PR ST STD US Postage PAID Cañon City, CO Permit 56 “2003 AFSPC Best Large Wing PA Office” Thursday, Dec. 9, 2004 Peterson Air Force Base, Colorado Vol. 48 No. 48 Photo by Senior Airman Shawn Clements Get it n’ go An F-15E Strike Eagle refuels during a mission over Iraq. The aircraft and its crew are deployed from Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, N.C. Strike Eagle crews support operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom. The photographer, Senior Airman Shawn Clements, is from the 21st Space Wing Public Affairs Office. He is currently deployed as a member of a Forward Public Affairs Office. The Public Affairs journeyman joined a KC-135 air-to-air refueling mission while in the deployed location. The photo and information can be seen as a news photo on the www. af.mil website. Photo by Kara Magana Courtesy photo Photo by Staff Sgt. Denise Johnson Inside This Issue: Blotter ... 6 At Your Service ... 12 Snow Call 556-SNOW SPACE OBSERVER 2 Thursday, Dec. 9, 2004 FROM THE TOP Commander sends holiday greetings By General Lance W. Lord 1775. Americans are free to celebrate whatever holiday extra moment to ensure you are being safe. The holi- Air Force Space Command commander we choose because of the freedom our military has day season often brings a combination of hustle and given this nation for over 200 years. bustle and winter weather. That combination creates an As the holiday season approaches, we have an We wish the holiday season could be a time of added measure of risk we all must be aware of. A few opportunity to slow down and enjoy the company of peace for all, but in some corners of the world it will extra moments spent focusing on safety will ensure the family and friends. Regardless of spiritual beliefs, the not be peaceful. Many American servicemen and holiday season remains a joyous celebration. winter holiday season is a time to reflect on the gifts in women will spend the holidays away from their fami- The entire nation is grateful for your service and our lives and to be thankful for them. lies. They will spend it working to deliver the gift of sacrifices that allow us to celebrate the holidays in free- One of the greatest gifts Americans enjoy is the freedom to others who are less fortunate than we are. dom and security. I am proud of each of the nearly gift of freedom. As members of our Armed Forces and We ask you to keep those military members and their 40,000 men and women of AFSPC and I thank you for the civilians who support our mission, you continue families in your thoughts. your dedicated commitment to our great nation. the proud tradition of defending freedom that first As you travel to be with family and friends, or Beccy and I wish all of you a joyful holiday sea- began with the patriots of the American Revolution in just travel around town, we encourage you to take an son and a peaceful and prosperous new year. Team Colorado; amazingly fit 21st Space Wing By Staff Sgt. Denise Johnson mission and requirements of the Air Fitness and Sports Center Track. Commander’s Call 21st Space Wing Public Affairs Force, we have to take a minute to “It’s a great way to prepare for recognize them,” said Al Strait, 21st the fitness test and to have fun at the There will be a Units across the 21st Space Space Wing director of staff. “I same time,” said Capt. Sean Tunaley, Commander’s Call encourage all units and leaders out Deputy Branch Chief, Core C2. “We Wing are preparing to take their fit- for the 21st Space Wing ness tests prior to the Dec. 30 dead- there to follow this example. Have did the race last year, too. It was a line through unit physical training fun, increase morale and get fit – it’s great success.” 2 p.m. Dec. 22 and wing Fit-to-Fight exercises. a perfect combination.” Teams must complete tasks at the Base Auditorium Team Colorado, made up of Team Colorado will divide 120 at each location prior to advancing Electronic Systems Center of its members into teams for a to the next location. Scores are based Detachment 5 and the Space and unique Fit-to-Fight competition. The on time – there are a variety of Missile Systems Center Logistics, is event will begin at the gym where penalties that may be incurred for no exception. The team will be participants will race to different infractions such as talking above a hosting a unit version of the television locations on base competing for the whisper in the library or running reality show, “The Amazing Race,” best overall time. The nine locations in the library, commissary or BX. from 2 p.m. until approximately 4:30 include Peterson Air Force Base’s The teams return to the gym once all p.m. today at the base gym. Base Exchange, Commissary, tasks are completed. “Anytime our folks are getting Library, Bowling Alley, picnic area, The 21st Space Wing will host out there and enjoying themselves in Air and Space Museum, Officers a wing-wide Fit to Fight Dec. 21 at a healthy manner, while meeting the Club, dormitory and a finish at the Eagle Park. Action Line Submitting Action Lines addressing the chain of command, call the Action Line at one were to inadvertently walk or run into the path of the The Action Line is a direct link to the 21st Space 556-7777 or fax 556-7848. tube. However, the aircraft displays are specifically situ- Wing commander. It should be used when other ated to prevent such an occurrence (i.e. off the sidewalks Safety addresses display hazard and away form normal foot traffic). And we’ve tried to avenues have failed. Concerns should be addressed Question: Can something be done about the design our displays and the supporting walkways, pads, at the lowest possible level in the chain of command Pitot tube on the jet behind the Officers’ Club? The and landscaping to help with that. and elevated as necessary. Pitot tube is about head height. I am concerned Moreover, the aircraft are maintained to be as his- Though not required, Action-Line users should someone may get injured. Can some sort of protec- torically accurate as possible. At this time, we believe leave point-of-contact information when submitting tion be placed on it? placing a cover over the Pitot tubes would detract from an Action Line. This will allow those who are Answer: Thank you for your interest in the safety the historical accuracy of the displays and the covers are addressing the concern to clarify the information of our people. The 21st Space Wing safety office staff difficult to secure. More importantly, there have been no and respond, if necessary. Not all responses are printed, investigated the potential hazard associated with the reported mishaps associated with the tubes. Thanks however, if information allows, a response will be F-102A. Like many other static aircraft displays on base, again for your concern. If you have further questions, rendered in another format. the Pitot tube is low enough to cause an injury if some- If satisfactory results have not been attained by please contact Luis Harris at 556-8001. A Moment in Time ! Dec. 7, 1941 - The Japanese attack Pearl Harbor. Published by Colorado Springs Military Newspapers Group, 31 E. Platte Avenue, Suite 300, Colorado ! Dec. 8, 1941 - The United States Springs, 80903, a private firm in no way connected with the U.S. Air Force, under exclusive written contract with the 21st Space Wing. This commercial enterprise Air Force newspaper is an authorized publication for members of the U.S. declares war on Japan. military services. 21st Space Wing ! Dec. 9, 1956 - The 463rd Troop Contents of the Space Observer are not necessarily the official views of, or endorsed by, the U.S. Government, Commander Carrier Wing receives the Air Force's the Department of Defense or the Department of the Air Force. The appearance of advertising in this publication, including inserts or supplements, does not constitute Brig. Gen. Richard E. Webber first C-130 Hercules tactical cargo and endorsement by DOD, the Department of the Air Force, or CSMNG, of the products or services advertised. Everything Chief of Public Affairs troop carrier. This four-engine turbo- advertised in this publication shall be made available for purchase, use or patronage without regard to race, color, reli- Capt. Amy Sufak prop airlifter has an unrefueled range of gion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, physical handicap, political affiliation or any other non-merit factor of Editorial Staff more than 2,500 miles. It can take off the purchaser, user or patron. Editorial content is edited, prepared and provided by the 21st Space Wing Public Affairs Office, 775 Editor and land in 3,600 feet. Loring Ave., Suite 218, Peterson AFB, Colo., 80914-1294, (719) 556-4351 or DSN 834-4351, fax (719) 556-7848 or Staff Sgt. Denise Johnson ! Dec. 10, 1954 - In a rocket-pro- DSN 834-7848. All photographs are Air Force photographs unless otherwise indicated. Staff Writer pelled sled run, Col. John P. Stapp goes The Space Observer is published every Thursday. For advertising inquiries, call Colorado Springs Military Airman Mandy Weightman Newspapers, (719) 634-3223 Ext. 207. Employees of Peterson Air Force Base who want to place a free classified 632 mph and sustains greater G-force advertisement should call 556-5241.