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AIRLIFT / TANKER QUARTERLY Volume Number FALL 2019 27 04
THE AIRLIFT / TANKER ASSOCIATION Pages 12-15 Air Transportation Career Field “Port Dawgs” and the Air Transportation Legacy Team 2019 HALL OF FAME INDUCTEE
2019 A/TA Pages 26-54 AWARDS
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Call Call us us at at(949) (949) 809-8100 809-8100 or orvisit visit www.parker.com/CSOwww.parker.com/CSO to to learn learn more. more. www.parker.com/CSOwww.parker.com/CSO to tolearn learn more. more. VisitVisit us us at at the the A/TA A/TA Convention Convention & & Symposium, Symposium, Booth Booth 703. 703. ©2015©2015 Parker Parker Hannifin Hannifin CorporationCorporation ALH-1-6ALH-1-6 VisitVisit us us at atthe the A/TA A/TA Convention Convention & Symposium,& Symposium, Booth Booth 703. 703. ©2015©2015 Parker Parker Hannifin Hannifin Corporation Corporation ALH-1-6 ALH-1-6 CONTENTS 02 2019 A/TA Board of Officers & Convention Staff ASSOCIATION NEWS AIRLIFT/TANKER QUARTERLY 04 Chairman’s Comments Volume 27 • Number 4 • Fall 2019 05 President’s Message Airlift/Tanker Quarterly is published four times a year by the Airlift/Tanker Association, 7983 Rhodes Farm Way, Chattanooga, 06 Secretary’s Notes Tennessee 37421. Postage paid at St. Louis, Missouri. Subscription rate: $40.00 per year. Change of address requires four weeks notice. FEATURES The Airlift/Tanker Association is a non-profit professional A Message from Gen. Maryanne Miller organization dedicated to providing a forum for people interested 08 in improving the capability of U.S. air mobility forces. Membership 12 Cover Story: The Airlift/Tanker Association 2019 Hall of Fame Inductee in the Airlift/Tanker Association is $40 annually or $110 for three years. Full-time student membership is $15 per year. Life Air Transportation Career Field “Port Dawgs” and the Air Transportation Legacy Team membership is $500. Industry Partner membership includes five 18-24 Airlift/Tanker Association Hall of Fame individual memberships and is $1700 per year. Membership dues include a subscription to Airlift/Tanker Quarterly, and are subject 25 2019 A/TA Awards Introduction to change. Airlift/Tanker Quarterly is published for the use of subscribers, 26-31 Young Leadership Award Winners officers, advisors and members of the Airlift/Tanker Association. The appearance of articles or advertisements, including 32-34 Gen. Robert E. “Dutch” Huyser Award Winners inserts, in Airlift/Tanker Quarterly does not constitute an 37 Col. Gail S. Halvorsen Award Winner endorsement by the Airlift/Tanker Association, the Air Mobility Command, the Department of the Air Force or the Department 40 Specialized Mission Award Winner of Defense, of the viewpoints, products or services mentioned or advertised. 43 Gen. Ronald Fogleman ASAM Award Winner ©2019. Articles appearing in this publication may not be reprinted, in any form, without prior written approval from the Airlift/ 44 Maj. Gen. James I. Baginski Air Mobility Liaison Officer (AMLO) Award Winner Tanker Association. 47 Lt. Gen. James E. Sherrard III AFRC Award Winner Airlift/Tanker Quarterly is quarterly news cycle-dependent and is distributed as follows: Winter: January|February|March; 48 Maj. Gen. Stanley F. H. Newman ANG Award Winner Spring: April|May|June; Summer: July | August | September; Fall: October | November | December [actual distribution dates 51 Key Spouse of the Year Award Winner vary]. The copy deadline for submitted stories, articles, letters, Capt. Lillian Kinkella Keil (A&E) Award Winner etc., is as follows: Winter: January 2nd; Spring: April 2nd; 52 Summer: July 2nd; Fall [Convention Edition]: September 2nd. 54 1st Lt. Reba Zitella Whittle Award (A&E) Award Winner Airlift/Tanker Quarterly accepts advertising for the inside front, inside back and back covers for the Winter, Spring and Summer 56-65 A Salute to the A/TA Industry Partners Editions; and for throughout the Fall Convention Edition. 66 Tales on the Ramp: Ingenious Simulation BOARD OF OFFICERS & EDITORIAL STAFF: 67 Mobility Heroes: Our Heritage Chairman, A/TA Gen. Duncan J McNabb USAF Ret DEPARTMENTS Using the latest [email protected] President 68-74 Air Mobility News & Views Airlift Support Chief Master Sgt. Michael R Kerver USAF Ret technology to provide [email protected] 76 Air Mobility Classics the greatest good. Sr Vice President Lt. Gen. Vern M Findley II USAF Ret ALPHABETICAL LIST OF ADVERTISERS Thank You All! [email protected] VP, Programs 35 and 36 AIRBUS Patricia G. Cost DAFC Ret [email protected] 42 AMC Museum (courtesy ad) VP, Industry Affairs 9 ARSAG (Aerial Refueling Systems Advisory Group International, Inc.) Col. Cary Walgamott USAF Ret [email protected] 75 Boeing Secretary 55 Capewell Aerial Systems, LLC Col. Michael D Cassidy USAF Ret [email protected] Back Cover Coastal Aircraft/Oregon Aero Treasurer 41 David Clark Company Incorporated Maj. Pete Mastroianni USAF Ret [email protected] Inside Back Cover FlightSafety International Association Administrators 3 Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation Photo courtesy of U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Gary Hart USAF Ret & Sondra Hart [email protected] 45 L3Harris Technologies Public Affairs & Social Media Coordinator 53 MIL2ATP / MilKeep / The Pilot Network Trisha Frank You can’t be a force for peace if your equipment isn’t ready. That’s why we [email protected] Inside Front Cover Parker Aerospace partner with you to offer the performance-based logistics, technology upgrades, A/TQ Editor 11 Pratt & Whitney Military Engines Bob Fehringer Collins Aerospace and reliability improvement programs that will renew aircraft and help deliver [email protected] Center Spread 38-39 A/TQ Art Director salvation as cost effectively as cargo. Call us at (949) 809-8100 or visit Alyson Soden [email protected] www.parker.com/CSO to learn more. A/TQ Business Manager Doug Lynch On the Cover: Montage of patches and coins depicting various port squadrons. (Courtesy Visit us at the A/TA Convention & Symposium, Booth 703. ©2015 Parker Hannifin Corporation ALH-1-6 [email protected] artwork). PRINTED IN U.S.A. A/TQ • Airlift/Tanker Quarterly • Fall 2019 1 Strength of purpoSe
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A/TQ • Airlift/Tanker Quarterly • Fall 2019 3 A/A/ TA TA Announcements & Stories from, meeting in early August. Alex and his team and/or about Association Business, did a great job and not only did we do the fin- Up Front Members and Chapters ishing touches on this year’s convention, but also did some excellent work on our Bylaws… led by our President, Chief Master Sgt. (re- Gail is the kind of true servant leader all of us tired) Mike Kerver. Chairman’s Comments aspire to be. He will once again host a seminar Led by our own Lt. Col. Popeye Fafinski, Welcome to our and if you have never heard him before, you we also finalized board approval on three 51st Annual Airlift/ are in for a once in a lifetime treat. new initiatives, the Pilot Network, Mil2ATP, Tanker Association’s Industry Interface Day on Wednesday is on and MilKeep. These partnerships will provide Convention and Sym- track and is being fully supported by AMC, our members with discounted or free access posium. I hope you our Industry Partners and contributors, and to these company’s products. We continue to are or going to be our Acquisition Program Executive Officers pursue more of these types of partnerships reading this at our (PEOs). With the new NDS, this is a critical to serve our entire membership base and add “Mobility Gathering” time to bring this group together. I look for- value for our members. in the beautiful Or- ward to hearing the collective wisdom on how Additionally, led by our A/TA Chairman lando Marriott World best to build the capabilities we need for the of Advisors, Lt. Gen. Rod Bishop, to help our Center on Oct. 23-26, future. Many thanks to our Industry Partners A/TA chapters improve their programs and 2019. What an impor- and contributors for being part of our Technol- serve their membership, four retired mobility Gen. Duncan McNabb, tant time to get to- ogy Exposition Hall where our members and general officers have stepped forward and vol- USAF (retired) gether and hear from attendees can see what you are doing up close unteered to serve as regional senior mentors our Air Force and Mobility leadership about and personal. for our 20 largest chapters. the challenges we are facing, attend outstand- On Friday night, we will celebrate our new- Many thanks to Maj. Gen. (retired) Rich ing seminars that broaden our perspective, est inductee to the Hall of Fame, our Air Trans- Mentemeyer, Maj. Gen. (retired) Chris Bence, share some stories and comradery…and have portation Career Field “Port Dawgs”. True Maj. Gen. (retired) Scott Gray and Brig. Gen. some fun. This is truly one of the highlights of unsung heroes, they work magic every day (retired) Mark Stearns for giving of their valu- my year, and this year will be no exception. to deliver anywhere, anytime. They are truly able time to help out. First priority in their job Our AMC Commander, Gen. Maryanne awesome and no one is more deserving of this jar is to assist chapter presidents to identify a Miller, championed and our Air Force leader- very special recognition. local retired senior officer and senior NCO who ship supported increasing the number of our This year our Heritage Room will be co-lo- can help in meeting chapter priorities, increas- best and brightest to attend our Convention/ cated with our airdrop/cornhole setup in the ing ties with the local community and busi- Symposium and benefit from this world class Marriott Crystal Ballroom. Special thanks to nesses, and interfacing with wing, base, and professional development opportunity. With our Heritage Room “visionaries” and to this squadron leadership. They will also provide a our new National Defense Strategy (NDS) year’s Heritage Room sponsors, Lockheed Mar- valuable conduit for Chapter issues and chal- and its dependence on rapid mobility, this is tin and the Tampa Bay Defense Alliance. We in- lenges to A/TA and AMC leadership. Chapter a great time for Mobility Nation to be together vite you to join our opening reception Wednes- presidents should have already been contacted and share their experiences, their passion, and day night, Oct. 23, at 2115 when Gen. Miller and by their “senior regional mentor”, and please their ideas to meet the challenges we face. For I will present the 2019 Tampa Bay Trophy to one make the most of this initiative. our long-term A/TAers, welcome back. For of our outstanding AMC civic leaders. Finally, I’d like to give a major shout out to our first timers, you are here because of what Our Heritage room is the coolest place to our outgoing A/TA Secretary, Col. (retired) your leadership thinks about your potential… meet current and former mobility leaders, Mike Cassidy, who served us as our Secre- congratulations and take full advantage of this share experiences and seek advice and mentor- tary for the last six years. Mike did a fantas- time to think, learn, and participate. ing. At last year’s A/TA convention, you saw tic job and worked tirelessly to support our You will hear firsthand from our Acting Sec- Gen. Miller everywhere in the Heritage Room members and the organization. Well done and retary of the Air Force, Matt Donovan, our Vice talking to our Airmen. I remember watching a Godspeed Mike. Luckily Col. (retired) Grace Chief of Staff of the Air Force, Gen. “Seve” Wil- number of wing commanders, sitting together Blevins-Holman has volunteered to replace son, our USTRANSCOM Commanding Gen- around a high-top table, telling stories with Mike and we will nominate her for election at eral, Gen. Steve Lyons, and of course hear the their airman about the mission and their expe- the Annual Business Meeting on Wednesday latest from our AMC Commander, Gen. Mary- rience. It is core to what happens at A/TA, y’all at the convention. anne Miller. Additionally, for the first time, we come and enjoy. So really looking forward to seeing you in will get to hear from our new AMC’s Command We will also spotlight the tremendous Orlando. It should be a true “Happening” that Chief, Chief Master Sgt. Terrence Greene. We achievements of the 2019 Hall of Fame In- you will feel very lucky to be a part of…and, as will also hear from our Total Force leadership, ductee, our Air Transportation Port Dawgs. always, will be great, great fun. Lt. Gen. Catfish Rice, director of the ANG, and We will have our annual Global Reach Trivia Maj. Gen. John Flournoy, Deputy Commander Challenge on Thursday evening from 2130- Warmest Regards of our Air Force Reserve Command and former 2230 and will award cash prizes to the top Gen. (retired) Duncan McNabb, Chairman Chief of Staff of USTRANSCOM. three teams. By popular acclaim, we will Our seminars will again be superb and in- bring back live music featuring “Jeff and Ca- clude Spark Tank, Space X and VOX Space, and maros”, a very popular Trop-Rock entertainer future innovations from Lockheed and Boeing. from Florida (think Jimmy Buffett and Parrott Future A/TA Conventions A very special honor to have our Mobility Hero heads). Check out Jeff’s website, https://www. and A/TA Hall of Famer, Col. Gail Halverson, jeffandthecamaroscom/. 2020: Gaylord Opryland Resort, the Candy Bomber, with us for the whole con- And for our chapters, lots of good things to Nashville, Tennessee vention. Gail literally changed the world by his report. First, along with our Secretary Mike kindness and compassion. I accompanied Gail Cassidy, I want to thank Master Sgt. Alex Car- 2021: Orlando World Center to Berlin for the 60th Anniversary of the Berlin rancho, president of the Tommy B. McGuire Marriott, Orlando, Florida Airlift, and you talk about a Rock Star. Chancel- Chapter, and his team at Joint Base-McGuire, lor Merkel met him personally to welcome him. Dix, Lakehurst for hosting our summer board
A/TQ • Airlift/Tanker Quarterly • Fall 2019 4 preciated. Sadly, this will be the last year for to consider this program, and more informa- President’s Message our longest tenured board member, Col. (re- tion is available via the A/TA website. Welcome to Or- tired) Mike Cassidy. Mike has served as our Your Board of Officers is actively working lando and the Mar- secretary for six years and is the horsepower the many ideas and suggestions we get to help riott World Center behind every board meeting and service con- increase the value of membership. Among for the 51st edition tract executed by the Association. those include discounted training and cer- of our Airlift/Tanker Mike has worked countless projects and tification for military pilots seeking an FAA Association Con- is currently leading the effort to help raise Airline Transport commercial pilot certificate vention and Sym- $30,000 for the (Gail) Halvorsen Education as well as a similar program for Airframe and posium. I’m really Center’s tribute to Humanitarian Airlift. Powerplant certification discounts. A pro- looking forward to Thanks to Mike, we’re over $10,000 towards gram we’re ready to implement will provide this year’s conven- that goal, and we appreciate his energy and discounts for aviators interested in convert- tion and hope if dedication. Mike will be missed. I would also ing military flight records to FAA standards CMSgt. Mike Kerver, you’re reading this like to welcome our new Public Affairs coor- and storing them securely online. We will be USAF (retired) article, I’ll see you dinator, Trisha Frank and her deputy Maj. Ja- sending information on this program soon. on the exhibit floor, son Pravitz. Both Trisha and Jayson have hit There is also a lot of administrative work at a keynote address, or at one of the over 24 the ground running and started work to en- going on to include our annual bylaw review professional development seminars we’ve put hance our social media presence. Another in- and update to accommodate improved nomi- together for you. In regard to our convention, dividual I’d like to welcome is our new Board nating committee processes and procedures, I say this often and then repeat it, “Across the of Advisor Chairman, Lt. Gen. (retired) Rod enhanced officer job descriptions, a potential entire mobility spectrum, I don’t know of an- Bishop. Working with his deputy, Chief Mas- new Board position to help with strategic plan- other event that gives our attendees so many ter Sgt. (retired) Mike Reynolds, our BoA is ning, and added roles and responsibilities to great opportunities to hear the personal mes- implementing a Chapter mentorship program the membership committee among others. sages of the most senior Department of De- to help bolster recruiting and professional de- Over the past year, regular Association fense, Air Force, and Air Mobility leaders all velopment efforts. business continued and I wanted to take this in one place!” To all our 2019 annual award winners and opportunity to thank MacDill Air Force Base, Our annual convention is also one of the their family members, we’re excited to have McConnell Air Force Base, and Joint Base- best ways we can showcase our commitment you with us, and we look forward to sharing McGuire, Dix, Lakehurst for their warm hos- to the mobility community. Whether ac- the stage as we recognize your stellar accom- pitality and for hosting our Board meetings. tive duty, Reserve, Guard, Industry Partner, plishments and well-deserved awards. We’re In every case, we were amazed at the energy friend, or family member, we believe we of- very proud of our formal awards program and dedication of our chapter presidents and fer something for everyone. Another thing I and commit a great deal of resources to en- local leadership engaging with both member- often like to say is that beyond the keynote sure our very best are recognized! ship and their local communities. Chapters speakers and seminars, the real strength of The most prestigious award and highest remain the lifeblood of our Association. our convention lies within the intangibles honor the Association can bestow on any in- To all those with us at this year’s conven- called comradery, fellowship and the bond dividual or mission group is induction into tion, please enjoy yourselves and the many built from shared sacrifice and service to our the A/TA Hall of Fame. Our 2019 and 31st re- activities offered. I encourage you to take nation. And the best part is that it’s a good cipient is the Air Transportation Career Field. full advantage of the keynote addresses, old-fashioned reunion giving us a chance With an extensive and decorated 70 plus-year professional development seminars, and the to rekindle old relationships and make new history beginning with the United States Heritage Room. Bigger and better than last friends. Other convention highlights beyond Army Air Forces Air Transport Command year, the Heritage Room will feature live the keynote addresses and seminars include and now with today’s super ports and con- entertainment, trivia, cornhole, and the op- an Industry Interface Day, the AMC Spark tingency support wings, Air Transportation portunity to meet former, current, and even Tank, and more than 80 exhibitors. Specialists…widely known to many as Port future mobility heroes. We also consider our annual convention Dawgs…are the backbone of our nation’s abil- I’m convinced our 51st convention offers another way to energize mobility Airmen and ity to respond to crisis anywhere in the world. the types of fellowship and networking op- to help keep them on the Air Force Team. On The aerial port community has long been the portunities unequaled across the DOD, and the front lines every day is our top enlisted silent power behind the thunder of air power hope you leave Orlando with the same feel- leader, AMC Command Chief Terry Greene. and is fully deserving of induction. We will ing. As a membership-based organization, This is Chief Greene’s first convention, and unveil their bust and fully recognize them at our livelihood and success begin and end his role in developing and utilizing Mobility Friday night’s banquet. with you. If you like what you see over the Airmen can never be understated. Please join I’m also happy to report A/TA has awarded next few days, tell a friend and bring them to me in welcoming Chief Greene to not only its 1,000th Enlisted Education Grant. Since next year’s convention. AMC, but to our convention as well. Gen, program inception, we’ve administered over Miller and Chief Greene make a formidable $330,000 in grants to Association members Again, welcome to Orlando! team, and we’re grateful for their leadership. pursuing a degree. We strongly encourage you Best…Mike There are way too many people to thank than I have space for, but our convention would not be possible without our Program VP, Patti Cost. Patti leads a talented group of A/TA Industry Partnership remains a bargain at the annual rate of $1700. Industry Partner volunteers, and works just about every detail benefits include a reduced exhibit rate, opportunity to select your exhibit location (based on estab- concerning the convention. lished criteria), a write-up with your logo in the convention issue of the Airlift/Tanker Quarterly The seminars you’ll attend are a direct re- (as well as a listing on our website) and five “free” individual memberships. A new and exciting sult of our seminar coordinator, Master Sgt. benefit for our Industry Partners is our Industry Partner News page on our website. This is a place (retired) Geno Carvotta. Geno makes the where you can share information about new products/services or company news. Contact Sondra thankless work of scheduling and coordinat- Hart at [email protected] or 423-902-2297 to become an A/TA Industry Partner today. ing the locations, speakers, and logistics for our seminars look easy and his effort is ap-
A/TQ • Airlift/Tanker Quarterly • Fall 2019 5 Secretary’s Notes the volunteers I’ve worked with over the last Alex Carrancho led a superstar team of chap- six years. This is a great organization largely ter leaders (please read our web site post for Welcome to the because of our mission to support mobility air- the details; atalink.org) to host my final board 2019 Convention and men, preserve mobility culture and strengthen meeting. Thanks Alex and well done. Symposium and our mobility bonds but what makes it really special If you are a member of the association, please 51st convention. Last are the people. make sure you join us at the annual business year was such a big I want to specifically point out Gary and meeting. We will be voting on several items in- event, but it’s time to Sondra Hart plus Brou Gautier and Scott cluding approving a new secretary and several start thinking about Young; early in my tenure they transitioned important by-law changes. For more details on the next 50. our administrative support, membership sys- the by-law changes please take a look at the ar- I’m certain this tem and web site from a functional but obso- ticle posted on our website or our Facebook site. will be another lete system to the current industry standard Additionally, please welcome to the team our fantastic event and you see in use today. new Public Affairs Coordinator Trisha Frank. an opportunity to There have been a lot of behind-the-scenes Trisha joined the team this spring along with Col. Mike Cassidy, learn, re-connect and challenges and they have worked together, Maj. Jason Pravitz from McConnell Air Force USAF (retired) make new networks focusing on supporting the association. The Base, Kansas. This will be our first convention among friends and fellow professional Mo- association is better because of all their hard with them leading this important effort, they bility Airmen. work. I also need to thank a few members of are already making an enormous contribution. Thanks to the incredible team led by our our Board of Advisors: Dave Spector, Jim Wil- Lastly, Col. Gail Halvorsen, the Candy- Vice President of Programs, Patti Cost and our ton and Mike Welch who helped me on several Bomber and A/TA Hall of Fame recipient, Vice President for Industry Col. (retired) Cary projects. Thanks to all these and many others. plans to be with us again this year. He’s still go- Walgamott, once again together they created an I also need to say thanks again to the local ing strong at 99 years young. Let me encourage incredible event. chapters who supported our board meetings at you to meet Gail but also support the associa- This is my last convention as the secretary of all the different bases. Over the course of six tion’s effort to make an A/TA contribution of this great organization. So, this is a chance to years as secretary, I’ve worked with 18 chapters at least $30,000 to the Gail Halvorsen Aviation say thanks. First, thanks to Col. (retired) Grace to host 18 meetings for our board of officers and Education Foundation. It is easy to donate on Blevins-Holman for being willing to take over key volunteers. One of my main roles has been our website and designate your funds to sup- as the secretary. During the last several months to work closely with chapter officers and local port this great American Airman and Hero. Grace has shadowed me as I put together the leadership on all the details to make our meet- I will close as I always have, remember, in- quarterly board meetings and work on the oth- ings successful. It has been a real privilege and vite someone you know (Guard, Reserve, ac- er details in my role as secretary. During our a lot of fun to get to know all of you – a huge tive, retired, civic leader, aircrew, maintenance, annual business meeting Grace will be on the collective thanks. port, support, etc.) to join this great organiza- ballot and be the board’s recommendation for The most recent example of this was our tion and get involved with your local chapter. members’ approval. summer board meeting at Joint Base-McGuire, Thanks for all you do, every day. I want to thank the board members and all Dix, Lakehurst in early August. Master Sgt. Mike
Senior Airman Matt Summers, Airman 1st Class Placido Solis and Senior Airman Justin Muniz, 62nd Maintenance Squadron, left to right, work to move a cracked engine ring cowl from a Royal Australian Air Force C-17 Globemaster III at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington, Sept. 5, 2019. (USAF photo by Airman 1st Class Sara Hoerichs).
A/TQ • Airlift/Tanker Quarterly • Fall 2019 6 for our members, improving the role of the Board of Advisors and 2019 Summer Board Meeting, continuing the preparations for our 2019 convention in Orlando. The by-law revisions will be presented for review to the members 60 Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst days prior to the upcoming annual business meeting. By USAF Col. (retired) Michael D. Cassidy, A/TA Secretary We used Amazon Chime’s web-based capability for the second time to expand the meeting. Lt. Col. Alexander “Popeye” Fafin- Thanks to the entire leadership team at Joint Base McGuire-Dix- ski and Col. (retired) Brou Gautier successfully joined the board Lakehurst, New Jersey for hosting our summer board meeting on meeting remotely to update the board. 2 and 3 August. A special thanks to Master Sgt. Alex Carrancho, On Friday, August 2, the group met Airmen from around JB- Senior Master Sgt. Jonathan Friscia, Maj. Kristina Himmelreich, MDL for lunch at Pudgy’s. It is motivating to hear the stories of Lt. Melissa Seiber and Master Sgt. William Jackson A/TA’s Tom- these great Airmen and tell them a little about A/TA and our my B. McGuire chapter president, vice president, treasurer, secre- time on active duty. tary and chapter member for ensuring the success of our visit and The board members then received mission briefings and met productivity of our board meeting. Without these professionals with McGuire leadership, hosted by Brig. Gen. Bill Knight at the our meeting would not have happened. Expeditionary Center. This included a productive ‘office-call’ for The 305 AMW Commander, Col. Jackie Breeden along with the chairman, president and senior vice-president with the Expe- the 514 AMW/CC, Col. Tom Pemberton; 621 CRW/CC, Col. ditionary Center Command Maj. Gen. John Gordy. Doug Jackson; 108 AW/MXG/CC, Col Stephen Henske; 87 Friday evening the group met at a social event hosted by the ABW/CCC, Chief Master Sgt. Bill Fitch and the 621CRW/CCC Orange County Military Support Committee and several Honor- Chief Master Sgt. Tony Jenkins joined the board Friday morn- ary Commanders. Thanks to Barbara Borwiec, Wendy Lang, Re- ing to help get us started. Col. Breeden is a long time A/TA gina Neigel, Ben Waldron, Dana Lancellotti and Gino Sciorilli for member and convention volunteer, she offered her continued spending their evening with us and for all they do for JB-MDL. We support and thanks to A/TA. were joined by the 305AMW Vice Commander Nick Leonelli and Lt. Col. Rob Lowe, from the AMC Commander’s Action Group his son Christian. It was a great evening of ‘Strengthening Bonds.’ and A/TA’s point of contact for all convention issues joined the In summary, we had a productive board meeting and it was a seven members of the board, our Board of Advisor Chairman wonderful opportunity to “support mobility airmen.” Well done and key members of the A/TA support staff. We began the board and thanks to all the men and women of JB-MDL and Tommy B. meeting on Friday morning, 2 August 2019. During the meeting McGuire chapter. Lowe presented an update from AMC regarding the Air Force The annual business meeting will be held in conjunction with and AMC’s commitment to support the upcoming convention. the convention in Orlando on Wednesday, Oct. 23, 2019. Please Carrancho presented a Tommy B. McGuire chapter update. come join us at the convention and the business meeting. If you The board members then got down to business concluding on- have any questions, contact the A/TA secretary at secretary@ going work on by-law revisions, multiple proposals to increase value atalink.org.
Clockwise from top left: Ken Arteaga, USAF Expeditionary Operations School Deputy Commander, briefs the members of the A/TA National board on the schools mission it provides to the Air Force and Air Mobility Command. ATA National Board Members along with Master Sgt. Alex Carrancho (center), President of the Tommy B. McGuire Chapter stand in front of “Pudgy” a P-38 lightening assigned to Maj. Thomas McGuire in the Pacific during WWII. Master Sgt. Alex Carrancho, President, Tommy B. McGuire Chapter of the Airlift Tanker Associaiton, provides the National Board with a chapter update at the start of the Summer Board Meeting. A member of the 423rd Mobility Training Squadron watches as Col. (Ret) Mike Cassidy tries out the squadron’s new virtual reality goggles. (Photo courtesy of A/TA).
A/TQ • Airlift/Tanker Quarterly • Fall 2019 7 A Message from Air Mobility Command Commander General Maryanne Miller
I have been looking forward to sharing assets at home. We can no longer depend a few moments with you at this year’s Air- on the oceanic Maginot Line that has lift/Tanker Association Symposium. Mo- shielded our stateside bases from hostile bility Airmen founded the Airlift/Tanker actors. To achieve the strategic effects our Association amid a geopolitical climate nation requires, we must adopt a mindset with similarities to what we see in today’s aligned with Air Force strategy as it as- operating environment. In 1969, our mili- serts that bases are not strongholds from tary was responding to the impacts of a which to project power but positions from long-term conflict while trying to balance which to engage the fight—even stateside. the strategic demands of the Cold War. To- Though our problem set changes, the day, we face a similar picture as we have one thing that remains unchanged is the shifted our strategic focus toward great quality of the Airmen who have volun- power competition. In order to meet and teered to serve our nation. I am continu- exceed evolving security demands, we ally amazed by what they accomplish Gen. Maryanne Miller is the Com- must glean insight from the last period on a daily basis. Through times of fiscal mander, Air Mobility Command, Scott of strategic competition and wisely adapt hardship and a demanding operational Air Force Base, Illinois. Air Mobility those principles to our current context. tempo, their ability to advance the mis- Command’s mission is to provide rapid, This application includes our skillsets, our sion is without equal. It is our obligation global mobility and sustainment for thinking, and our Airmen. to ensure these Airmen have the tools America’s armed forces. The command The Mobility Air Forces will continue to and knowledge needed to take the fight also plays a crucial role in providing operate in increasingly contested domains. forward into a new age characterized by humanitar- ian support at home and We must be prepared to compete, deter, dynamic technological advancements by around the world. The men and wom- and win in every environment. We no lon- state actors. We must resource and devel- en of AMC - active duty, Air National ger operate in environments where we are op them appropriately. Guard, Air Force Reserve and civilians - completely free from threat. Because of the Leveraging the wisdom gained from pro- vide airlift, aerial refueling, special changing nature of the threat landscape, our past and our knowledge about the air mission, aeromedical evacuation and we must continue to hone our skills in de- future, we will ensure our Airmen are mobility support. livering mobility airpower. The skills we empowered and equipped. Even with the Gen. Miller was commissioned in 1981 are building today—across the spectrum challenges we face every day, I know we as a distinguished graduate of the ROTC of mobility operations—allow us to deliver will rise to meet all tests through the agil- program at The Ohio State University. the strategic mobility that the 2018 National ity and innovation offered by our Mobil- She is a command pilot with more than Defense Strategy demands. This capability ity Airmen. As the asymmetric advantage, 4,800 flying hours in numerous aircraft. is foundational to our nation’s projection of they provide our leaders with a menu of The general has commanded two wings and held numerous staff leader- combat power and we must have the ability options when facing crises. Whether its ship positions at the unit, air staff and to provide this strength for our Joint warf- providing hope in the wake of a hurri- joint staff levels. Prior to her current as- ighters in any environment. cane, fueling a strike package for a kinetic signment, she was the Chief of Air Force We are aggressively building upon our attack, or executing an emergency airdrop Reserve, Head- quarters U.S. Air Force, skills and capabilities that deliver mobil- to troops in need, Air Mobility Command Washington, D.C., and Commander of ity airpower. As we do this, we must also has always been there, and we always Air Force Reserve Command, Robins adjust our thinking about the sanctuary will be—with the right effects, to the right AFB, Georgia. traditionally offered by basing strategic place, at the right time.
Mulitple U.S. Air Force, Joint and Coalition C-130Js and KC-130Js prepare to take off during exer- cise Mobility Guardian 2019 at Fairchild Air Force Base, Washington, Sept. 12, 2019. (USAF photo by Airman 1st Class Lawrence Sena).
A/TQ • Airlift/Tanker Quarterly • Fall 2019 8 A/TQ • Airlift/Tanker Quarterly • Fall 2019 9 A PROVEN ENGINE THAT’S COMBAT READY.
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A/TQ • Airlift/Tanker Quarterly • Fall 2019 10