Odf 2015–16 Stats
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ODF 2015–16 STATS 5.1 Million Pounds OF CARGO TRANsPORTED 3,820 PASSENGERS MOVED 320 MISSIONS COMPLETE 152 INTER–CONTINENTAL SORTIES 2,511 FLIGHT HOURS Commander’s Corner Mission execution continues By Lt. Col. Christian Sander Most of our Wing Aircrew Flight Equipment and 109th Operations Group Commander personnel know that Intel, perform strong Polar we are the only LC- support functions that require reetings from the 130 equipped unit. However specialized training and focus 109th Operations what is not commonly known is that no other AFE or Intel shop Group and happy G the level of detailed, behind the can provide. summer of 2016 to all of us. I scenes, planning that makes LC- On top of all that, the Arctic am hoping for a fantastic warm- 130 mission execution look easy. continues to grow in geopolitical weather season for both personal To plan for our unique missions, importance and there is renewed and professional reasons. Today the 109th OSS has special DOD interest in Arctic military as I sit here contemplating File Photo planning shops not found in mission sets that only the LC-130 what to write, I am compelled other C-130 units. Our Antarctic can provide. This is why we have coded aircraft and a significant to convey to you what a Operations and Greenland Shops been participating in Canada’s increase in Polar activity. The tremendous honor it is to be respectively do significant Operation Nunalivut for the implementation of this plan selected as the 109th Operations coordination with the National past three years; to showcase to continues to evolve, but the Group commander. I greatly Science Foundation, civilian the DOD the ability to provide goals and objective have created appreciate the opportunity; it is contractors and Department of tactical airlift reach into the a clear path for the future of the truly the greatest honor of my Defense organizations to develop Arctic. Flawless execution of unit. Already we have put the professional life…. and here the Air Tasking Orders and this planning is on display every plan into action in getting all of is why: detailed flying schedules. They, season and practically all year our new full-time aircrews fully As part of the 109th Airlift along with Polar Plans often round with nearly zero dwell qualified in Polar Airdrop. We Wing, the 109th Operations represent the Wing to coordinate time. Just take a look at this accomplished this during the Group (OG) is by far, the most detailed logistics requirements year’s Nunalivut 2016 (NU16) highly successful Airdrop Rodeo complete Air Force Operational such as facilities, lodging, exercise where an eight-person the week of May 14. Extensive package in the Air Force. Our communications support, etc., Maintenance’s SCT (Skiway planning by our training people plan, negotiate, refine and to ensure a successful and Construction Team) and Ops’ department and outstanding execute missions like no other seamless Operation Deep Freeze SLACO (Skiway Landing support by the Maintenance Air Force Wing on the planet. deployment. Furthermore, our Area Certifying Officer) team Group and Mission Support We take planning to a greater one-of-a-kind Polar Tactics established 5,000 ft. sea-ice Group made this week a success than MAJCOM level, primarily shop single-handedly develops ski landing zone at Polaris resulting in 19 of 20 flights flown, because of being the only ski- specialized tactics, techniques, Bay in the remote Canadian 24 students trained with nearly 30 equipped heavy lift capable unit and procedures needed to safely arctic. Eleven operational LC- actual airdrops. in the military as well as the operate in remote polar locations. 130 landings were conducted However, most would agree lead Aeromedical Evacuation This includes coordinating and transporting 92,000 pounds that Antarctica’s ODF mission Squadron in the Air National analyzing satellite imagery of cargo and validating the execution is the mainstay of Guard. Our mission designs of proposed landing sites to bilateral cooperation with allied the Airlift Squadron and the are fiscally efficient in costs/ evaluate surface conditions; partners to support NORAD/ ODF 15-16 season was executed people, highly comprehensive developing poor weather arrival NORTHCOM. All logistics, air phenomenally! This Antarctic and are consistently executed in and departure procedures to mission planning and waivers season was highly successful a flawless manner. “Really?” Am avoid terrain; and publishing the of “normal” procedures were despite a record number of I saying that we are the best in the flying products aircrews need conceived, developed and weather cancels. The 139th AS whole Air Force?? Yes!! Here to safely execute their assigned coordinated by our own 109th transported 5.1 million pounds are a few examples from just the missions. This is important OSS personnel. of cargo and 3,820 passengers last six months as to why we are because there is no higher 139th Airlift Squadron (AS) (MOST EVER) with 320 “The Best.” headquarters to provide these Some may think of the 139th missions, 152 inter-continental 109th Operations Support needed services. Virtually all AS as the execution branch of sorties (MOST EVER) and 2,511 Squadron (OSS) planning is done “in-house” with the Wing and OSS, however flight hours. We were required, The 109th OSS mission is an attention to detail and zero the flying Squadron was a key for the second time in three to provide specialized support fail focus on safety and mission planner to Operation’s new seasons, to accomplish ODF’s to the 139th Airlift Squadron accomplishment seldom found strategic plan. The key impetus end of season close out when and 109th Operations Group to in other flying organizations. to the change was the two tail meet 109th AW mission goals. The other OSS shops, such as reduction in wheeled combat- See 109th OG, page 4 2 The Skibird 109th Airlift Wing The Skibird SPRING/SUMMER 2016 VOLUME 52, NO. 1 Commander Col. Shawn Clouthier Inside Vice Commander Col. Alan Ross Leadership Command Chief German assumes duties as TAG Page 6 Chief Master Sgt. Amy Giaquinto Rice assumes helm as Air Guard director Page 7 The Zautner takes command of MDG Page 8 SkibirdSpring/Summer 2016 Volume 52, No. 1 Mission Talk Public Affairs Staff 109th AW wraps up Antarctic support Page 9 Maj. Anthony Bucci Chief of Public Affairs Airmen take on mission at South Pole Page 10 Master Sgt. William Gizara 109th AW aids Australian researchers Page 11 Public Affairs Manager / Photojournalist Master Sgt. Christine Wood Airmen build ski-way in High Arctic Page 12 Broadcast Journalist Tech. Sgt. Jason Cooper Broadcast Journalist Readiness Tech. Sgt. Catharine Schmidt Editor, The Skibird / Photojournalist Firefighters complete live fire training Page 14 Staff Sgt. Benjamin German Base hosts CODE RED training Page 15 Photojournalist Senior Airman Jamie Spaulding Broadcast Journalist Citizen Airmen The Skibird Firefighter coaches youth rowing club Page 16 1 ANG Road, Scotia, NY 12302-9752; PHONE: (518) 344-2423/2396 Airmen come to aid of civilians Page 18 DSN: 344-2423/2396 EMAIL: [email protected] Airman works as NYS corrections officer Page 19 This funded Air Force publication is an authorized publication for members of the U.S. Military services. Page 20 Contents of The Skibird are not necessarily the official Airman of the Year view of, or endorsed by, the U.S. Government, the Department of Defense or the Department of the Air History Page 21 Force. The editorial content is edited, prepared, and provided by the Public Affairs Office of the 109th Airlift Wing. In the Community Pages 22-24 All photographs are Air Force photographs unless otherwise indicated. DEADLINE NOTICE: All items for The Skibird must Chaplain’s Corner Page 25 be received in the Public Affairs Office no later than the Saturday of May and November UTAs. Address changes Recruiting Pages 26-29 for individuals not in the 109AW should be directed to: 109AW/PA, 1 Air National Guard Road, Scotia, New York 12302-9752 or by phone at (518) 344-2423/2396 Spotlight Pages 30-31 or DSN: 344-2423/2396. On the cover: An overview of the South Pole Station. Read coverage on this year’s ODF season on Page 9 (Courtesy Photo /139th Airlift Squadron) Spring/Summer 2016 3 Command Chief Notes Airmen go above and beyond By Chief Master Sgt. Amy Giaquinto well as a better version of those around us. 109th AW Command Chief These are “people skills” that determine the health of our daily relations (at work and s Guard Airmen the roles and at home). statuses we serve in differ from We are extremely fortunate to have PACE Athose of the active component come here and provide this invaluable yet we maintain the same readiness and training. This course will be offered June are evaluated to the same standards. 20 for master sergeants through chief master Whether federal, state, or civilian status, sergeants and June 21 for officers. Please the Air National Guard will foster career see me if you are interested in attending and development plans for Guard Airmen haven’t already signed up. to ensure their deliberate professional The 109th is always in a state of constant development in both military and civilian improvement. In all that we do, whether careers. attending a course, deployed or performing Here at the 109th we have been doing just a UTA, our appearance and military bearing that through the Airmen Development and are key to our success. Let’s strive not to be Leadership Development Courses, staff rides, complacent about our appearance. As an student flight cadre rotations and additional Air Guard unit it can be easy to stray away File Photo duty First Sergeants to name a few.