402nd Army Field Support Brigade, Joint Base Balad, Iraq OUTPOST

Volume 1, Issue 2 Readiness Power, Forward June/July 2010 New tugboat joins APS-5 fleet in Kuwait Namesake is Revolutionary War hero By Chief Warrant Officer Darren Reese 2nd Battalion, 401st AFSB KUWAIT NAVAL BASE, Kuwait – After a 38- day, 9,000-nautical-mile journey from Baltimore, Md., the newest member of the 2nd Bn., 401st Army Field Support Brigade, reported for duty with Army Prepositioned Stocks-5 here May 8. The ocean-going tug, United States Army Vessel Col. Seth Warner (LT-806), will be invento- ried, inspected, and preserved for storage prior to being put into the Care Of Supplies In Storage Maintenance Program. This will coincide with the official retirement and sale of another vessel, the Fuel Barge BG 6448, within the next few months. “The arrival of the USAV Colonel Seth Warner and retirement of the Fuel Barge are both long- Darren Reese awaited changes and an incredible capability United States Army Vessel Col. Seth Warner (LT-806) increase for the APS-5 Kuwait Watercraft Sec- tion,” said Lt. Col. Michael Wright, commander, moored in port at Kuwait Naval Base, Kuwait. 2nd Bn., 401st AFSB. “It is a great start to a new future for the APS fleet across the battalion as the and basic issue items will be removed, invento- theater experiences transitions over the next cou- ried, and stowed back on the vessel in a more ple of years.” user friendly configuration. A top-to-bottom, stem The Col. Seth Warner is the first of two 128- -to-stern technical inspection will be conducted foot coastal and ocean-going tugs that will be part on every system to ensure that all faults are of the equipment set at APS-5 Watercraft. The identified and are repaired prior to preservation. 800 series tugs are the Army’s true “beasts of Preserving an Army watercraft consists of burden” used for coastal and ocean towing and draining and changing various fluids, preserving docking/undocking operations with large ocean the engines with preservative oils, seal every vessels. The large tug is capable of towing up to exterior opening, and connecting the vessel to a five 120-foot barges loaded to their maximum dehumidification unit that will circulate dry air weight of 733 long tons (2,200 pounds) per barge, throughout the vessel. or a 567 foot-long guided missile cruiser with a Once integrated into the COSIS Maintenance displacement 9,600 long tons. Program, the LT-806 will receive monthly and As part of the APS-5 equipment set, the quarterly maintenance, and annual Dock and Sea LT-806’s primary mission is to tow and maneuver Trials. As with every other COSIS vessel, the tug the APS-5 Watercraft 115-ton floating crane to will undergo On Condition Cyclic (Depot Level) any theater of operation. Maintenance at five-year intervals. The process of integrating the LT-806 into The tug’s namesake, Col. Seth Warner, was APS-5 will take from seven to 10 days, and will born in Woodbury (now Roxbury), Conn., May 6, require the efforts of several different agencies. More than 1,600 lines of on board spare parts Tug — Continued on Page 9

Readiness Power, Forward Page 2 June/July 2010 OUTPOST Power 6 Perspective 402nd AFSB ‘We’re doing great things’

Since I arrived here as the on maintain- and contracted personnel, I salute commander of the 402nd Army ing account- you! Field Support Brigade I have ability of Our great mission could not be taken the opportunity to travel equipment possible if it were not for the dedi- throughout our footprint, and am received as cated and professional members continually impressed with the we process of this team. But don’t let your work I’ve seen and extremely this equip- dedication to mission prevent you proud of the people who make it ment out of from taking care of yourselves happen during one of the U.S. our yards to and each other. The weather is hot Army’s most challenging times destinations Fuller and will only get hotter. Many of ever. We have a tremendous mis- around the world. In order to you work outside in the heat. sion that is already upon us, with make this happen effectively, all Continued hydration is not just a a lot more of the ‘waterfall’ yet to agencies of the 402nd need to good idea — it’s a matter of life come. Since the beginning of work together in a highly coordi- and death. The ongoing success May we have received, processed, nated effort. This is quite a chal- of any unit is directly related to cataloged, and transported more lenge for any brigade when you how attentive personnel are to than 70,000 pieces of rolling consider how large our footprint safety — and safety is something stock and non-rolling stock equip- is geographically and how diverse I prioritize very highly. Don’t take ment, which is ahead of projec- our various on-going missions unnecessary chances. Look out tions. This is great work, but we are. for each other. still have much, much more ahead With our theater property ac- As with any military unit, we of us. countability, sustainment support have great people leaving us It is critical that we stay focused efforts, Army Prepositioned every month only to be replaced Stocks, Operation Enduring Free- by more great people. Be quick dom support, and our Brigade to integrate the new faces into our 402nd AFSB Logistics Support Team and Lo- unit and help them become part of gistical Support Element support the 402nd family. Teach them the OUTPOST units forward to name a few, the “facts of life” of the 402nd. If you 402nd AFSB is on the vanguard are new to this area and this way Commander: of the president’s mission of of life, you will soon learn that Col. Lawrence W. Fuller “responsible drawdown.” This is life in the desert can be draining quite a challenge, but we can on one’s mind, body and spirit. Public Affairs Officer/Editor: meet this challenge successfully if For this reason it’s important to Galen Putnam we work together as a team. An- stay in touch with your families ticipate what is needed and plan. and friends back home. They are Submissions and suggestions can be forwarded to the editor, Talk to one another and coordi- our “life-lines” which sustain us 402nd AFSB Public Affairs Officer nate. Pay attention to suspense over here. Have fun with what [email protected]. dates and meet them. Don’t fall you are doing. Keep a sense of

This newsletter is an official behind. humor during the stressful times. publication authorized by Army It is a great honor for me per- Talk to someone if you feel over- Regulation 360-1 and does not sonally to be a part of such a whelmed. reflect the views of the 402nd team. And it is an even greater AFSB, Department of the Army, or honor to have been chosen as Department of Defense. LAWRENCE W. FULLER your commander. As commander COL, LG of more than 8200 military, DA, Commanding

Readiness Power, Forward June/July 2010 Page 3 OUTPOST Chaplain’s Corner Never underestimate a father’s love By Chaplain (Lt. Col.) Paul E. Dirksmeyer sincere. the man. Before Greg was 402nd Army Field Support Brigade And it’s even born his father was sadly also obvi- killed while in the Pacific The lyrics to a country and ous that Theater during WWII. Though western song I heard on the the man’s his father was absent during radio recently really caught father his entire life, a remarkable, my attention in its description had a life changing event occurred of a son’s recollection about profound to Greg when he was 40 years his father’s expressions of influence old. love. The song is titled “A Fa- on him He received a letter ther’s Love (The Only Way He through- through a family member Knew How)” by Bucky Coving- out his Dirksmeyer written by his father which he ton and the lyrics are in part life. Think- wrote to his son, and sent to as follows: ing back to my own father — Greg’s mother some 62 years “For the longest time guess a self made man of the de- before Greg was even born. I thought he didn’t give a pression-era. Being WWII vin- For 40 years of his life, Greg damn tage, he was seldom one to was completely unaware that Hard to read, hard to express his love and affection this letter existed. Yet, please, yeah that was my old in an emotional mushy kind through the letter, Greg was man of way. Rather, his ‘love lan- able for the first time in his On the day I left for college, guage’ was to inquire about life to ‘hear his father’s voice.’ it was nothing new my friends, what time I’d be In the letter, Greg’s father We never had the heart to home, why aren’t my grades states: “I’d give anything in heart, there was too much to higher, what am I going to do the world if I could see you do with my life, and generally re- and hold you in my arms, but He checked the air in my minding me to ‘pull my head I’m sure your sweet mother tires, the belts and all the out of, uh, someplace.’ In his will try and explain to you spark plug wires own way his love for me was why I can’t just yet.” The let- He said, “when in hell’s the obvious and sincere, and he ter goes on for six pages. last time you had this oil has had a profound influence Of the letter Greg says, changed?” on me throughout my life. “What I received in that letter And as I pulled out the The influence of a father was my father’s blessing and drive, he said “be sure to call on a child’s development can it made my life complete.” (As your mom sometime” never be over-stated. Indeed a side note, I strongly suggest And I didn’t hear it then, psychologists are realizing anyone to Google Greg Schan- but I hear it now, that a father’s influence is nep for some worthwhile read- He was saying I love you just as, if not more, important ing of this truly remarkable … the only way he knew than a mother’s (their words, man’s story.) One can never how.” (Written by Steve J. not mine). overstate the importance of Williams, Thom Shepherd, Liz One of the most endearing the influence and love a father Hengber) stories of a father’s love for his has in his child’s life. How im- I think it’s a safe bet that child that I’ve ever heard con- portant it is to a child for a the father would never make cerns the father of a man father to communicate this. it as a writer for Hallmark named Greg Schannep, a re- We can never underesti- greeting cards, but in his own tired Army chaplain colonel. mate the power of simple ex- way his demonstration of love Although Greg was profoundly pressions of love in a child’s for his son was obvious and influenced by his father’s love, life.

Readiness Power, Forward Page 4 June/July 2010 OUTPOST New Hellfire repair facility opens in Qatar By Dustin Senger Area Spt. Group Qatar Public Affairs

SOUTHWEST ASIA – Third Army/U.S. Army Central is ac- celerating troop support by drastically reducing Hellfire testing and repairing delays – up to eight times faster – using an existing ammunition storage point on the Arabian Peninsula. The Hellfire missile system forward test and repair facility opened May 1, presenting the first higher-level capabilities site in Southwest Asia. Proce- dures that previously took 2 years are now expected to finish within 3 months, at a fraction of the cost. Dustin Senger "Our readiness in theater has increased," said U.S. Army Brian Lowe, Lockheed Martin Hellfire Missile Depot manager, speaks with U.S. Army Lt. Col. Michael Brown, Hellfire Brig. Gen. Nickolas Tooliatos, 1st Theater Sustainment Command deputy commanding general, inside the first Hellfire missile system forward test and repair facility in Southwest product manager, during open- Asia, May 1. Lt. Col. Michael Brown, Hellfire product manager, looks on. ing remarks. "We are continuing to make our Warfighters more parts ensures maximum equip- of $9,000 per missile in 2009, lethal and more survivable ment availability for combat op- and long transit delays con- across the entire war front." erations." stantly held up re-fielding ef- Brown officially opened the "We are here to support forts. facility with Lt. Col. Peter Butts, overseas contingency opera- Alternative courses of action 1st Battalion, 401st Army Field tions," says Butts, "by providing aimed to provide a cost-savings Support Brigade commander. first-class, responsive logistics solution by minimizing trans- The 1-401st AFSB will coordi- to satisfy Operation Iraqi Free- port nodes. An expert think nate Hellfire logistics. The unit dom and Operation Enduring tank combined Army Materiel previously pioneered the only Freedom requirements." Command; Theater Sustain- Stryker battle damaged repair Damaged products requir- ment Command; Army Aviation facility in Southwest Asia at ing repairs are often fixed and Missile Command; and Camp As Sayliyah, Qatar. within 30 minutes – sometimes Army Aviation and Missile Life Most defective missiles sent sooner, according to Jonathan Cycle Management Command. to the Anniston Army Depot in Hornbuckle, Hellfire missile In November 2009, Third Anniston, Ala., only need minor system forward test and repair Army approved the development repairs, says Brown. Many are facility site lead. Launching of a forward test and repair fa- serviceable but faulty launchers shoes, control fins, aft plates cility. Two months later, frag- or improper mounting proce- and connector pins are some- mentary orders were published dures led to erroneously label- times bent or broken during for commanders within the ing them as malfunctions. distribution. Missiles clocking Central Command area of op- "Materiel assessments and more than 1,000 hours of cap- erations. repairs in contingency areas are tive carrying time develop In February, a Joint Attack a necessity for a force- clouded seeker domes in sandy Munition Systems fielding team projection army," said Butts. environments. began installing, validating and "Forward positioning mainte- Brown said reported defects nance capabilities and repair cost the government an average Hellfire — Continued on Page 10

Readiness Power, Forward June/July 2010 Page 5 OUTPOST 402nd AFSB hosts bodybuilding competition Story and photos by Galen Putnam 402nd AFSB Public Affairs JOINT BASE BALAD, Iraq – A boisterous crowd packed the Sustainer Theater here for a bodybuilding competition hosted by the 402nd Army Field Support Brigade May 8. The event not only raised morale, but also raised funds to assist in earthquake relief ef- forts in Haiti. “The idea of hosting a body- building competition to raise funds to support Haiti relief, interested me because it pro- vided those serving on Joint Base Balad a morale-enhancing event that promoted the impor- Kristi Clark, U.S. Army Special Eric Schmidt, Civil Engineer tance of physical health as well Operations Command, first place, Squadron, 322nd Air Expeditionary as international awareness,” Women’s Division. Wing, winner of both the overall title said competitor Jalea’ Ade- and Middleweight Division, in addi- boyeku, 402nd AFSB Headquar- took second place and garnered tion to the men’s best poser award. ters and Headquarters Detach- the women’s best poser award. ment Commander, who helped Third place went to Jalea’ Ade- The crowd was encouraged coordinate the event. boyeku, 402nd AFSB. to donate their spare “pogs” to Ben Wilkison, 1st Battalion, Samuel Edrima took first the relief effort. Pogs are is- 402nd AFSB, was the driving place in the Men’s Lightweight sued in Iraq as change in lieu force behind the competition. A Division. Kevin Day came in of coinage when making on- professional bodybuilder, Wil- second and Gabriel Cook placed base purchases at AAFES and kinson recruited event sponsors third, with Robert Neilson in other facilities. Donation and helped contestants prepare fourth. boxes were also placed at a for the completion by conduct- In the men’s Middleweight number of locations on JBB. ing a series of posing classes. Division Jonathan Sanders took The effort raised a total of He also served as the evening’s second place, Brian Kochendor- $224.60 for the Haiti relief host and master of ceremonies. fer placed third, followed by Ron effort. The event featured 22 com- Harrison. Several other members of petitors in four categories: Steve Rombardo was the the 402nd AFSB assisted with Women’s Figure Open Division, Men’s Heavyweight Division occasion including Maj. O’Neal and men’s Light, Middle, and winner. Second place went to Williams, science advisor for Heavyweight Divisions. Geovanny Govea and Douglas the Acquisition, Logistics, and Eric Schmidt, Civil Engineer Ssebugwawo took third. Technology Directorate, who Squadron, 322nd Air Expedition- “Competing was quite a re- delivered the opening re- ary Wing, was the evening’s big warding experience,” said Ade- marks; Sgt. 1st Class Barbara winner taking both the overall and boyeku. “Not only were we able Bossier, Headquarters and middleweight titles in addition to to emphasize that personal Headquarters Detachment the men’s best poser award. physical excellence is achievable first sergeant and Maj. Kristi Clark, U.S. Army Special through a little hard work and Camilla Wood, ALT-D, who co- Operations Command, took first discipline, but that it is obtain- ordinated backstage activities; place in the Women’s Division. Su- able regardless of age through and Lt. Col. Iola Simpson, bri- zette Lowery, a contractor with Black- good eating habits and a steady gade executive officer, who hawk Management Corporation, exercise regimen.” presented awards.

Readiness Power, Forward Page 6 June/July 2010 OUTPOST 402nd AFSB Soldier sits in on concert ‘back home’ Soldiers participate through two-way satellite link Story and photos by Galen Putnam the stadium’s giant video 402nd AFSB Public Affairs screen and were introduced to the crowd of more than 90,000 Joint Base Balad, Iraq — inside the stadium between Soldiers stationed at Joint sets and were brought back Base Balad, Iraq had the op- onscreen to be acknowledged portunity to spend a few hours by Chesney, the reigning “back home” as they partici- Association en- pated in a live, two-way video tertainer of the year, during feed of a major Memorial Day his performance. weekend music festival May Sgt. 1st Class Barbara 31. Bossier, first sergeant, Head- The Soldiers, all from Lou- quarters and Headquarters Participants appear on the studio monitor isiana, were on hand at 2 a.m. Detachment, 402nd Army prior to “going live” inside State to watch , Field Support Brigade (Front University’s Tiger Stadium during the Memorial Day weekend Bayou Country Brooks & Dunn, and headliner row, far left), was introduced Superfest in Baton Rouge, La., May 31. perform at by name and had the opportu- Louisiana State University’s nity to greet the crowd. part of this,” said Bossier who Tiger Stadium during the “It was really nice what hails from Lafayette, La., and Bayou Country Superfest in they did for us. Somebody is assigned to the Army Re- Baton Rouge, La. paid a lot of money for the serve’s 377th Theater Support The Soldiers appeared on satellite time so we could be a Command in New Orleans. “It was great because we could see all of the people in the sta- dium and they could see us. It was also nice to meet other Soldiers from Louisiana. I even met a couple from my home- town.” “It was pretty cool. This was my first concert ever, live or televised,” said Spc. Ishiah Mouton, a Security Forces convoy tracker with Headquar- ters and Headquarters Com- pany, 256th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, Lousiana Na- tional Guard, out of Lafayette, where he resides. “We got a standing ovation and he (Chesney) dedicated a song to us. It was great to see all the Soldiers stationed at Joint Base Balad, Iraq react as they appear live on the giant screen people back home showing at Louisiana State University’s Tiger Stadium during the Memorial Day weekend Bayou their support for the troops.” Country Superfest in Baton Rouge, La., May 31. Sgt. 1st Class Barbara Bossier, (front row, left), first sergeant, Headquarters and Headquarters Detachment, 402nd Army Field Support Brigade, who hails from Lafayette, La., and is with the Army Reserve’s 377th Theater Support Command in New Orleans, was introduced by name and had the opportunity to greet the crowd of more than 90,000.

Readiness Power, Forward June/July 2010 Page 7 OUTPOST JBB Memorial Day run attracts more than 1,000 Event was ‘shadow run’ in conjunction with Huntsville, Ala. race

By Galen Putnam taking place in Hunstville, Ala. Off-site shadow, or satellite, 402nd AFSB Public Affairs Huh? runs are unofficial runs sup- No, the runners weren’t lost or ported by a sanctioned event, JOINT BASE BALAD, Iraq – misguided, they were taking part allowing participants to sym- More than 1,000 runners in a “shadow run” in conjunction bolically be part of the official showed up here on Memorial with the 31st Annual Huntsville run by providing the opportu- Day to participate in a run (Ala.) Cotton Row Run May 31. nity to participate at distant lo- cations. “This was my chance to run the Cotton Row Run and have the T-shirt for 2010 when I oth- erwise couldn’t be there,” said Maj. Daniel McClintock, Plans and Operations officer, 402nd Army Field Support Brigade, who resides in Huntsville and helped coordinate the Joint Base Balad “shadow” run . To help bring the runners in Iraq a little “closer to home,” the Huntsville Track Club contrib- uted 1,200 Cotton Row Run T- shirts for JBB participants. “What impressed me was not the run as much as the support of my home town,” said McClintock who has partici- pated in the Cotton Row Run three times previously. They didn’t have to show the effort they did, especially working through all of the efforts to re- design and meet the DOD re- quirements that were involved, but they came through. I’m glad to know that the servicemem- bers are remembered by the people of Huntsville.” A number of 402nd AFSB personnel participated in the run. The 402nd AFSB is the Army’s largest brigade with more than 8,100 Soldiers, Department of the Army civilians and contractors.

Galen Putnam Participants surge across the starting line at Holt Stadium as a “shadow run” version the 31st Annual Huntsville (Ala.) Cotton Row Run kicks-off on Joint Base Balad, May 31. More that 1,000 runners took part.

Readiness Power, Forward Page 8 June/July 2010 OUTPOST Commentary: Complacency kills — be alert, aware of surroundings By Delbert (Del) Powell relaxation, they felt safe sitting 402nd AFSB, Safety Specialist under a soft target as if, “it only happens to the other guy; “Complacency Kills,” it’s not me.” just an old rickety sign some- Complacency is an inter- one placed some years ago, esting concept. Is it not being probably when this place was complacent to determine the really hot and under constant threat level has decreased so mortar fire. Things aren’t as much it is appropriate to ig- intense now as they once nore the shouts of others, who were, but that doesn’t mean have taken shelter, telling you we should let our guard down. to take cover? Have we gotten Oh yeah, we get indirect fire into such a mindset that we occasionally; but, it is usually think a plywood roofed wooden ineffective. deck would provide us the The key word is “usually.” same degree of protection as a The unexpected can strike at concrete bunker or the interior any time. That lonely sign was of a hardened shelter? placed at that location for a Our leaders have put reason back then and still measures in place to protect stands as a solitary reminder us. We have the responsibility that we should never let our to ourselves, our fellow work- guard down: “Complacency rocket slammed into an occu- ers, and to our families to use Kills.” pied area nearby. I heard the them. It is our duty to watch I walk past that sign, to distinctive bang of the impact, out for our teammates, mili- and from work, every day and and felt the astonishing vibra- tary and civilian, who share it never fails to catch my at- tion of shockwave. It really the same risks on a daily basis tention. Since the beginning of caught my attention. theatre-wide. When klaxons the Iraqi War, hundreds of sto- The next morning, I re- sound, take immediate action. ries and articles have chroni- ceived reports about individu- This is Iraq as we’ve never cled how, complacency kills. als walking outside and carry- seen it before – an Iraq where Soldiers, Marines, and report- ing on conversations in front kinetic combat is long gone ers have written horrific sto- of the PX as the klaxons an- and the focus has been on ries of their encounters with nounced an imminent indirect counter-insurgency. Now, we complacency and the tragic fire attack. Folks sat at the are transitioning the force. outcome of letting their guard tables on the wooden deck be- This is a time of tremendous down for what seemed to be tween the eateries, taking no change across the theater. an insignificant moment of effort to take cover in the Stay alert, stay focused, watch time. nearby concrete shelters or out for your teammates – and This statement hit home even to run into the main PX. above all remember – Compla- recently, when a 107mm Seemingly, with an air of cency Kills!” 402ND AFSB SAFETY TEAM Safety Director DSN: 312-987-5130 ext 6508 Safety Specialist, DSN: 312-987-5130 ext 6567 Safety Specialist, DSN: 312- 987-5130 ext 6551

Readiness Power, Forward June/July 2010 Page 9 OUTPOST Precision

Galen Putnam Maj. O’Neal Williams, science advisor for the and Computer Numerical Controlled (CNC) Acquisition, Logistics, and Technology Directorate, machines to provide direct support to the Warfighter 402nd Army Field Support Brigade, machines repair by machining and finishing unique repair parts. The parts at the 1st Battalion, 402nd AFSB Mobile Parts 402nd AFSB is the Army’s largest Brigade with Hospital at Joint Base Balad, Iraq. The Mobile Parts more than 8,100 servicemembers, DoD civilians and Hospital uses both traditional fabrication techniques contractors.

TUG — From Page 1 Arnold, Warner participated 1743, and died there Dec. 26, in the capture of Fort Ticon- 1784. Warner first became promi- deroga, New York, from the nent among a group of settlers British on May 12, 1775. forcibly resisting claim to the Warner was elected lieuten- area. On Nov. 27, 1771, the gov- ant-colonel commandant of ernor of New York offered 20 the “Green Mountain Boys” pounds British Sterling for War- on July 26, 1775. Participa- ner’s arrest. The General Assem- tion in several other impor- bly declared him an outlaw in tant battles preceded his ap- 1774. A leader of the “Green pointment to brigadier gen- Mountain Boys” and under the eral by the Vermont Assem- officers Ethan Allen and Benedict bly in 1778.

Readiness Power, Forward

Page 10 June/July 2010 OUTPOST Hellfire — From Page 4 through adverse weather condi- verifying capabilities, which in- tions and severe electro-optical clude testing Hellfire variants, countermeasures. Variants performing external repairs and weigh 100-108 pounds and improving materiel availability. pack a 24-pound warhead with While adhering to a 90-day an effective range of five miles. turnaround cycle, future defects Recent evolutions in Hellfire are estimated to cost less than software and design have im- $1,000 per missile at the facil- proved battlefield tactics, tech- Dustin Senger ity. Brown expects to save mil- niques and procedures. Re- lions of dollars in transporta- Lt. Col. Peter Butts (left), 1st Battalion, motely operated aircrafts in Iraq tion, testing and resetting ac- 401st Army Field Support Brigade com- and Afghanistan use the mis- tivities, as support is extended mander, and Lt. Col. Michael Brown, Hell- siles to destroy insurgents to all services. fire product manager, open the first Hellfire within inches of their deter- "We will preserve our pre- missile system forward test and repair mined position. cious tax dollars," said Brown. facility in Southwest Asia, May 1. Two unmanned aerial vehi- "By reducing test and repair cle missions in Afghanistan cycles, reducing materiel ship- while minimizing collateral strategically eliminated 16 en- ping and handling times and damage. Arming occurs within emy combatants Jan. 11. A increasing usable shelf lives." 150-300 meters after launch. A Hellfire launched in the Now "Hellfire missile systems are last-rites sonic bomb is some- Zad area of Helmand province the air-to-ground precision- times heard prior to impact. killed 13 insurgents without strike weapon of choice for Cen- A Hellfire automatic target causing any reported civilian tral Command," Brown said. reacquisition feature contrib- casualties or damage to residen- More than 13,000 missiles have utes to the effectiveness of tial compounds. The other mis- been fired since 2003 – nearly Apache, Cobra and Seahawk sile hit three combatants setting 10,000 in combat. The war- attack helicopters. The semi- up firing positions in the Nad heads shatter advanced armor active laser-guided missiles Ali district, leaving a small hole and defeat urban point targets accurately engage targets in a compound wall.

From the Field 402nd Army Field Support Brigade, Iraq

Volume 1, Issue 2 Readiness Power, Forward June/July 2010 Unit Spotlight: 1-33 AAB BLAST

On Forward Operating Base Falcon, the 1‐3 Advise and Assist Brigade (AAB) is supported by the Army Materiel Com‐ mand’s Brigade Logistics Support Team (BLST). The 1‐3 BLST although small in size, is big on providing world class lo‐ gistical support to the Warfighter. The 1‐3 BLST is comprised of the Team Chief, CW4 Parker, TACOM Logistics Assistance Representatives (LAR) Stephen Jordan, Christopher Warner 1/3 BLST TEAM MEMBERS LAR Jordan is showing SSG Pino, B Com‐ and ASC Logistics Management Special‐ pany, 3rd BSB Maintenance Supervisor, ist (LMS) Larry Jones. troubleshooting vehicle systems, re‐ how to check the boom wiring harness Chief Parker provides leadership, searching technical specifications, sup‐ for shorts on a10K ATLAS forklift. supervision and oversight to the BLST porting fielding equipment, and review‐ LARs and advises the Brigade Com‐ ing units’ 026 reports, which depict the using a variety of web‐based systems mander and his principal staff members status of non‐mission capable vehicles such as C‐REPS, AEPS, SDR's, QDR's and on readiness performance and logistical and parts’ delivery status. In the upper DLA websites. LAR Warner provides vital issues. LMS Jones is responsible for right photograph LAR Jordan is showing support to the Warfighter by organizing, improving and sustaining the readiness SSG Pino, B Company, 3rd BSB Mainte‐ planning, and presenting formal mainte‐ of materiel systems, logistics support nance Supervisor, how to check the nance training from unit level through systems as well as quality of life items to boom wiring harness for shorts on a10K direct support level maintenance on a BLST personnel. He assists the BLST ATLAS forklift. LAR Jordan’s knowledge variety of weapon systems ranging from Chief with logistics matters affecting and expertise positively impacted the small arms and crew served weapons to materiel readiness that are beyond their readiness rate for this critical Materiel the 120MM main gun for M1, the M242 capability or organic resources. The Handling Equipment (MHE). gun for the Bradley Fighting Vehicle, LMS also assists in producing profes‐ Improving and sustaining units’ and all self‐propelled and towed artil‐ sionally written SITREPs and Quad readiness level is also of vital concern lery. Charts which are briefed to the USD‐C for LAR Warner. As the TACOM Arma‐ The 1‐3 AAB BLST and the USD‐C LSE Logistics Support Element (LSE) and ments LAR, Mr. Warner coordinates and will continue to forward project the 402nd Army Field Support Brigade resolves issues that involve multiple AMC’s capabilities, integration, and syn‐ (AFSB) Commanders. weapon systems. LAR Warner provides chronization of all force modernization; TACOM LAR Jordan has extensive subject matter expert advice and resolu‐ and provide the sustaining force to im‐ knowledge on all tactical vehicles on tions to Army commanders in the field prove unit readiness. The BLST is the FOB Falcon. LAR Jordan is charged with on TACOM managed equipment‐related single face to the Brigade for AMC sup‐ a crucial responsibility of improving logistics issues both in garrison and port and issues. The BLST also works units’ state of readiness by way of while forward‐deployed. He also re‐ closely with the Brigade ARFORGEN teaching and training the Warfighter, searches, reviews and submits reports, Liaison to ensure an effective reset plan. From the Field is a special supplement to the 402nd AFSB OUTPOST. It is written by the servicemembers, DoD civilians and contractors who comprise the Army’s largest brigade.

Page 2 From the Field June/July 2010 2-402nd S1 Shop one of most unique in Army

Thomas D. Battle 2-402 AFSB

The 2-402nd AFSB Battalion S1 is one of the most unique battalion S1’s in the Army. The S1 provides personnel support to the battalion tasked with the “President’s own” mission of overseeing the Responsible Drawdown of Forces from Iraq. The battalion’s per- sonnel makeup consists of over 820 personnel. The S1 provides personnel support to active duty Army, Army Reserve, Air Force, De- partment of the Army Civilians, and Department of Defense Contractors. 2-402nd AFSB personnel are dispersed throughout 17 different areas of operation throughout Iraq and Kuwait.

You may be wondering what it takes to provide support to such a diverse organization. The answer is about as complex as the question. Fortunately, the battalion is manned by retired Army personnel/DA Civilian (Adjutant-Thomas Battle), Army Reservist (Mil HR Spec-Wanda Barron), former Airman (HR Specialist-Hilda Reyes) and DA Civilians (Jenny Shears and Cynthia Matthews). Our com- bined knowledge and backgrounds enable us to tackle every possible personnel issue imaginable, to include but not limited to the fol- lowing:

Postal Operations/Military Evaluations/Civilian Evaluations/Military Awards/Civilian Awards/Military and Civilian Awards Ceremonies and Presentations/Military and Civilian Leaves and R&R/Daily Personnel Status Reports (Theater wide)/Inbound and Outbound Briefings/ Personnel Asset Inventories/Call Forwards/In-Theater assignments/Red Cross/Equal Opportunity/Records Updates/etc.

S1 personnel are dedicated to providing optimal support to battalion personnel in order to alleviate any distractions which could impede the mission. We are the invisible forces behind the scene which keep the battalion manned and morale high. We take care of the people who “Keep it Moving”. We are “Personnelist” trapped in “Loggie Heaven”.

Safe at Home

Richard Murphy, former 402nd Army Field Support Brigade legal counsel, is greeted by his family upon his return home at the Quad Cities International Airport in Moline, Ill.

June/July 2010 From the Field Page 3 402nd AFSB facilities evolve to support the mission COS Kalsu, Iraq 3/3 BLST As an enduring base, COS Kalsu continues to grow as more personnel arrive to support the mission. AMC is actively supporting the Warfighter by providing logistics, communications, vehicle and armament experts and overseeing various sites including the Route Clearance/JERRV yard, the RPAT yard and the CREW site. The 3/3 BLST has facilitated improvements at all AMC sites over the past several months in response to changing mission requirements and the emphasis on resetting the force. Some recent activities include improvement of all AMC areas by bringing in over 1,500 cubic meters of gravel and fill. A project to refurbish a single wide office trailer at the CREW site will result in increased office space for their program. RPAT yard operations will be enhanced by adding a wash point and an additional single wide office trailer to house more personnel. Addition of a climate controlled storage trailer for the Back Scatter program will allow them to store and protect sensitive computer equipment. The biggest changes are happening in the AMC housing area. The AMC LSA currently contains 96 wet CHUs, and these are currently at 82% occupancy. The site is being expanded by adding 16 additional wet CHUs and one double wide day room. In addition, we are replacing all of the galvanized piping in the exist- ing LSA with CPVC piping in order to improve water quality for tenants and decrease future O&M costs. The 3/3 BLST will continue to ensure that AMC has the best resources and personnel while we support the drawdown and other mission requirements.

Treasure Hunters

The 402nd competitive force took over when the USO announced a Memorial Day scavenger hunt. Debbie Davis, Dave Leighton, Weldon Hill , and Lee Musselman, represented the 402nd AFSB, taking 1st place. The winning team won four USO folding chairs. Volunteers from the USO then BBQ’d some brats and hamburgers, all in the spirit of the men and women who have given us the freedom to enjoy this day.

Page 4 From the Field June/July 2010 STPE-I Camp Armordillo

By Keith Kelley cles, M1 Abrams Tanks, M109 Paladins, M992 FASVS, and the work horse of the STPE‐I (Stored Theater Provided Equip‐ fleet, M88 Recovery Vehicles. Once all ment ‐ Iraq) is located at Camp Armordillo vehicles have been brought up to FMC in Baghdad. The program is managed by level, STPE‐I will transition into a Preven‐ the 1st/402nd Army Field Support Brigade tive Maintenance Checks and Services and maintained by a coalition of 48 Red (PMCS) mode, performing services and River Army Depot employees, 32 Anniston exercising each vehicle to ensure it is Army Depot employees and 3 Tobyhanna ready to roll at a moment’s notice. STPE‐I Army Depot employees. These employees must be ready to issue all 169 combat are a mixture of highly skilled integrated vehicles to immediately supply any unit in electronics technicians, vehicle systems theater with a full armored combat and mechanics, logistics and process improve‐ deterrent capability. ment specialists, and materiel expediters. STPE‐I lives by the Red River motto, The employees were handpicked for their “Building It As If Our Lives Depend On It ‐‐ expertise in their respective fields. Theirs Do!” The STPE‐I team has accepted The mission of STPE‐I is to maintain 169 all challenges presented to it, overcome combat tracked vehicles Fully Mission Ca‐ those challenges, and excelled at each pable (FMC) and sustain them at a high task! level of readiness. The fleet of vehicles consists of M2/M3 Bradley Fighting Vehi‐