PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID TULLAHOMA TN Vol. 65, No. 16 Arnold AFB, Tenn. PERMIT NO. 29 August 20, 2018 Pawlikowski tenure marked by effectiveness, Air Force readiness

By Marisa Alia-Novobilski Air Force Materiel Command

WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio – It’s the little things that our command does every day that enable the Air Force to be effective, and it’s so important that our Airmen fully appreciate their impact, said Air Force Gen. Ellen M. Pawlikowski, as she reflected on her three years at the helm of Air Force Materiel Command and read- ies to retire from 40 years of Air Force service this September. “We don’t fly airplanes, and we don’t drop the bombs, but we make sure the airplanes can fly, and that the bombs are reliable, and their radars work,” she said. “AFMC Airmen need to understand that what they do is important. They literally hold in their hands the health and the safety of our Airmen.” Pawlikowski took command of AFMC in 2015 during a time when the Air Force was highly focused on efficien- cy and cost consciousness, punctuating years of sequestration and resource re- duction across the military fiscal domain. The command had just experienced a 33 percent reduction in headquarters staff, and across the board, said Pawlikowski, everything drove toward maintaining the bottom line. Gen. Ellen M. Pawlikowski, Air Force Materiel Command commander, greets well-wishers, Aug. 7 on the Wright-Pat- terson Air Force Base, Ohio, flight line following her fini flight. Pawlikowski relinquished command Aug. 8 prior to her See PAWLIKOWSKI, page 2 retirement this September. (U.S. Air Force photo by R.J. Oriez) Roessig quickly adjusting to role as AEDC Test Operations Division chief

By Bradley Hicks AEDC Public Affairs

Col. Keith Roessig admits he is still settling in and finding his bearings, but the new chief of the AEDC Test Operations Division is impressed by what he has seen of Arnold Air Force Base thus far. “It’s an exciting place to be, with the history and the mission that goes on here, and an exciting time in things that the nation is prioritizing, Arnold is going to play a key role in terms of space tests and hypersonics, nuclear deterrents, and modernization programs,” he said. “Ar- nold will have a key role in shaping all of that.” Roessig officially assumed his role as chief of the Test Operations Division at Arnold AFB during a July 12 Change of Leadership ceremony. In this capacity, Roessig is responsible for the orchestration of test op- erations across AEDC, including the more than 40 aero- space test facilities located at Arnold, the Hyperveloc- ity Wind Tunnel 9 located in White Oak, Maryland, the National Full-Scale Aerodynamics Complex at Moffett Field, California, the McKinley Climatic Laboratory at Eglin Air Force Base in Florida, and the Intercontinental Ballistic Missile Combined Test Force, or ICBM CTF, Col. Keith M. Roessig, center, becomes chief of the AEDC Test Operations Division during a Change of recently stood up at Hill Air Force Base, Utah. Leadership Ceremony July 12 in the J-6 Large Rocket Motor Test Facility at Arnold Air Force Base. AEDC He is also the program manager for the Test Opera- Commander Col. Scott Cain (left) passes the Test Operations Division guidon to Roessig as Senior Master Sgt. Michael D. Roberts looks on. (U.S. Air Force photo by Rick Goodfriend) tions and Sustainment contract for AEDC. Roessig grew up primarily on the West Coast, at- fornia, Davis. bachelor’s degree in 1993. He completed an educa- tending grade school and college in California and ju- “I’ve just always been interested in math and sci- tional delay program to earn his master’s in aeronauti- nior high and high school in Oregon. Roessig’s father ence, so engineering was kind of a nice fit,” he said. “I cal engineering from the University of Notre Dame in was a pilot in the U.S. Navy, so he grew up with an af- never really questioned it, and I’ve always been inter- 1997 and doctorate in the same area the following year. finity for aircraft. This, coupled with a lifelong interest ested in aircraft.” Afterwards, Roessig was given his first Air Force in math and science, led Roessig to pursue a degree in Roessig participated in the ROTC program at the university and entered the Air Force after receiving his aeronautical engineering from the University of Cali- See ROESSIG, page 2 Ground Test University bridging the knowledge gap for AEDC personnel

By Bradley Hicks coursework. seen as a way to ensure this knowledge is not lost, but AEDC Public Affairs Julius Lockett, a systems engineer in the Engine Test rather imparted upon younger, less experienced em- Facility who has been a GTU instructor since the incep- ployees. Ground Test University was set up to basically AEDC Ground Test University has been back in tion of its current configuration, said “GTU is all about be a knowledge swap. As you know, you have an ag- session at Arnold Air Force Base for the better part of the sharing of knowledge.” ing workforce here at Arnold Air Force Base. Through a year, and the hopes are that newer members of the “More and more, people are leaving the workforce, workforce and their more experienced colleagues who often taking the knowledge they have gained through See AEDC PERSONNEL, page 3 have taken on new roles will reap the benefits of the their experience with them,” Lockett said. “GTU is

Arnold personnel now able to charge electronics “Area students take flight after completing Fly at Technical Library charging station to Learn Program …Page 3 …Page 4 2 • August 20, 2018

PAWLIKOWSKI from page 1 Arnold “It was a time of dra- ing incentives were estab- command. We were asking successes, AFMC also sur- day missions. matic change in a com- lished to recruit the next our centers, who had spent passed the $2 billion a year In fact, Pawlikowski Air Force mand that was truly feel- generation of Air Force years monitoring costs cost savings and avoidance considers her greatest per- Base ing the impact of things scientists, engineers and and activity to address im- goal outlined in the com- sonal career accomplish- going on in the Air Force. acquisition professionals, mediate needs, to surge mand strategic plan under ment the demonstration of Everything we did was fo- ensuring the Air Force has and rapidly develop new Pawlikowski’s direction. “First Light” on the Air- cused on efficiency, and the depth of talent required capabilities much faster Meeting this goal dem- borne High Energy Laser, while we developed some to meet warfighter demand to support full spectrum onstrated the command’s which required overcom- great processes during that needs for years to come. operations. Our Airmen ability to focus on readi- ing numerous technologi- time, they were all focused The drive toward agil- were able to practice de- ness and lethality, while cal, financial and political on how much could be ity during Pawlikowski’s ploying while our centers driving cost consciousness challenges, similar to those squeezed out of each dol- command is evidenced demonstrated their ability into each capability it pro- faced by AFMC engineers lar,” said Pawlikowski. by AFMC-led innovation to surge in everything they vides. and researchers today. Col. Scott Cain “We needed to focus on practices across the Air do, from accelerating new As Pawlikowski com- “This was the stuff of Commander effectiveness, because we Force. Leveraging emerg- technology at the research pletes a successful tenure science fiction, but it also Jason Austin had become slaves of the ing technologies such as lab to fielding new -air at AFMC, she is also cul- taught me leadership les- Chief, process.” additive manufacturing, field damage repair parts. minating a 40-year Air sons that I carried through Public Affairs To ensure the Air Force hypersonics, directed en- I was extremely proud of Force career. my career and the long- would be ready and pre- ergy, artificial intelligence our successes during this She entered the Air term implications of de- pared for the near peer and agile software devel- event,” she said. Force in 1978 through the cision-making,” she said. adversaries of 2030 and opment, and by establish- AFMC reorganization Reserve Officers’ Training “I also learned the value Cynthia Rivera today, Pawlikowski asked ing technology innovation also helped to enhance the Corps program at the New of and gained a strong ap- General Manager, AFMC staff to find ways centers near Air Logistics cost effectiveness and sup- Jersey Institute of Technol- preciation for our civilian National Aerospace to be more responsive to Centers, broad expertise port provided to the Air ogy, where she graduated Airmen and how important Solutions Air Force needs and to not from across the enterprise Force during Pawlikows- with a degree in chemical they are to the long-term High Mach Staff: be a source of slowing the can be exploited to meet ki’s command. In addition engineering. Pawlikowski viability of the Air Force.” Kathy Gattis, Air Force down. current and future Air to a number of internal de- earned her doctoral degree As Pawlikowski brings NAS Executive Editor “The overall objective Force sustainment needs. partmental consolidations in the discipline from the a lifetime of service to a I gave the command was “To support the full at the headquarters level, University of California at close, she takes with her Raquel March, NAS Editor that first we had to im- spectrum readiness our organizational change oc- Berkeley before entering a plethora of memories of High Mach is published by prove agility. Second, we Air Force needs, AFMC curred across the field. active duty at McClellan the people and missions in Lakeway Publishers, Inc. a pri- needed to provide cost- has to be out in front when The Air Force Instal- Air Force Base, California, which she feels privileged vate firm in no way connected conscious, agile, war-win- it comes to adapting and lation and Mission Sup- in April 1982. to take part. Though she with the U.S. Air Force, Arnold ning capabilities to the Air fielding new technologies. port Center became fully Pawlikowski has plans to shift focus to her Air Force Base, Arnold Engi- neering Development Complex Force. But, third, we had We need to find ways to operational, providing the served in a number of sci- family, she also plans to (AEDC) or National Aerospace to be more innovative and change things in our exist- Air Force with centralized ence and technology lead- continue her professional Solutions (NAS), under exclu- proactive in how we went ing weapons systems so management, resourcing ership positions across career in some capacity, sive written contract with NAS about doing that,” she said. that they are integrated and and combat support capa- the Air Force, including because, as she says, “I at Arnold AFB, Tenn., 37389. Everything advertised in It was this forward- overcome the stovepipes bilities for 77 installations, positions such as Program have a brain that doesn’t this publication will be made leaning focus that enabled that exist to make this hap- nine major commands and Director of the Airborne stop.” available for purchase, use the command to achieve pen,” she said. two direct reporting units Laser Program; Air Force As for advice to the or patronage without regard a marked number of suc- During Pawlikowski’s located across the globe. Research Laboratory com- next generation of Airmen, to race, color, religion, sex, cesses during Pawlikows- tenure, AFMC held its The Air Force Nuclear mander; and Space and she circles back to that national origin, age, marital sta- GTU, we’re basically transferring a lot of the informa- tus, physical handicap, political ki’s tenure. first command-wide readi- Weapons Center was es- Missile Systems Center same advice given to her affiliation or any other non- More than 12,500 ness exercise in January tablished as the nuclear commander; among oth- by her mother on the firsttion that the younger engineers are going to require.” merit factor of the purchaser, AFMC civilian employees 2018— Agile Warrior— materiel manager for the ers. day of kindergarten. GTU was started several years ago to provide ac- user or patron. transitioned to the Acqui- where agility and pre- Air Force nuclear enter- As only the third female “Just do the best jobcelerated training to new hires and technical staff. The The High Mach office is program was resurrected in an effort to ensure the con- located at 100 Kindel Drive, sition Workforce Demon- paredness were put to the prise. to become a four-star gen- you can, no matter what Suite A236, Arnold AFB, Tenn. stration Project personnel test, highlighting the com- The creation of the eral in the Air Force and the job is. At the end of thetinued sharing of information and know-how. 37389-1236. Editorial content system in 2016, directly mand’s ability to support a Strategic Development a trailblazer for women in day, if nothing goes right, The program is not just open to engineers. Systems is edited and prepared by NAS. impacting talent retention full spectrum operation. It Planning and Experimen- the science and engineer- you can at least look in theand Plant Operations personnel, planners and schedulers Deadline for copy is Wednes- and craft supervisors are among those who also take part day at close of business one through expanded oppor- exemplified the deep tech- tation Office has helped ing field, it is fitting that mirror and say, ‘I did the week before publication. tunities for leadership and nological skill and exper- refine the command’s ac- her final leadership posi- best I could,’” she stated.in the courses. This commercial enterprise development, and increas- tise inherent in the com- quisition focus to be opti- tion brought her back to a “You can never fully ap- There are some non-engineering new hires currently newspaper is an allowable ing a focus on performance mand. mized for speed, adapta- command where science preciate the impact of whatparticipating in GTU, but the classes are typically made NAS contractor publication up of a combination of employees who have been at Ar- for personnel at Arnold AFB. based on direct contribu- “This was an extreme- tion and continued change. and engineering play such you do today in years to The content of High Mach tions to mission. New hir- ly important time for our Through all of these a strong role in the day-to- come.” nold AFB for fewer than two years and more-tenured does not necessarily reflect the employees who may have changed mission areas and views of the Air Force, Arnold ROESSIG from page 1 have worked in their current posts for only a short time. AFB, AEDC or NAS. The ap- GTU participants are brought up to speed on how pearance of advertising in this assignment in the Air Force Massachusetts Institute of things out more quickly ues to place an emphasis on Roessig said AEDC must to utilize systems and software with which they regu- publication does not constitute Research Laboratory Mu- Technology System Design to the warfighter,” he said. greater speeds. also take advantage of poten-larly interact, such as the Computerized Maintenance endorsement of the products nitions Directorate at Eg- & Management program, “There’s a number of ways “Whether that’s using tial growth in several areas, or services advertised by the Management System, and are provided more detailed Department of Defense, the lin AFB. He subsequently Roessig returned to the Joint that can go and how it affects more modeling and simula- including hypersonics, spaceinformation on how to execute the processes they are Department of the Air Force, served as an exchange of- Strike Fighter program in Arnold, but I think our role tion to reduce the actual test and the ICBM CTF. expected to complete. Arnold AFB, AEDC, NAS or ficer in Germany before be- August 2015 as the Interna- will become much more im- time, whether it be in a wind “There are opportunities Lakeway Publishers, Inc. “I think the end goal is to eventually have the pro- ing competitively selected tional Airworthiness Lead at portant to get as much data tunnel or space facilities, it to really make a huge impactgram in such a way that anybody can teach it and take it For general information for the Air Force Test Pilot the F-35 Joint Program Of- as we can to make the right will be important for us to do on where the Air Force needsas they see fit,” Lockett said. about High Mach, call (931) School at Edwards Air Force fice in Arlington, Virginia. programmatic decisions.” is to be able to adapt to the to go to complete its mission, 454-5655 or visit www. “If somebody needs a refresher in how to access or arnold.af.mil. Base, California. After be- While there, he deployed to Roessig added that pressures that the program so those are going to be the operate the drawing system or look at Matrix or look at coming a test flight engineer, Afghanistan in support of AEDC must also look to in- offices are under while still focus, expanding those new Use High Mach to market Synergen or look at basic plant equipment or test cell your products and servic- Roessig was assigned to the Operation Resolute Support. crease flexibility and adapt maintaining our technical areas while modernizing theequipment, they will be able to pull up the presentation es. Contact Renee at 931- 46th Test Squadron at Eglin Roessig’s position prior test methods to acquire infor- adequacy and competence aging infrastructure we doat their desk and view it at their own pace,” said Bernie 455-4545 or tnadvmgr@ AFB. He was later competi- to coming to Arnold was mation that helps programs in the data that we generate have,” Roessig said. “Those lcs.net. Williamson, a test operations engineer who leads GTU tively selected to become a deputy director for engineer- make the best possible deci- so that it’s something that we will be the critical things tocourses alongside Lockett. political affairs strategist and ing for the Air Force Life sions as the Air Force contin- have trust in,” he said. balance moving forward.” Williamson added “GTU is not designed to serve attended the Naval Postgrad- Cycle Management Center. as in-depth training, job-specific training or to replace uate School in Monterey, Roessig’s education and Quals.” California. experience has taken him “Basically we’re formalizing the on-the-job training Following his gradua- all over the country and the that we were already doing,” he said. “We’re just for- tion, Roessig became direc- world, but a visit the month malizing it to fit it into a standardized format.” tor of test operations for the before the Change of Lead- Both Williamson and Lockett said GTU acts to F-35 Integrated Test Force ership ceremony marked his “bridge the gap” between job-specific training and the Core Values at Edwards AFB where he first visit to Arnold. While knowledge of processes and systems obtained through • Integrity first led a team of more than he said he is not one to make experience. • Service before self 100 members in conduct- changes immediately upon “A guy walks in off the street, he’s not familiar with • Excellence in all ing development flight test arrival, Roessig has devel- our processes. This is to help that guy get caught up on we do for the Joint Strike Fighter. oped some goals in his short our processes,” Lockett said. In June 2012, Roessig took time at Arnold. Williamson added it is easy for employees to become over as commander of the “There’s obviously some 846th Test Squadron at Hol- infrastructure upgrades that loman Air Force Base, New need to happen, and I think Vision Mexico. there’s a lot of moderniza- “NAS will be integral to the Upon completing Senior tion that can happen as the success of AEDC, the U. S. Air Force’s premier aerospace testing Development Training as Air Force is being pushed facilities, while applying the highest standards of ethics, innovation, an Air Force Fellow in the to go faster, prototype, get safety, security, and quality to daily operations.” Values • Ethics. We are uncompromising in our Smoking Policy Action Line integrity, honesty, and fairness. • Safety & Health. We are relentless in keeping people safe from harm, and 1. The following revised Arnold AFB smoking policy is effective immediately and applies to all individuals on Team AEDC we provide a safe and healthy work Arnold AFB. I believe in free and open communications environment. 2. Traditional Tobacco products (e.g. cigars and cigarettes): with our Team AEDC employees, and that’s • Security. We are disciplined and vigilant a. Smoking is permitted solely in Designated Tobacco Areas (DTAs) identified by designated signage. If no why we have the Action Line available. in protecting sensitive AEDC information signage exists, smoking is not permitted in that area. It is the responsibility of all smokers to keep DTAs and ensuring system integrity to support People can use the Action Line to clear national security and our customers. clean of cigarette butts. • Excellence. We thrive on challenge, b. Tobacco use on the Arnold AFB Golf Course is permitted, but discouraged based on the health hazards up rumors, ask questions, suggest ideas accomplishment, and mission success. of tobacco use and secondhand smoke. No smoking is permitted within 50 feet of golf course buildings on improvements, enter complaints or • Quality. We are passionate about doing except in the approved DTA. get other issues off their chests. They our work right the first time. • People. We have a mission-focused, c. Smoking in government-owned/leased vehicles is strictly prohibited. Personnel are allowed to smoke in their can access the Action Line via the AEDC inclusive workforce who have a diverse personal vehicles at any time; however, at no time will personnel discard cigarette butts outside their vehicle. intranet home page and by calling 454-6000. skill set, are committed to success, d. For government employees, the fact that a person smokes has no bearing on the number of breaks they Although the Action Line is always demonstrate innovation and have a can may take. Breaks should be taken in accordance with the current supervisory and personnel policies that do attitude. available, the best and fastest way to get afford all employees the same break opportunities consistent with good work practices and accomplish- • Culture. Our team is proud of our diver- things resolved is by using your chain of sity, inclusiveness, and collaborative work ment of the mission. environment. We are proud of what we do 3. Smokeless Tobacco products (e.g. snuff and dip): command or by contacting the organization and how we do it. Smokeless tobacco products are not to be restricted to DTAs. Smokeless tobacco use will be permitted in all directly involved. I encourage everyone to • Relationships. We build positive, long- go that route first, then if the situation isn’t term business relationships through trust, workplace areas (inside and out) subject to reasonable safety and sanitary conditions. Specifically, containers respect, and collaboration. of tobacco waste product, including sealed containers, must not be left unattended or disposed of in trash made right, give us a chance. • Innovation. We overcome challenges receptacles. Users of smokeless tobacco must flush tobacco waste down the toilet. through creativity, perseverance, technol- 4. Electronic Cigarettes (also known as “e-cigs”): Col. Scott Cain ogy, and flexibility. We actively seek to Pursuant to Air Force Instruction (AFI) 40-102, Tobacco Free Living, e-cigs are considered to be equivalent to continually improve. AEDC Commander • Sustainability. We plan and act for the tobacco products; however, e-cigs are not restricted to DTAs and are allowed to be used outdoors at a minimum long term benefit of our communities and distance of 25 feet from building entry/egress points. (This policy is dated July 27, 2016) our environment. August 20, 2018 • 3 Arnold personnel now able to charge electronics at Technical Library charging station By Deidre Ortiz AEDC Public Affairs

The AEDC Technical Library at Ar- nold Air Force Base has a new charging station provided by Air Force Libraries featuring 10 lockers, which will enable AEDC team members to securely charge their electronic devices. Each of the lockers has three cords that are compatible with most Apple or Android phones or tablets. There is also an outlet in the lockers for charging lap- tops. Those who take advantage of the charging station can also do so without fear that someone will take their device. By following the instructions found on the charging station, a code can be set to lock the stall until the owner of the device returns to retrieve it. Jean Frantz, librarian at the AEDC Technical Library, located in the Ad- ministrative and Engineering Building, Building 100, invites anyone interested in using the charging station to come to the library for a demonstration. “Your device doesn’t have to be gov- ernment or company-issued,” she said. “People can feel free to charge their per- Andrea Hanna follows the instructions provided on the charging station regarding how to lock a stall to secure a device sonal devices. Every Air Force library is while charging. The charging station was recently made available at the AEDC Technical Library through funding from getting one of these and I hope we get a the Air Force Libraries. The AEDC Technical Library is located in Building 100, at Arnold Air Force Base. (U.S. Air Force lot of use of the charging station at Ar- photo by Deidre Ortiz) nold.”

AEDC PERSONNEL from page 1 GTU, we’re basically transferring a lot of the informa- tion that the younger engineers are going to require.” GTU was started several years ago to provide ac- celerated training to new hires and technical staff. The program was resurrected in an effort to ensure the con- tinued sharing of information and know-how. The program is not just open to engineers. Systems and Plant Operations personnel, planners and schedulers and craft supervisors are among those who also take part in the courses. There are some non-engineering new hires currently participating in GTU, but the classes are typically made up of a combination of employees who have been at Ar- nold AFB for fewer than two years and more-tenured employees who may have changed mission areas and have worked in their current posts for only a short time. GTU participants are brought up to speed on how to utilize systems and software with which they regu- larly interact, such as the Computerized Maintenance Management System, and are provided more detailed information on how to execute the processes they are expected to complete. “I think the end goal is to eventually have the pro- Julius Lockett, a systems engineer in the Engine Test Facility, leads a recent Ground Test University gram in such a way that anybody can teach it and take it class. The purpose of GTU is to provide younger members of the AEDC workforce and their more-tenured as they see fit,” Lockett said. counterparts in new positions with knowledge and information to help them more effectively complete “If somebody needs a refresher in how to access or job tasks. (U.S. Air Force photo by Bradley Hicks) (This image was manipulated by obscuring badges for operate the drawing system or look at Matrix or look at security purposes) Synergen or look at basic plant equipment or test cell “compartmentalized” after long stints in one position or invite those people to our session,” Lockett said. equipment, they will be able to pull up the presentation in one area. He and Lockett also agreed that GTU helps Class sizes are small, usually averaging 10 to 12 par- at their desk and view it at their own pace,” said Bernie prevent “tunnel vision” among employees by learning ticipants. GTU is held in the computer training rooms Williamson, a test operations engineer who leads GTU other ways of carrying out their duties. on the first floor of the Administration & Engineering courses alongside Lockett. “We want to just basically have a place for those Building. Williamson added “GTU is not designed to serve people to come so they’ll not just be meandering out GTU participant Eric Sullivan, a mechanical engi- as in-depth training, job-specific training or to replace there trying to learn on their own and pick up stuff,” neer who has been with AEDC for less than a year, said Quals.” Lockett said. the information he has thus far gleaned from the classes “Basically we’re formalizing the on-the-job training The approximately one-hour GTU classes are held has been valuable. that we were already doing,” he said. “We’re just for- each Monday afternoon. “I do think this is very helpful to get you familiar malizing it to fit it into a standardized format.” “It sounds slow, but with the work schedule every- with the software and systems we interact with on a dai- Both Williamson and Lockett said GTU acts to body has, getting together on one day is a pretty big ly basis,” he said. “I wish they would do this as part of “bridge the gap” between job-specific training and the achievement,” Williamson said. new hire training.” knowledge of processes and systems obtained through Lockett said GTU curriculum is broken up into sev- Providing participants with knowledge that they can experience. eral categories, including Aeropropulsion, Flight, Space then pass on to others is the ultimate objective of GTU, “A guy walks in off the street, he’s not familiar with and Missiles. Lockett and Williamson work with man- Lockett said. our processes. This is to help that guy get caught up on agement in different areas to identify those who may “We want people to take away something from the our processes,” Lockett said. benefit from the training. process and actually learn it and, hopefully, it’s useful to Williamson added it is easy for employees to become “Once those people are identified, we just basically the people who are going to take part in it,” Lockett said.

AEDC 9th ANNUAL BIKE-A-THON —7 SEPT 2018

RegistrationRegistration isis $25,$25, whichwhich includesincludes aa commemorativecommemorative TT--shirt.shirt. DonationsDonations ofof $$2020 oror moremore willwill receivereceive aa TT--shirtshirt eveneven ifif youyou dodo notnot race.race. PrizesPrizes awardedawarded toto thethe toptop threethree moneymoney collectorscollectors.. CCCC ofof thethe divisiondivision whowho raisesraises leastleast willwill wearwear costumecostume forfor holidayholiday party.party. PleasePlease callcall oneone ofof thethe phonephone numbersnumbers belowbelow toto register:register: --((931)931) 454454--5365,5365, ((931)931) 454454--4364,4364, ((931)931) 454454--43564356 --AllAll proceedsproceeds gogo towardstowards thethe AnnualAnnual VAVA PicnicPicnic andand Children'sChildren's ChristmasChristmas PartyParty 4 • August 20, 2018 Area students take flight after completing Fly to Learn Program

By Deidre Ortiz Aviation Program over the years in- AEDC Public Affairs clude middle and high school students from East and West Middle School, A group of Middle Tennessee mid- Tullahoma; North and South Middle dle-school students participating in a School, Franklin County; and West- Science, Technology, Engineering and wood and Coffee County Middle Mathematics Aviation Program, spon- School, Manchester. The program has sored by Arnold Air Force STEM, re- also expanded to Murfreesboro schools cently put what they learned into action in recent years. by flying with the Eagleville Soaring Eagleville Soaring is a Soaring So- Club. ciety of America (SSA) Chapter Club Before taking to the skies, 10 stu- operation located at Puckett Glider- dents from East Middle, South Middle port. The facility has operated gliders and West Middle schools completed since the 1950s when Garland Pack the Fly to Learn software, which is a purchased Army surplus training glid- 10-lesson curriculum using virtual air- ers, or TG-3s, for $15 each and began planes to simulate flight. As graduates operations. Numerous pilots have en- of the aviation program, these students joyed learning to soar, including many were then able to participate in the glid- nationally ranked pilots and a five-time er flights arranged by the ESC. National Open Class Champion. The The students fly in a two-seat glider club caters to those interested in soar- under the direct supervision of an in- ing for recreation and specializes in structor pilot. They are taken by a tow advanced cross-country training for plane up to 2,000 feet above the ground competition-minded pilots. It especial- Middle school student Christian Davis, right, had the chance to fly recently and released for a 15-20 minute flight ly welcomes junior students -- anyone with the Eagleville Soar Club after completing the Fly to Learn course, which in the beautiful sky over Eagleville, under 30 years old – and offers special is a 10-lesson curriculum using virtual airplanes to simulate flight. Pictured with Davis is his instructor pilot Jere Matty. The Fly to Learn Aviation Program Tennessee. rates for juniors and seniors. Opera- is sponsored by Arnold Air Force Science, Technology, Engineering and Students who have completed the tions include lessons and rides. Mathematics Program. (Courtesy photo) Hill AFB Airmen, aircraft progress together as F-35A program matures

By Michah Garbarino ground targets as they oper- 388th Fighter Wing Public ate freely and support troops Affairs in combat. “I spent nine years fly- HILL AIR FORCE ing the F-15 Strike Eagle. BASE, Utah, (AFNS) - That is a very, very capable Two years after the Air aircraft. I've taken it to com- Force declared initial opera- bat and it brought me back,” tional capability for the F- said Lt. Col. Michael Al- 35A Lightning II, pilots and brecht, 388th FW director maintainers at Hill Air Force of staff and an F-35 pilot Base’s active duty 388th and since 2011. “I would rather reserve 419th Fighter Wings have flown the F-15 than are steadily erasing the word the F-35 prior to IOC. After “initial” from in front of IOC, if I had to go to com- “operational capability.” bat, I would want the F-35. Since the IOC announce- Today, there's absolutely no ment Aug. 2, 2016, Airmen question.” and the jet have grown to- Albrecht, who spent gether during deployments time in an advisory role at to Europe and Asia, several Air Combat Command dur- combat exercises, weapons ing the F-35’s development, evaluations and daily opera- said that lethality and sur- tions. vivability are only going to “We’ve seen an expo- increase as technology and nential increase in capa- tactics continue to advance. An F-35A Lightning II aircraft from Hill Air Force Base, Utah, takes off from Nellis AFB, Nevada, Feb. 2. Air- bility,” said Lt. Col. Yosef “When the Air Force de- men from the 388th and 419th Fighter Wings at Hill are participating in Red Flag 17-01. Red Flag is the U.S. Morris, 4th Fighter Squad- veloped their requirements Air Force’s premier air-to-air combat training exercise. This is the first F-35A deployment to Red Flag since ron commander and former for the F-35, they ‘bet the the Air Force declared the jet combat ready in August 2016. (U.S. Air Force photo by R. Nial Bradshaw) director of operations for ragged edge’ of technol- are able to grasp concepts 34th FS, the first operational ogy,” Albrecht, said. “That and they’re very techni- F-35 unit. “At IOC, the jet extremely advanced tech- cally proficient. The aircraft was very capable doing a nology may not have been is growing up with young very limited mission set. fully realized back then, Airmen who have grown up Now we have our full in- which led to a lot of the bad in a digital age,” said Chief ventory of weapons, and we press that has been regurgi- Master Sgt. Eric Engel, routinely train against high- tated. Now that the technol- 466th Aircraft Maintenance end threats.” ogy is coming to fruition Unit superintendent, and a Similar to a consumer and is fully realized, the bet reservist who works with with a new product, at IOC is paying off.” the 34th Aircraft Mainte- the 388th and 419th were Another boost to the pro- nance Unit. exploring and developing gram has been fresh blood Maintainers are working just how to use the aircraft, and new eyes. Current tech- hard to push the boundaries. “now we're really codify- nology meshes well with They have practiced rapidly ing and establishing exactly young pilots and maintain- deploying, refueling and re- what we can do,” Morris ers, Albrecht said. A group arming the F-35 at remote Airmen assigned to the 388th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron prepare F-35A said. of pilots who haven’t flown airfields with a small sup- Lightning II aircraft for flight at Hill Air Force Base, Aug. 7. The Airmen and air- The release of new soft- anything but the F-35, have port “footprint.” They have craft participated in Combat Hammer, a multi-day air-to-ground weapons evalu- ware in February, known been flying at Hill AFB for trained with the Marines to ation which takes place over the Utah Test and training Range. (U.S. Air Force photo by R. Nial Bradshaw) as “3F,” drove much of the nearly a year. launch F-35B sorties while increase in capability. In “It’s like handing my the Marines launched F- where and prove it, it's just jet. The data we have backs into the F-35 in addition to addition to the software’s kids an iPhone and they use 35A sorties. These are just a thought.” us up,” Engel said. the planned upgrades.” weapons package; the flight it and show me all kinds of two of more than a dozen This week, maintain- Looking back over the Hill AFB is slated to be envelope was expanded to 9 things I didn’t know I could initiatives Airmen are using ers will launch forty sorties advances of the past two home to three operational F- Gs; and targeting, mapping, do,” Albrecht said. “It's so to expand the F-35’s combat a day for four days straight years, has Airmen interested 35A fighter squadrons with and the fusion of all those intuitive for these young pi- capability. without building any down to see what the future holds a total of 78 aircraft by the systems was improved. lots because they’ve grown “Our leadership is very time into the flying sched- for the F-35 and Airmen. end of 2019. The first opera- The F-35 is now more up with technology. They aware that we’re the first ule. Historically, on legacy “In the time that they tional F-35As arrived at Hill fully multi-role, Morris said. are going to be able to get and in large part, how we do aircraft and the F-35, main- snapped the chalk line on in September 2015. The ac- Stealth capabilities allow the most out of the jet.” things will be the blueprint tenance losses are built into the F-35 to the time it was tive duty 388th FW and Air pilots to fly into “contested” With the F-35, mainte- for everyone who follows. the schedule to account for delivered, new technology Force Reserve 419th FW airspace undetected, take nance has also moved into We’re pushing ourselves any issues. and updates have happened will fly and maintain the out advanced surface to air the digital age. and the jet,” Engel said. “We haven’t done this inside and outside of the jet in a Total Force partner- threats and secure the area. “The fifth-gen technol- “Deployments and exercis- before and we wouldn’t F-35 world,” said Albrecht. ship, which capitalizes on Then they can load weap- ogy really fits with the new es reinforce what we think. even be trying it if we didn’t “We're going to continue to the strength of both compo- ons externally, taking out crop of maintainers. They Until you take it some- have the confidence in the see those advances come nents. August 20, 2018 • 5

the planned upgrades.” Hill home to three operational 35A fighter squadrons end of 2019. The first opera in September 2015. The ac tive duty 388th FW and will fly and maintain jet in a Total Force partner ship, which capitalizes the strength of both compo nents. 6 • August 20, 2018 Preventing eye injuries in the workplace

By AEDC Safety the hazard, even if this means changing PPE during the ward your face or that of a coworker. If spraying liquids, work. When grinding, snading, using pressured air or do not spray directly overhead. Don’t lose sight of safety! spraying, use a face shield. There are new and improved face shields available. In the last few months, a number of employees have If the proper PPE is not available, do not perform Due to a previous incident of material getting into work- experienced eye injuries, some of which could have the task. ers’ eyes while using both face shields and safety glass- been very serious. When grinding any metal attracted by magnet, use es. So the Safety Office has found an improved model. Some of these injuries personnel have experienced magnet tape on the bill of your hard hat. Or when mov- It is now available through Fastenal with part number include metal shavings being embedded, wood splin- ing or removing hoods or face shields, lean forward so 1007940. ters in the eye, or oil spray in the eye. In each of these that trapped material will fall away from your face. For those needing prescription safety glasses, the instances, the employees were wearing proper Personal Do not use your potentially contaminated glove to prescription safety eyewear vendor is on base the first Protective Equipment or PPE. wipe your eyes or forehead. and third Friday of each month from noon until 3 p.m. Remember to always choose the correct PPE for If using compressed air, do not point the nozzle to- in the Safety Training Room, building 1103, third floor. Revitalizing squadrons, Air Force outlines progress

By Tech. Sgt. Robert Barnett Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs

WASHINGTON (AFNS) – Since Chief of Staff of the Air Force Gen. David L. Goldfein announced his initiative to revitalize squadrons, the assigned task force pro- duced many visible chang- es and is moving forward with additional changes in an implementation plan. “The squadron is the beating heart of the United States Air Force; our most essential team,” Goldfein said in a letter to Airmen. “Our vision demands that ‘squadrons be highly ca- pable, expeditionary teams who can successfully de- fend our nation's interests in both today's and tomor- row's complex operating environments.’” The task force con- ducted an Air Force-wide (U.S. Air Force Graphic) review, driven by Airmen from diverse backgrounds, sourcing and face-to-face all major commands, Re- ter and more fulfilled.” their purpose, asking ev- in the field, to promote they reviewed survey discussions with nearly serve and National Guard. The team further ana- ery member of the squad- best practices and identify data and gathered inputs 4,000 individuals, includ- Along the way, the lyzed the feedback to de- ron, “why?” until the pur- improvements. Consist- from across the Air Force ing spouses, from 25 dif- Air Force implemented velop a comprehensive pose behind every task is ing of Total Force Airmen through on-line crowd ferent bases representing improvements to include model for squadron vital- aligned to mission success. authorizations to rebuild ity. While this may appear the command support According to the find- rather easy, the team found staffs, while addressing ings indicated in the im- that many units struggled the manning for super- plementation plan, Wil- with clearly defining and intendents. Additionally, liford said there are three communicating their pur- enlisted professional mil- key attributes to a success- pose. itary education has been ful squadron: verifiable Verifiable mission suc- improved, performance mission success, purpose- cess drives a culture de- report requirements have ful leadership and esprit de scribed as “mission com- been removed for the corps. mand” in which members rank of airman first class, These key attributes of the unit clearly under- computer-based and an- are being implemented stand why their unit ex- cillary training require- through three lines of ef- ists; therefore, their efforts ments have been reduced, fort: focus on the mission, are directly in-line with all based on the feedback strengthen leadership and mission outcomes, which from Airmen. culture, and taking care of enables empowerment “This is incredibly Airmen and Families. throughout the unit. humbling and exciting to The plan also calls for be a part of because if we Focus on the mission better enabling squadron can get this right, we can Verifiable mission leaders to focus on their hopefully impact the le- success means aligning missions. For example, thality and effectiveness a clearly stated mission support staffs will work of the entire Air Force,” purpose from the com- with commanders to push said Col. Russell Willi- mand-level down to each daily decision authority to ford, current director of task an Airman performs. the lowest practical level the revitalizing squadrons Highly successful squad- while scrubbing overly task force. “We can also rons clearly define, under- make Airmen’s lives bet- stand, and communicate See SQUADRONS, page 10 August 20, 2018 • 7 8 • August 20, 2018

See the September Services Calendar on page 10. August 20, 2018 • 9 CyberPatriot Cybercamp teaches students about the importance of Cybersecurity

By Deidre Ortiz AEDC Public Affairs

With guidance from Arnold Air Force Base Science, Technology, En- gineering and Mathemat- ics director Olga Oakley, members of the Coffee County High School Cy- berPatriot team led the Air Force Association Cyber- Patriot Cybercamp held at the Hands-On Science Center in Tullahoma. CyberCamp was held at HOSC the week of July 16-20 for area students 11 to 16 years old. Dur- ing the week, the campers learned about Cybersecu- rity, as well as Windows and Ubuntu software pro- grams. At the end of the week, the campers then competed in teams and put their cyber networking skills to the test. Leading the camp were Coffee County Central High School students An- drea Sherril and Dayjah Harrison. This year will be their third year on the Air Force Junior ROTC Cy- berPatriot team at CCCHS. CyberPatriot is a pre- miere national high school cyber defense competi- tion created to inspire high The Air Force Association CyberPatriot CyberCamp was held at the Hands-On Science Center in Tullahoma the week of July 16-20. school students toward The CyberCamp teaches area students, from 11 to 16 years old, about Cybersecurity and computer software programs. The camp was sponsored by Arnold Air Force Base Science, Technology, Engineering and Math Program, which is directed by Olga Oakley. (Photo careers in cybersecurity or provided) other STEM disciplines. CyberPatriot is open to all the country. students must identify and senting sponsor for Cy- Assurance & Security at rity Organization to spon- high schools, Civil Air Pa- During competitions defend against. CyberPa- berPatriot. CyberPatriot's the University of Texas- sor several Cyber Patriot trol Units, JROTC Units, students are provided one triot was established by founding partners are San Antonio. Teams. For more informa- US Naval Sea Cadet Corps to three virtual machines. the Air Force Association. Science Applications In- AEDC STEM part- tion about the AFA Cy- Units and accredited home The machines contain sev- The Northrop Grumman ternational Corp. and the ners with the Women In berPatriot Program, visit school programs around eral vulnerabilities that Foundation is the pre- Center for Infrastructure Defense National Secu- www.uscyberpatriot.org. Air Force scientists study artificial silk for body armor, parachutes By Donna Lindner Estimates indicate that while artificial spider silk Air Force Research Laboratory may initially cost twice as much as Kevlar, the prod- uct’s minimal weight, incredible strength and elasticity WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, and potential adaptability for other needs are character- Ohio (AFNS) – Who doesn’t like to feel warm in the istics enhancing its salability. winter and cool in the summer? “Making the warfighter more comfortable by- en Inspired by the qualities of fibers found in nature, hancing body armor is just one of the many improve- scientists at the Air Force Research Laboratory and ments my team hopes to make by studying natural silk,” Purdue University are experimenting to develop a said Dr. Augustine Urbas, researcher in the Functional functional fiber that can be woven into sizeable, flex- Materials Division of the Materials and Manufacturing ible fabrics using existing textile manufacturing meth- Directorate. “Understanding natural silk will enable ods. us to engineer multifunctional fibers with exponential Researchers are studying the cooling and tempera- possibilities. The ultra-strong fibers outperform the ture regulation properties of natural silk in order to ap- mechanical characteristics of many synthetic materi- ply it to synthetic fibers, such as artificial spider silk, als, as well as steel. These materials could be the future which is both stronger than the polymer known com- in comfort and strength in body armor and parachute mercially as Kevlar and more flexible than nylon. material for the warfighter.” Silk exhibits passive radiative cooling, meaning that Tents for forward operating bases could also be it radiates more heat than it absorbs when in direct sun- composed of the natural material. This would enable light. On hot summer days, silk drops 10-15 degrees the warfighter to work in a cooler environment. Fahrenheit when compared to reflective materials. Fibroin, a silk protein secreted by the silkworm, can The cooling fabric is of tremendous potential ben- be processed into a lightweight material for fabricating efit to the warfighter wearing body armor. artificially engineered synthetic and optical materials. Bulletproof vests and parachutes are two articles in The structured optical materials can reflect, absorb, line to be constructed with artificial spider silk. Current concentrate or split light enabling a material to perform vests are burdensome due to the heavy weight and non- differently in a specific situation. breathing material they are fabricated with. Parachutes According to the AFRL researchers, understanding constructed of the new material will be stronger and light transport and heat transfer will lead to various in- able to carry larger payloads. novations and is a great opportunity.

Artificial silk fibers can be woven into sizeable, flexible fabrics using existing textile manufacturing methods. (Courtesy photo) 10 • August 20, 2018 AEDC Woman’s Club kicks off the new club year

By Barbara McGuire AEDC Woman’s Club

TULLAHOMA, Tenn. – The AEDC Woman’s Club will kick off their club year Sept. 6 with a meeting at the Arnold Lakeside Center featuring Maj. Gen. Carl Schnei- der. Schneider is an Air Force fighter pilot who was in the Air Force for 32 years. He joined the Air Force in 1946 and rose to the rank of two-star general. He flew 100 combat missions in Korea and served in Vietnam flying combat missions. He now lives in Tennessee and is president of the Vet- eran’s Resource Group. Schneider has written two books – one about his life growing up in the fields of Texas and another about his life experiences in the Air Force. Feel free to invite people to this event. Table dona- tions at the September meeting will go to Good Samari- tan of Winchester. The social hour of the Sept. 6 meeting starts at 9:30 a.m., with the business meeting and program beginning at 10 a.m. Reservations must be made no later than noon Aug. The AEDC Woman’s Club board members display the Jet Pioneer book written by Maj. Gen. Carl Schnei- 30. Make reservations by calling 931-393-2552. der. Schneider will be speaking about his Air Force career at the next AEDCWC meeting Sept. 6. Pictured The AEDCWC meetings are open to the public and left to right are Susan Harris, Barbara McGuire, Gale Klingelhoets and Kelly Doyle. (Courtesy photo) provides the opportunity to meet the members and be- and become a member. Disclaimer: This is a private organization which is come a member. You don’t need to have military connec- For information about the AEDCWC, call the mem- not part of the Department of Defense or any of its com- tions or be involved with Arnold Air Force Base to visit bership chairman at 931-455-3569. ponents and has no governmental status.

SQUADRONS from page 6 restrictive Air Force Instructions and course will be launched to better pre- tests, and wing commanders will build de corps.” updating organization models to align pare officers (and civilians for squad- incentive programs to reward innova- The plan includes helping squad- with the new National Defense Strat- ron-like units) for purposeful com- tive unit-level fitness programs that in- rons better support Airmen and fami- egy. mand. crease Airmen readiness. lies by building on their resilience, This helps every Airman gain a clar- “The first time an Airman leads a strengthening family support programs ity of purpose to understand how they large team is as a flight chief or a flight Taking care of Airmen and community connections. contribute, add value and are valued. commander,” Williford said. “So flight and their families “We tangibly discovered that focus- commander and flight chief courses Williford said the third, esprit de ing on supporting families gave the Strengthening squadron will be developed at the wing-level to corps, may happen naturally when the Airmen more focus at work,” Williford leadership and culture help enable leaders to focus on the key previous two are in place. said. “An Airman who is fulfilled and Purposeful leadership means valu- skills to succeed in this first essential “It means belonging to a group has a good work-life balance comes to ing mission outcomes, investing time level of leadership.” that’s respected, and they are accom- work more focused.” in Airmen development, and creating In addition, boosting mental and plishing something that’s larger than “The process of being able to an environment where taking smart physical fitness is a key ingredient of themselves,” he said. “They are warf- achieve that long-term vision that the risks is rewarded to find better ways of the leadership and culture line of ef- ighters who belong to a valued team CSAF and the Secretary of the Air getting the mission done, seizing the fort. While there will be no changes doing meaningful work. That align- Force have, that’s incredibly exciting,” opportunity to learn from mistakes. to physical fitness standards and tests, ment of purpose to the respective unit, the director of the task force said. “We Starting in the fall an Air Univer- squadron leadership gains author- to being a member of this group is what know it’s a long process to get there, sity squadron commander foundational ity for administering physical fitness we found creates a high level of esprit but we’re excited to be a part of it.”

See the August Services Calendar on page 8. August 20, 2018 • 11 AEDC Woman’s Club kicks off the new club year NASA assigns crews to first test flights, missions on commercial spacecraft By NASA STS-115, and command- ed shuttle Endeavour on NASA introduced to STS-126 and Atlantis the world on Friday the for the final flight of the first U.S. astronauts who Space Shuttle Program, will fly on American- STS-135. He retired from made, commercial space- NASA in 2011 and has craft to and from the In- been an integral part of ternational Space Station Boeing's CST-100 Star- – an endeavor that will re- liner program. turn astronaut launches to Nicole Aunapu Mann U.S. soil for the first time is a California native and since the space shuttle’s a lieutenant colonel in retirement in 2011. the Marine Corps. She is “Today, our coun- an F/A-18 test pilot with try’s dreams of greater more than 2,500 flight achievements in space are hours in more than 25 air- within our grasp,” said craft. Mann was selected NASA Administrator Jim as an astronaut in 2013. Bridenstine. “This accom- This will be her first trip plished group of Ameri- to space. can astronauts, flying on Boeing’s Starliner will new spacecraft developed launch aboard a United by our commercial part- Launch Alliance (ULA) ners Boeing and SpaceX, Atlas V rocket from Space will launch a new era of Launch Complex 41 at human spaceflight. To- Cape Canaveral Air Force NASA introduced to the world on Aug. 3 the first U.S. astronauts who will fly on American-made, com- day’s announcement ad- Station in Florida. mercial spacecraft to and from the International Space Station – an endeavor that will return astronaut vances our great Ameri- launches to U.S. soil for the first time since the space shuttle’s retirement in 2011. The agency assigned can vision and strengthens Crew Dragon Test nine astronauts to crew the first test flight and mission of both Boeing’s CST-100 Starliner and SpaceX’s the nation’s leadership in Flight Astronauts Crew Dragon. The astronauts are, from left to right: Sunita Williams, Josh Cassada, Eric Boe, Nicole Mann, space.” Robert Behnken is Christopher Ferguson, Douglas Hurley, Robert Behnken, Michael Hopkins and Victor Glover. (NASA photo) The agency assigned from St. Ann, Missouri. nesota. He is a Navy com- was a flight test engineer health, physical sciences. of long-duration space- nine astronauts to crew the He has a doctorate in en- mander and test pilot with before being selected as a This research has led to flight. first test flight and mission gineering and is a flight more than 3,500 flight NASA astronaut in 2009. dramatic improvements in NASA’s Commercial of both Boeing’s CST-100 test engineer and colo- hours in more than 40 air- He has spent 166 days on technology, infrastructure Crew Program is facili- Starliner and SpaceX’s nel in the Air Force. He craft. He was selected as the International Space and medicine, and thou- tating the development of Crew Dragon. NASA has joined the astronaut corps an astronaut in 2013. This Station for Expeditions sands of spinoff technolo- a U.S. commercial crew worked closely with the in 2000 and flew aboard will be his first space- 37/38, and conducted two gies that have improved space transportation ca- companies throughout space shuttle Endeavour flight. spacewalks. quality of life here on pability with the goal of design, development and twice, for the STS-123 Sunita Williams was Additional crew mem- Earth. achieving safe, reliable testing to ensure the sys- and STS-130 missions, born in Euclid, Ohio, but bers will be assigned by The new spaceflight and cost-effective access tems meet NASA’s safety during which he per- considers Needham, Mas- NASA’s international capability provided by to and from the Interna- and performance require- formed six spacewalks to- sachusetts, her hometown. partners at a later date. Boeing and SpaceX will tional Space Station and ments. taling more than 37 hours. Williams came to NASA NASA’s continuous allow NASA to maintain low-Earth orbit. The pub- “The men and women Douglas Hurley calls from the Navy, where she presence on the space sta- a crew of seven astro- lic-private partnerships we assign to these first Apalachin, New York, was a test pilot and rose to tion for almost 18 years nauts on the space station, fostered by the program flights are at the forefront his hometown. He was the rank of captain before has enabled technology thereby maximizing sci- will stimulate growth in a of this exciting new time a test pilot and colonel retiring. Since her selec- demonstrations and re- entific research that leads robust commercial space for human spaceflight,” in the Marine Corps be- tion as an astronaut in search in biology and to breakthroughs and also industry and spark life- said Mark Geyer, direc- fore coming to NASA 1998, she has spent 322 biotechnology, Earth and aids in understanding and changing innovations for tor of NASA’s Johnson in 2000 to become an days aboard the Interna- space science, human mitigating the challenges future generations. Space Center in Hous- astronaut. He piloted tional Space Station for ton. “It will be thrilling to space shuttle Endeavor Expeditions 14/15 and see our astronauts lift off for STS-127 and Atlan- Expeditions 32/33, com- from American soil, and tis for STS-135, the final manded the space sta- we can’t wait to see them space shuttle mission. tion and performed seven aboard the International SpaceX’s Crew Drag- spacewalks. Space Station.” on will launch aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket Crew Dragon First Starliner Test Flight from Launch Complex Mission Astronauts Astronauts 39A at Kennedy Space Victor Glover is from Eric Boe was born in Center in Florida. Pomona, California. He Miami and grew up in At- After each company is a Navy commander, lanta. He came to NASA successfully completes its aviator and test pilot with from the Air Force, where crewed test flight, NASA almost 3,000 hours flying he was a fighter pilot and will begin the final pro- more than 40 different air- test pilot and rose to the cess of certifying that craft. He made 400 carrier rank of colonel. He was spacecraft and systems landings and flew 24 com- selected as an astronaut for regular crew missions bat missions. He was se- in 2000 and piloted space to the space station. The lected as part of the 2013 shuttle Endeavour for the agency has contracted six astronaut candidate class, STS-126 mission and Dis- missions, with as many as and this will be his first covery on its final flight, four astronauts per mis- spaceflight. STS-133. sion, for each company. Michael Hopkins was Christopher Fergu- born in Lebanon, Mis- son is a native of Phila- Starliner First Mis- souri, and grew up on a delphia. He is a retired sion Astronauts farm near Richland, Mis- Navy captain, who piloted Josh Cassada grew up souri. He is a colonel in space shuttle Atlantis for in White Bear Lake, Min- the Air Force, where he 12 • August 20, 2018