019 INDIVIDUAL and TEAM SAFETY AWARD WINNERS

AMC Director of Safety Aircrew of Distinction Award

437th Airlift Wing, Joint Base Charleston, SC

IMPAC 98, the lead C-17 of a two-ship Special Operations Low Level II night vision goggles (NVG) training sortie, smoothly lifted off from runway 15. The crew prepared to execute a standard departure when they smelled something out of place—an acrid, electrical odor creeping into the flight deck. Following multiple confirmations of the odor and the report of a smoky haze, the aircraft commander called for the Smoke, Fire, or Fumes Emergency BOLDFACE procedure. The crew removed their helmets and NVGs and donned the new emergency V-5 (one-piece) oxygen masks while the aircraft commander announced the crew’s intentions to their wingman and air traffic control. Within 2 minutes of odor detection, the aircraft was established on downwind, and all crew members were checked in on emergency oxygen. As they prepared for the approach, the three pilots began to experience fogging across the lens. The condition of the aircraft commander’s mask continued to degrade, and he reported visibility akin to flying an instrument approach in the weather. The actual conditions were clear of clouds and unlimited visibility. After touching down and bringing the aircraft to a stop, the aircraft commander called for the Ground Evacuation checklist. Because the fog on their masks was so thick, the three pilots were unable to read from their checklists. Displaying a high degree of situational awareness, the primary loadmaster, who was downstairs and not experiencing any fogging, read the checklist over interphone and assisted the pilots in shutting down and disembarking from the aircraft. Following the sortie, the crew submitted an Airman Safety Action Program report, highlighting the new V-5 oxygen masks and their defect. This report drove short-notice flight tests, prompted a command-wide Flight Crew Information File and equipment change, and was integral in preventing a more serious mishap. The crew’s flight discipline, crew resource management, and situational awareness allowed them to safely recover the aircraft despite the added complexity of an equipment defect. The actions of the crew of IMPAC 98 reflect great credit upon themselves, the 437th Airlift Wing, Air Mobility Command, and the . The crew that day included Maj Kevin Christian, Aircraft Commander; Capt Bradley Polender, Jump Seat Pilot; Capt Christopher Dolan, Right Seat Pilot; TSgt James Osteen, Loadmaster; MSgt Jeremy Owens, Loadmaster; SrA Andrew Buffin, Loadmaster; and TSgt Michael Eddy, Communications System Technician.

Spring 2020 23 Safety Officer of the Year

Capt Hunter Shirey 22d Air Refueling Wing, McConnell Air Force Base, KS

Capt Hunter Shirey is the Chief of Flight Safety for the 22d Air Refueling Wing (ARW), McConnell Air Force Base (AFB), KS. In this capacity, he oversees the KC-135 Stratotanker and KC-46 Pegasus Flight Safety programs and serves as an advisor to the 22 ARW Commander on safety matters concerning more than 2,900 Active Duty and Reserve Airmen. He also maintains his proficiency and readiness as a KC-135 Instructor Navigator, flying with the 22 ARW. As Chief of Wing Flight Safety, Shirey led the delivery of and founded the safety program for the KC-46A, working with maintenance, operations, Public Information Officer, and Boeing Aerospace Company to instill safety policies and practices for Air Mobility Command’s number one acquisition priority. In addition, he was selected to work with AMC Safety as a Flight Safety Officer for Mobility Guardian at Fairchild AFB, WA. While flying on multiple aircraft with Joint and International aircrew, he shared best practices for the safety of flight and ensured 388 mishap-free missions for more than 1,500 personnel from 26 international allies and partners. Shirey also led the 22 ARW into federal compliance by partnering with the United States Department of Agriculture for wildlife management practices. Creating a Bird/Wildlife Aircraft Strike Hazard program that focused on habitat management and partnership with the local community, he worked with county commissioners to secure funding and support for an expansive airfield drainage solution. These efforts proved to be successful, resulting in a 28 percent reduction in bird strikes in 2019. A native of Kentucky, Shirey attended East Carolina University and earned a bachelor’s degree in history. Upon completion of Undergraduate Combat Systems Officer training at Pensacola Naval Air Station, FL, he was selected to fly the C-130H and assigned to the 50th Airman Leadership School, Little Rock AFB, AR. Next, he was chosen to fly the world’s number one air refueling platform, the KC-135 Stratotanker, and assigned to the 349th Air Refueling Squadron, McConnell AFB, KS.

24 The Mobility Forum Flight Safety NCO of the Year

MSgt Bradley J. Warnock 43d Air Mobility Operations Group, Pope Army Airfield, NC

MSgt Bradley J. Warnock is the Flight Safety Noncommissioned Officer for the 43d Air Mobility Operations Group (AMOG), Pope Army Airfield, NC. He is responsible for implementing and managing the AMOG’s flight safety program in support of six Wideband Global Satellite Communication Systems and four major commands. In addition, his efforts ensure that Pope Army Airfield is “Ready Now” when called upon to support the 82d Airborne Division, the U.S. Army’s premier rapid deployment force, in support of short-notice presidential taskings, worldwide humanitarian relief efforts, and taskings to secure vital national objectives for follow-on interests. Warnock’s work integrating mishap prevention techniques into mission planning cells, which eliminated and prevented injury or damage to aircraft, equipment, and personnel, is invaluable. His background includes 17 years of C-130 flightline, back shop, and isochronal inspection propulsion maintenance. During 2019, Warnock’s proactive approach to aviation safety went beyond normal flightline operations. He provided critical safety input during the planning and implementation phases of the C-130J Combat Cargo Offload Bravo training operations. This contribution allowed Pope Army Airfield to be one of only two certified airfields able to provide this critical pre-deployment training for aircrew. Warnock also bolstered Pope’s Bird Aircraft Strike Hazard prevention program. With assistance from his U.S. Department of Agriculture’s mission partner, he executed a barn swallow exclusion project. By utilizing freezer flaps, he was able to enclose five airfield culverts, eliminating the nesting grounds and preventing the annual migration of barn swallows onto the airfield. Finally, Warnock’s input was vital in developing a ramp-side rigging operations plan. By synchronizing the efforts of the 82d Airborne Division and the 43d Air Mobility Squadron, a comprehensive plan was built that reduced paratrooper load times, thereby eliminating paratrooper fatigue. This strategy was accomplished by decreasing the distances paratroopers were required to carry their gear, which led to fewer injuries and allowed them to load the aircraft in one-half the usual time.

Spring 2020 25 Outstanding Achievement Award for Weapons Safety

Left to right: Mr. Francisco Endaya, Mr. Lance Frasier, Mr. Justin Taylor, and TSgt Philip Medina. 628th Air Base Wing Joint Base Charleston, SC

The 628th Air Base Wing (ABW) Safety Office, Joint Base Charleston, SC, received the Outstanding Achievement Award for Weapons Safety by exhibiting extraordinary accomplishments in risk management and safety awareness. The team consists of Mr. Francisco Endaya, Chief of Weapons Safety; Mr. Justin Taylor, Explosives Safety Specialist; TSgt Philip Medina, Explosives Safety Specialist; and Mr. Lance Frasier, Explosives Safety Specialist. The 628 ABW Safety Office governed 239 Department of Defense Explosive Safety Board approved site plans, which empowered success for their multi-service air, water, road, and rail missions involving arms, ammunition, equipment, and explosive assets. They supported the President’s Global Threat Reduction Initiative involving Department of Energy seaport operations and safely secured 200 thousand pounds of nuclear equipment and 62.9 kilograms of Low Enriched Uranium. Their efforts enabled Army, Navy, and Coast Guard maritime port operations, which buoyed safety involving 119 rail movements carrying 6.3 million pounds of ammunition and 35 ships hauling 460 thousand tons of cargo. They oversaw the United States Naval Ship Sacagawea download of 1 million pounds of explosives, which enabled international preposition ship missions, with zero mishaps reported during the operation. Furthermore, they wrote Joint Base Charleston explosive instruction 91-201 for Army, Navy, Marine, and Air Force units, which defines explosive processes and enables joint operation success. The outstanding individuals in the 628 ABW Safety Office each brought unique skills and when combined, excelled in supporting 67 tenant organizations and 309 explosives locations, with assets valued at $7.8 billion.

26 The Mobility Forum Distinguished Motorcycle Safety Award

436th Airlift Wing Dover Air Force Base, DE SSgt Kenneth Reid

During Fiscal Year 2019, the Dover Air Force Base (AFB), DE Safety Team continued to emphasize the Motorcycle Safety Program for the 436th Airlift Wing (AW), which supports more than 200 riders. SSgt Kenneth Reid managed the program with assistance from squadron motorcycle safety representatives under the leadership of Ms. Lorie Bellamy, 436 AW Occupational Safety Manager. Dover AFB takes great pride in its motorcycle mentorship program, where senior riders mentor and spend time with less experienced riders, teaching them the safety aspects of riding. Reid and the safety team regularly work with four rider coaches, Green Knight Military Motorcycle Club Charter members, squadron motorcycle safety representatives, and motorcycle mentors to maintain an effective program. To coin a phrase: “teamwork makes the dream work.” This past year, in conjunction with its Motorcycle Safety Day, the 436 AW Safety Office joined forces with Anheuser-Busch Companies, LLC, to promote “Street Smart,” a program designed to inform the audience of the consequences of risky behavior. Following a safety briefing to more than 150 riders, a professional racing team presented numerous safe riding techniques. The day ended with a group ride and motorcycle safety displays by five vendors from the community. In addition, members from the Green Knights Military Motorcycle Club organized four mentorship rides throughout the year. The continued emphasis on motorcycle safety during the year contributed to the success of the 436 AW’s Motorcycle Safety Program, and the efforts are essential to maintaining its remarkable record of having zero Class A or B motorcycle safety mishaps in the past 6 years. Reid has managed Dover AFB’s Motorcycle Safety Program since 2017. The exceptional team continually promotes awareness of Motorcycle Safety through teaching methods, promotional items, and rider participation tactics to encourage the members of Dover AFB to become engaged in the program. Identifying weaknesses in the program played a vital role in the success and development within the safety office. A challenge for Dover AFB is that inbound members and new riders slide under the radar as riders without essential credentials or acknowledgment in the Motorcycle Unit Safety Tracking Tool program. Proper distribution of information and unit engagement have helped solve this lack of awareness and similar issues, and ensure that new and inbound riders and non-riders are aware of Motorcycle Safety Program policies and requirements. The goal is continued excellence and keeping motorcycle riders safe.

Spring 2020 27 AMC Safety Enlisted Professional of the Year

TSgt Lance Hughson 436th Airlift Wing, Dover Air Force Base, DE

TSgt Lance T. Hughson is the Noncommissioned Officer in Charge, Occupational Safety, 436th Airlift Wing, 436th Wing Safety, Dover Air Force Base, DE. In this position he developed policies and procedures for implementing and evaluating the installation safety program. He performed inspections, surveys, and program evaluations of areas and operations to identify mishap potentials and assess integration of risk management and safety equipment. Hughson earned the prestigious Board-Certified Safety Professional credential and orchestrated the annual Motorcycle Safety Day with 250 riders and eight off-base vendors in attendance, resulting in zero Class A or B mishaps for 5 years running. He was hand-selected as the subject matter expert to lead the C-17 enterprise-level confined space nitrogen testing, ensuring that data was expeditiously delivered to Headquarters Air Force. Additionally, Hughson’s efforts were critical to the positive results of the Air Mobility Command’s Unit Effectiveness Inspection, resulting in zero Occupational Safety findings, with the highest inspection score in more than 10 years. Hughson’s background includes various duties in the aircraft armament systems and occupational safety career fields. He served as an A-10C Weapons Load Crew Team Chief, Squadron Lead Crew Member, and in other maintenance and safety positions at the squadron and groups levels. He has deployed in support of operations Enduring Freedom and Inherent Resolve and completed an overseas tour in the Republic of Korea.

28 The Mobility Forum AMC Safety Civilian Professional of the Year

Mr. Robert Clapp 22d Air Refueling Wing, McConnell Air Force Base, KS

Mr. Robert D. Clapp is the Occupational Safety Manager, 22d Air Refueling Wing, McConnell Air Force Base (AFB), KS. As the host Occupational Safety Manager for three wings, he provides leadership guidance to 22 host squadrons, 12 tenant organizations, and over 6,000 personnel. Mr. Clapp’s superior oversight resulted in zero on-duty Class A or B mishaps. During this period, he lobbied for Air Mobility Command’s number one construction project, the $3 million dollar Air Traffic Control tower at McConnell AFB. Furthermore, Mr. Clapp demonstrated a proactive approach to new Occupational Safety and Health Administration guidelines and exercised prudent fiscal prowess while negotiating local training courses with Barton/Hutchinson Safety Academy, saving the Air Force over $30,000 dollars in travel costs. Finally, he acted as the lead safety coordinator for all KC-46 operations, including the KC-46 Fuselage Trainer variance that ultimately earned Pentagon-level approval for an Interim Control Measure process preventing KC-46 mission impact. The safety expertise and excellence exhibited by these accomplishments reflect great credit on Mr. Clapp, Air Mobility Command, and the United States Air Force. During more than 26 years of service in the safety career field, Mr. Clapp has earned professional accreditation by attending over 100 professional education courses and management seminars. These include industrial/ construction safety standards and practices, risk management, supervisory techniques, weapons and explosive program safety, and environmental and hazardous materials safety. Mr. Clapp is also recognized nationally as a Senior Level Certified Hazard Control Manager, holding that accreditation since December of 2001. He has over 1,000 hours of OSHA training and holds several OSHA safety certifications. Finally, as a former 12-year Texas and Idaho Motorcycle Safety Foundation Chief Instructor he has trained more than 6,900 students.

Spring 2020 29 AMC NEWS With Dedicated Airmen, Team McConnell Conquers Challenges

BY MS. BETTY NYLUND BARR, TSGT DANIELLE A. BARNETT: STAFF WRITER QUALITY ASSURANCE INSPECTOR

n January 25, 2019, the mighty • Developed KC-46 Weight and Balance KC-46 was delivered to standard configurations. Created and McConnell Air Force Base synchronized the Pegasus fleet with a (AFB), KS. The newest weapons standard/minimum flight equipment list, O Master Chart A, and Chart Cs, which were system to the fleet was built in response benchmarked Air Force-wide. to the U.S. Air Force’s procurement program to replace some of the oldest • Developed fleet-wide server standardization KC-135E Stratotankers. The Stratotanker for the Automated Weight and Balance had been in continuous operation for System. Recognized as the “subject matter more than 50 years, so the KC-46 has a expert” by Air Mobility Command (AMC), as significant amount of new technology her diligent work is now considered the baseline. the KC-135 does not. “There are • Was requested by name by Pease AFB, NH, to roadmap their KC-46 capabilities that this airplane has that Weight and Balance programs—a 2-week TDY that included in-depth have never been integrated into tankers program assessments and Question and Answer (QA) training, resulting before,” pointed out Col Richard Tanner, in the necessary expertise for Pease AFB to become the first Air National Commander of the 22d Air Refueling Guard base to receive USAF’s newest weapon system! Wing (ARW), McConnell AFB.

Because the plane was new, no formalized procedure existed for procedure done by the booms had the challenge. “He figured out where checking it before accepting it from the some problems. “It was failing and all of the errors were taking place manufacturer. Tanner explained that causing delays and cancellations,” and submitted his findings to the developing that procedure typically said Tanner. SSgt Kyle Schultz, engineers,” Tanner explained, and they takes nearly one year, “but Team KC-46 Flying Crew Chief, tackled validated the procedure. McConnell completed that lengthy task in only a month.” SSGT KYLE J. SCHULTZ: The next issue encountered was the KC-46 FLYING CREW CHIEF lack of weight and balance tables, which are necessary to operate the • Identified boom preflight malfunctions plane safely. TSgt Danielle Barnett, were causing repeated aircraft Quality Assurance Inspector, worked departure delays. long hours for two weeks to build • Developed detailed troubleshooting standard weight and balance tables, procedures for each phase of the Boom which became the benchmark for the Preflight Functional Test by outlining entire KC-46 fleet. She also created a when failure of preflight was occurring standard/minimum flight equipment and the subsystem operating at the list that is also used fleet wide. time of the failure. Confirmed findings by analyzing all assigned aircraft. Once the team began to fly local • Provided findings to engineering for further analysis and use in developing training missions, in late February, approved troubleshooting technical guidance. they discovered that the preflight

30 The Mobility Forum AMC NEWS

By March, the number of KC-46s a lack of spare parts. They also Undeterred by all the being delivered was outpacing encountered fuel body tank issues challenges, Team McConnell has the number of aircrews who were that required maintenance, and trained and prepared for the aircraft. they did not yet have the correct come through with flying colors. “We still had not identified how to tool to remedy those issues. “From make crews sufficient for the tails at discovery to fixing internally to the pace we were receiving them,” eventually removing by special other challenges,” he said. McConnell Tanner said. Because of the delays in procedures was a 10,000-man-hour AFB brought in skilled analysts, who qualified aircrew production, the team procedure,” Tanner explained. ran extensive tests on the equipment. experienced extensive attrition of both It was TSgt David Smith, the KC-46 active duty and reserve Airmen. One of the team’s biggest Instrumentation Flight Control challenges, according to Tanner, was Systems Craftsman, however, who In March and April, the team had to solving problems with the Remote figured out that the alignment of address reduced sortie production Vision System (RVS). “We had the equipment was off—and how it resulting from foreign object damage some boom operators struggling could be fixed. “He meticulously went oversight issues at the factory and with headaches and eye strain and through the process of this is what we’ve got, and this is what I think we need to do,” said Tanner. “He worked TSGT DAVID O. SMITH: with Boeing and got the engineering KC-46 INSTRUMENTATION FLIGHT up to speed and spec.” CONTROL SYSTEMS CRAFTSMAN

• Lead technician assigned to resolve the In August, the team flew the KC-46 Operator Station (AROS) on a test flight over the Pacific to 3D camera double vision discrepancy verify that previous issues had been affecting six aircraft. resolved and that the team and the systems were capable of supporting • Had no available repair procedures to correct camera issue. the aircraft. During that mission, they discovered that the cargo locks were • Identified close-tolerance adjustment points coming unblocked in flight, so the for misaligned cameras and developed team refit the planes with new cargo adjustment and limitation procedures to locks. In addition, problems arose with repair malfunctions. the smoke barrier, and the team also • Provided guidance that received Air Force Technical Order Form 22 approval and worked to resolve that issue. is slated for future TO publication. “I’m really proud of what the team at McConnell has accomplished over the last year.” Tanner described CAPT COLTON “HAMMY” WETZEL: how Capt Colton “Hammy” Wetzel, 344 ARS DEPUTY CHIEF OF 344th Air Refueling Squadron (ARS) TACTICS AND KC-46 PILOT Deputy Chief of Tactics and KC-46 pilot, expanded AMC tactical and • Possesses Link-16, Radar Warning Receiver technical capabilities and connected (RWR), and Tactical Sensor Integration expertise from F-16CJ. them to an (ACC) warfighting perspective. “This • Was vital in integrating new AMC is classic innovation by acquisition,” tactical capabilities and connecting ACC Tanner declared. warfighting perspective. • Is driving tactical employment into Undeterred by all the challenges, Team training for a contested environment. McConnell has come through with • Led a cultural shift away from offloading flying colors. Their level of competence gas to being completely integrated into a and innovation serves as an inspiration warfighting web. to anyone who is met with adversity along the path to excellence.

Spring 2020 31 AMC HERITAGE Airlift’s First Female Aircraft Maintenance Officer, C-141 Pilot, and Aerial Port Squadron Commander

BY MS. BETTY NYLUND BARR, STAFF WRITER

athy La Sauce started pushing the envelope early. “I look back at myself,” she says. “When I Kathy La Sauce, pilot training on the steps of a T-38. Kwas in fourth grade, I wanted to play the trumpet, and they said, ‘Girls don’t do that.’ I wanted to be the drum or run the obstacle course, La Sauce only woman in the entire building!” major of the marching band, and they said, “You could see the Air Force was “I never noticed,” La Sauce said. “I said, ‘That’s for guys.’” starting to realize that women were always tried to maintain my femininity. the answer to shortfalls throughout the Just because you’re doing what has Kathy was born in Queens, NY, and noncombat field.” been ‘traditionally’ [air quotes] a man’s grew up on Long Island. In the 1960s, job does not mean you need to lose when she was in high school and then “I felt pretty lucky that I was selected your femininity or your identity.” at Ithaca College, in upstate New into the Air Force,” La Sauce said. York, many of her male classmates She was in the first group of women When she would jump onto a plane were being drafted to fight in Vietnam. trained as aircraft maintenance to sign the Exceptional Release, which When Kathy graduated from college, officers at verifies that the plane is safe and ready she explored joining the Air Force. (AFB) in Illinois. to fly, the men would question why a woman was on their plane. She would She discovered that women who At her first duty station at Travis AFB tell them, “Well, without my signature, wanted to be officers in the Air in , she was a flightline you’re not going to fly.” Looking back, Force had to attend a 12-week maintenance officer in charge of 120 she said, “It was kind of a unique training course—or, as she calls it, maintenance personnel (all male) and situation to be in.” “indoctrination”—in which they 40 C-141s. With no appropriate uniform were taught poise and how to apply for women on the flightline, she was She wanted to be more involved makeup. Although women Air Force authorized to wear men’s fatigues and in the war effort, but women were Officers (WAFs) had to march as steel-toed combat boots. When her not allowed in combat unless they a separate squadron and were not sister visited, she had asked La Sauce, were there as nurses, so she went allowed to do small arms training “Aren’t you uncomfortable? You’re the to C-130 school and learned how to

32 The Mobility Forum AMC HERITAGE

run engines. She was subsequently stationed in Guam, where she oversaw the Typhoon Chasers, whose duty was to fly their planes through a storm, test its strength, and report their findings so that warnings could be sent ahead of the storm.

While La Sauce was in Guam, legislation was enacted to open Air Force Service Academies to women— “a test program to explore the possibilities of women flying airplanes,” she chuckled. “It was pretty Photo upper left: La Sauce amusing, I thought.” In July 1976, she standing before a C-141 Starlifter. was chosen to be in the first class of Photo above: Alpha 2 Maintenance women to be trained as Air Force pilots. truck at Travis. Photo left: Seated in a VC-135.

Her first airplane, at Williams AFB in Arizona, was the Cessna T-37. Then she flew the T-38 supersonic aircraft—which could reach speeds of Mach 1.2—in formation, wingtip to wingtip. She was 27 years old and a Captain. “The men really didn’t want us [women] there, but once you fly wingtip to wingtip with another pilot who thinks he’s God’s gift to aviation, “So, it paved the way.” board—twice—and was allowed to and he realizes that you outflew him, it extend her command to 3 years. didn’t take long for them to realize that She became an instructor pilot and was we were pretty good pilots.” promoted to Major, but when she was By then the Air Force contained women going to be assigned to another desk and men, which, according to La Sauce, At Norton AFB in California, La job, La Sauce spoke up. “I explained to “added a whole new perspective to Sauce’s commander, Col Duane the , ‘You know, all the women deployment and what women could Cassidy, was very supportive, and she after me are going to be watching to and couldn’t do. Women were loading became the first female C-141 copilot. see what happens. I want to fly in the airplanes, we were fixing airplanes, “It was considered a really big deal presidential support squad at Andrews we were flying airplanes, and we were back then,” she said. [AFB, MD].’” She became the first commanding squadrons.” woman in that very prestigious unit— Her 10-day aircraft commander check the Special Air Mission, or SAM. La Sauce’s career proves that, ride was fraught with equipment according to her, “You really can do malfunctions and bad weather. Upon Then, La Sauce became ill and could anything you set your mind to…with her return, the loadmaster commented no longer physically qualify to fly, hard work, determination, motivation, that the only emergency La Sauce which to her was “heartbreaking.” personality. I basically feel very blessed didn’t experience during her check She took a staff job at the Pentagon, that my career in aviation started ride was ditching in the ocean. “It’s but then key decision-makers at breaking barriers, little by little.” probably one of the best things that Headquarters chose her to command could have happened to me—having the 93rd Aerial Port Squadron at As airlift’s first female Aircraft all these malfunctions,” La Sauce said, Andrews AFB—again, the first woman Maintenance Officer, Pilot, and Aerial “because not only did it build my self- to do so—where she led an elite, Port Squadron Commander, La Sauce confidence but it built the confidence of highly qualified group of Air Force is truly an inspiration who helped the men that I flew with that ‘You have personnel. The position is normally open many doors for women who turn nothing to worry about, flying with La held by an individual for 1 year; wrenches, fly our aircraft, or command Sauce, because she’s a good pilot.’ however, she wrote to the relevant squadrons today.

Spring 2020 33 AMC NEWS 2d Phoenix Spark Tank and the U.S. Air Force Spark Tank Competitions

BY MS. KATHY ALWARD, STAFF WRITER

he tradition of expediting observe surface defects, and repainting replace each rail, according to Kiser. He innovation initiatives that parts. Another inspection method that was selected as one of the finalists for help improve operational Abouomar said is currently used is the Air Force Spark Tank Competition Tefficiency, maintain Air Force radiography or x-ray that incorporates that was held on February 28th, 2020 in readiness, and significantly reduce a system that has been in service Orlando, Florida. the time and money that is allocated for decades and drives outdated to a task continues as the Air Mobility inspection processes. With fabrication help from techs, after Command (AMC) 2d Phoenix Spark Kiser checked the design and took Tank Competition, held in October Abouomar suggested a more modern measurements, the K-Wedge System 2019, chose two finalists and three solution called Computed Tomography was designed. “The K-Wedge costs runners-up from the 64 submissions. (CT) that uses three-dimensional much less at about $500 [in] parts and The first and second place finalists (3D), high-resolution scanning labor, and in as little as 1 minute you have the opportunity to be one of and automated image engineering can install it on the aircraft floor using the finalists for the U.S. Air Force software to find the smallest internal existing tie-down rings, and that’s Spark Tank Competition in February defects, and expands manufacturing what secures it to the floor,” said Kiser. 2020. The three runners-up will be capabilities for metals technology that According to Kiser, this system saves considered for implementation by could decrease exposure to hazardous the Air Force money, prevents damage AMC. The additional 59 submissions material and reduce the inspection to to the logistics rail, and safeguards and were forwarded to the Airmen three steps, including part removal, CT protects our Airmen. Powered by Innovation (API) program inspection, and installation. Abouomar to be considered for implementation at said that CT could save AMC more SSgt Timothy M. Miller, 621st various command levels. than $2 million annually. Contingency Response Wing, Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, NJ, submitted First place finalist, TSgt Sharif R. Second place finalist, TSgt Brett M. the idea of “3D Printed USB Adapter Abouomar, Headquarters AMC/ Kiser, 521st Air Mobility Operations for Tactical Airfield Light.” Miller said A4, Scott Air Force Base (AFB), IL, Wing, Ramstein Air Base, Germany, the current service the Landing Zone submitted the idea of “Computed presented the idea of the “C-17 Loading Safety Officer (LZSO) team provides Tomography for Aircraft Maintenance Aid.” Kiser said he has worked with the is to ensure there is always sufficient and Beyond.” “Nondestructive loading aid using palletized aircraft lighting for the aircraft to land by using Inspection, or NDI, of the future is assets while in the Air Force. Currently, Phantom brand tactical lights that run about modernizing my career field the logistics rail is exposed, and off of four AA batteries and requires with game-changing technology,” said sometimes, when the 463L cargo pallet the LZSO team to ensure that there is a Abouomar. The current inspection transfers from the 60K loader over onto constant supply and proper disposal of process involves five revolving steps the aircraft floor, it may hit omni- the AA batteries. requiring parts to be stripped of directional rollers. When this mishap paint, dipped in chemical solutions, occurs, it can cost an estimated $8,300 According to Miller, their team noticed examined with ultraviolet light to and approximately eight man-hours to deployed people were using cell phone

34 The Mobility Forum AMC NEWS

First place finalist, TSgt Sharif R. Abouomar, Second place finalist, TSgt Brett M. Kiser, 521st Air Mobility Operations Headquarters AMC/A4, Scott AFB, IL Wing, Ramstein Air Base, Germany power banks that had a much greater threats in an extremely brief amount that are not visible to the naked eye, capacity than AA batteries. They of time using proper 3D printing keeping them at a safe distance. Moore came up with a 3D printed adaptor programs and reducing the cost of said that infrared cameras would so they could power their Phantom a $135 item to $1 to $2. Hamilton enable faster repair times and increase brand tactical lights off of these battery proposes to outfit mobility equipment aircraft availability. packs. Miller said, “Now it is a ‘set it packages with resources to 3D-scan and forget it setup,’” and they have and print recovered munitions and AMC opened an innovation campaign successfully field-tested it with C-130s calls for standardized and centralized that can be accessed at https://usaf. and C-17s. According to Miller, if they support to analyze and exploit this ideascalegov.com/ and is available 365 should mass produce, it would take new intelligence. “That agency would days a year. approximately $50,000 to $100,000 to then prepare new intelligence in a start up, or they could rely on in-house format that not only educates EOD expertise if the Air Force has the operators but also disseminates it in capability to 3D-print each team order. rapid fashion,” said Hamilton.

MSgt Jacob B. Hamilton, 19th Airlift SrA John T. Cuttito, 6th Air Mobility Wing, Little Rock AFB, AR, submitted Wing, McDill AFB, FL, presented the the idea of the “3D Printing Initiative: idea of “Infrared Thermography.” Pushing Explosive Ordinance Disposal Cuttito and SSgt James Moore (EOD) ‘Left of Boom.’” Hamilton said introduced the concept that uses to understand what “left of boom” thermal imaging technology to means we should think of a detonation quickly and effectively troubleshoot that is the result of an enemy action, problems and reliability issues on Air and there is a point on a timeline Force assets. Cuttito said there are where there is an effort being made to currently no tools to allow immediate get ahead of the detonation that equals diagnosis for troubleshooting aircraft getting “left of boom.” anomalies without first breaking into a system or a component, which can According to Hamilton, one of be a timely task for most maintainers. the newest threats are 3D-printed Cuttito showed a camera that can be munitions created by our adversaries, used to diagnose multiple problems Runner-up SSgt Timothy Miller, 821st Contingency Response Squadron, plugs in and there is no way to train on these within aircraft, automotive, and civil a power bank into a Phantom brand tactical highly expensive sudden munitions. engineering career fields, to include airfield lights at the 821st CRS building Nov. 14, There is a potential to cut the cost of looking at an image on the camera 2019, at Travis AFB, CA. live training and replicate the latest to see excessive heat and even leaks USAF photo by TSgt David W. Carbajal

Spring 2020 35 Loadmasters from the 36th Airlift Squadron secure packages for Operation Christmas Drop at Andersen AFB, Guam, Dec. 10, 2019. AMC NEWS USAF photo by SrA Ryan Brooks 515th Air Mobility Operations Wing Operation Christmas Drop 2019

BY THE 515th AIR MOBILITY OPERATIONS WING PUBLIC AFFAIRS

or the 68th straight year, the Air Force conducted its longest-running training operation and the world’s longest-running humanitarian airlift: Operation FChristmas Drop (OCD). Since 1987, for all but 3 years the program has been led by the 734th Air Mobility Squadron (AMS), Andersen Air Force Base, Guam.

In 1952, the 54th Weather Reconnaissance Squadron, flying over the Micronesian island of Kapingamarangi, saw islanders waving to them, and the crew gathered supplies they had lying around the plane, tied them to a parachute, and circled around to drop the cargo. In 2019, a record- Loadmasters of the 36th Airlift Squadron from Yokota AB, Japan, wave breaking 176 boxes carrying approximately 82,000 pounds to people of the Federated States of Micronesia below after delivering of goods were delivered to 55 islands by air. Overall, an humanitarian aid during Operation Christmas Drop, Dec. 10, 2019. estimated 1.2 million pounds of goods have been delivered to the Micronesian islands, including non-perishable food, hand tools, fishing supplies, school supplies, clothes, Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Bangladesh, Malaysia, hygiene products, coolers, toys, and first aid kits. Mongolia, the Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand. The volunteers participated in box buildups, in which they During the multi-week operation, volunteers came together secured the donations to a pallet before parachutes were from the 734 AMS, 515th Air Mobility Operations Wing, added in preparation for the drop. The operation also gives 374th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, and the 44th Aerial troops the chance to practice humanitarian relief operations, Port Squadron, along with partner nations, including and it gives pilots of the C-130J Super Hercules, of both local

36 The Mobility Forum AMC NEWS

and foreign partner air crews, the avenue to practice low- that I would like to highlight: TSgt Michael Duncan, the Vice altitude flight training and cargo drops. President; MSgt John Paul Diaz, Solicitations Lead; and TSgt Dean Atwa, the Facility Manager. Without the hard work This year’s president, SMSgt Brandon Peterson, 734 AMS and dedication of those three, I would have been up the Aircraft Maintenance Unit superintendent, was tied to creek. They did the work; I was just the face.” OCD well before he knew he would be the president. In the mid-1980s his grandparents were assigned to Andersen Operation Christmas Drop was a huge success, and with AFB, and his grandfather, retired SMSgt Gary Schersching, the release of a Netflix movie next fall, expectations are volunteered his time to the effort. When the opportunity high for years to come that the event is going to continue to arose for a president to volunteer this year, Peterson jumped grow and break records. at the chance.

“I am proud to have had the opportunity to follow in my family’s legacy and carry the OCD torch, especially with such a record-breaking year,” said Peterson. “I am excited to see what the 70th anniversary will bring.”

Two years from now will be OCD’s 70th anniversary, but that is not the only reason Peterson is excited to see what it will bring. This year, Netflix was on the island filming an Operation Christmas Drop movie that is scheduled to be released next fall to help with the fundraising efforts that coincide with the 2021 OCD 70th anniversary. One of the biggest roles as president is to ensure the success of the next year’s operation, as all fundraising is done to support the following year’s drop. Peterson says he hopes to see another record-breaking year in 2020 to continue helping some of the A festive and light-hearted moment is shared between 1st Lt Patrick most remote people and places on the planet. French, Copilot, and Capt David Fox, Aircraft Commander, 36th Airlift Squadron, Yokota AB, Japan, in the cockpit of a C-130J Super Hercules during Operation Christmas Drop. OCD became a private organization in 1982 that relies solely on volunteers for logistical support. It has its own constitution and by-laws that operate in accordance with Air Force instructions and is governed by Department of Defense joint ethics regulations.

Peterson had to continue his regular work duties as superintendent, leaving work for OCD to be done primarily in the evenings and on weekends. He said he spent many restless nights creating and going over checklists that needed to get done from one event to another.

“The team and I would put in many hours after work and on the weekends,” said Peterson. “Whether it was for the movie, sorting the monthly donations, working a fundraiser, or coordinating something else … it was a busy year!”

When asked if there was anything else he would like to add, Peterson did not hesitate for a second to mention the people around him. Parachuted packages descend from the back of a C-130J Super Hercules to the Federated Sates of Micronesia below during Operation Christmas “I really could not have done any of this without my team,” Drop, Dec. 10, 2019. exclaimed Peterson. “There are three specific individuals USAF photos by SrA Ryan Brooks

Spring 2020 37 MISHAP-FREE FLYING HOUR MILESTONES

6,500 HOURS Maj Kevin W. Brooks Maj Justin J. Brozzetti 6 AS, JB McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, NJ SMSgt Aaron W. Mays Maj Brad P. Holt MSgt Mark R. Hafer 165 Airlift Wing Maj Trevor N. Kauffeld 165 AW, Savannah ANGB, GA Savannah ANGB, GA Maj Jeremy D. McNatt Lt Col Bradley R. Moore 0,000 Hours Maj Jon A. Oswald 5,000 HOURS Maj Michael D. Peterson Maj William J. Pringle 6 AS, JB McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, NJ Maj James M. Salazar SMSgt Joshua D. Pogue 165 AW, Savannah ANGB, GA Capt Chase B. Bradley MSgt Kevin R. Blum-Schumacher Col James P. Marren (Ret.) Capt Scott M. Bradley MSgt Christopher L. Worthy Lt Col Brian S. Bowen Capt Joshua D. Rehder TSgt Justin L. Triola Lt Col Anthony M. Cianciolo Capt Christopher M. Stevens 65 AS, JB Pearl Harbor-Hickam, HI Lt Col James W Edenfield MSgt Collin J. Cenci Lt Col Neil R. Senkowski Lt Col Timothy D. John MSgt Jose H. Cruz Lt Col Stevie E. Rushing 165 AW, Savannah ANGB, GA MSgt Daniel L. Gagne Lt Col Michael M. Gesser 2,500 HOURS TSgt Vincent P. Fontana TSgt Tyler M. Hertzog 3,500 HOURS 6 AS, JB McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, NJ TSgt Jamie D. Widrig Col Marc E. Greene 6 AS, JB McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, NJ SSgt Michael G. Dunlap Lt Col Nathan D. Bump Lt Col Eric A. Kut SSgt Todd A. Hanggeli Maj Trevor N. Kauffeld Lt Col Matthew Cooper Maj Kyle E. McCurley Lt Col Shane D. Hughes 165 AW, Savannah ANGB, GA Maj Kevin B. Montes Lt Col Jonathan H. Magill Maj Danny M. Barton Maj Allin Oberlin Lt Col Christopher R. Ott Maj Henry H. Brumby Maj Michael S. Winters Lt Col Andrew J. Stewart MSgt Sandra L. Morrow Brown CMSgt Saleem Muncey Maj Mark R. Amos MSgt Delton A. Johnson MSgt Kyle J. Roen Maj Nicholaus J. Bente SrA Aaron M. Hayes

TO SUBMIT MISHAP-FREE FLYING HOUR MILESTONES: Send your request to: [email protected] HQ AMC/SEE, 618.229.0927 (DSN 779) Please submit as shown in the listings above (first name, last name, sorted alphabetically within rank).

38 The Mobility Forum QUICKSTOPPERS In a Decade of OpsRAMS, BY MR. KEVIN SLUSS, CSP, Mishaps are Reduced Significantly HQ AMC FLIGHT SAFETY

ince Air Mobility Command (AMC) launched helps produce results such as reduced major mishaps. OpsRAMS (Operations Risk Assessment Management Your safety and OpsRAMS staff prefer tracking down SSystem) in 2010, AMC has experienced a 60 percent answers to ASAPs or working recommendations from reduction in major aviation mishaps (see chart below). a LOSA rather than working the aftermath of a downed Executing the major programs of OpsRAMS requires or damaged aircraft or injured personnel. Invitations constant effort from aircrews and the staff to educate new go to all wings and Major Commands for participation aviators and follow through on initiatives. From every in our monthly working groups and the quarterly ASAP (Airmen Safety Action Program) report, to military Trend Review Action Committee chaired by the AMC FOQA (Flight Operations Quality Assurance) analysis, Deputy Commander. Repeated vigilance from aircrews, to AvORM (Aviation Operations Risk Management) maintainers, and support personnel produces results. Help assessments and LOSA (Line Observation Safety Audit) us continue these processes to lower mishaps even further observations and recommendations, the cumulative effort in the next decade.

AMC Major Aviation Mishaps by Fiscal Year 20 19 18 18

16 14 14 14 13 13 12 12 11 10 10 9 8 8 7 6 6 6 5 5 5 4 4 3

2 1

0

2011 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019

131 Major Mishaps FY 2000-2009 OpsRAMS  60% reduction (79 fewer in the decade) Mishaps with Damage $500,000 AMC Accountable ≥

U.S. GOVERNMENT PUBLISHING OFFICE: 2020-745-102/10019. For sale by the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Publishing Office. Spring 2020 39 Internet: bookstore.gpo.gov Phone: toll free (866) 512-1800; DC area (202) 512-1800 Fax: (202) 512-2104 Mail: Stop IDCC, Washington, DC 20402-0001 A DAY IN THE LIFE

SrA Michael Madeira, 7th Security Forces Squadron military working dog (MWD) handler, and MWD Fix, take a break at , TX, Jan. 21, 2020. MWDs have a diet designed for their strict training regimen, but treats are authorized.

USAF photo by SrA River Bruce