AEDC: 25 Years of Supporting the Warfighter for AFMC by AEDC Public Affairs

Home , 432nd Wing, 75th Air Base Wing, Hill Air Force Base

PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID TULLAHOMA TN Vol. 64, No. 13 Arnold AFB, Tenn. PERMIT NO. 29 July 3, 2017 AEDC: 25 years of supporting the warfighter for AFMC By AEDC Public Affairs

With more than two decades now under its wing, Air Force Materiel Com- mand has provided 25 years of support to America’s warfighters. Since the dedication of the AFMC July 1, 1992, AEDC, an Air Force Test Center organization, has played a major role in warfighter development. Headquartered at Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio, the command is based on the concept of Integrated Weapons System Management. This concept enables one command to provide “cradle to grave” development and support for weapon systems and gives Air Force operational commands a single source of expertise and support for their aerospace systems. AFMC is responsible for weapon systems such as aircraft, missiles and spacecraft that are developed and ac- quired through AFMC’s product centers, using science and technologies developed at their affiliated laboratories. The systems are then tested at the command’s test centers and are serviced, overhauled and modified at its air logistics centers. At the end of their service Col. Kurt Gallegos, the 944th Fighter Wing commander, leads a four-ship formation with the A-10 Thunderbolt II, F-35 lives, aircraft are retired to AFMC’s Joint Strike Fighter and F-15 Strike Eagle, during his fini-flight near Luke Air Force Base, Ariz., June 2. Scale models of storage and reclamation facility in Ari- the A-10, F-35 and F-15 have all undergone testing in the AEDC wind tunnel test facilities, and the Pratt & Whitney F135 zona. engine for the F-35 has completed Accelerated Mission Testing in the sea level engine test cells at Arnold Air Force Base. AFMC also provides support to (U.S. Air Force photo/Tech. Sgt. Larry E. Reid Jr.) other U.S. military services and allies Take Off and Landing/Carrier Vari- in addition to its responsibility of han- ant (CTOL/CV) has taken place in the dling major aerospace projects for the sea level test cells at Arnold Air Force DOD. Base. The F135 engine has been tested AEDC is one of the main test at Arnold since 1999. and evaluation organizations for the Testing in the AEDC aerodynamic AFMC’s AFTC. Based out of Arnold wind tunnels have even helped prepare AFB, AEDC also has operating loca- the Navy variant of the F-35 Joint Strike tions at the Federal Research Center at Fighter for its first external weapons re- White Oak near Silver Spring, Mary- lease. It’s been estimated that the 1/15th land; at Ames Research Center, in scale Lockheed Martin F-35 model has Mountain View, and at Edwards AFB, been tested in the AEDC 4-foot tran- California; Eglin AFB, Florida; Hollo- sonic wind tunnel for more than 3,300 man AFB, Kirtland AFB, New Mexico; user occupancy hours. and at Wright-Patterson AFB. AEDC In addition, store separation test- offers a suite of test capabilities to sim- ing of the Advanced Short Range Air- ulate speed, temperature, pressure and to-Air Missile has been conducted in other parameters over a wide range to AEDC wind tunnels. Separation test- meet the needs of aerospace system de- ing of the ASRAAM, also known as velopers. the AIM-132, with the F-35 was last The Complex has provided AFMC performed in the 4-foot transonic aero- with 25 years of testing the latest warf- dynamic wind tunnel at the Propulsion ighters, such as the Air Force’s F-22A Wind Tunnel facility in 2008. The test AEDC contributions to the Raptor and its Pratt & Whitney F119 objective was to investigate the sepa- engine, and the F-35 Lightning II Joint ration characteristics of several arma- warfighter Strike Fighter and the Pratt & Whitney ments, which included the AIM-132 A model of an A-10 Thunderbolt II, more commonly known as “The Warthog” F135 engine. as well as the AIM-9X, AIM-120C, due to its unique shape, underwent a pressure-sensitive paint (PSP) test in the Accelerated Mission Testing (AMT) AEDC 16-foot transonic wind tunnel in 2013. PSP was used to get surface pres- of the F135-PW-100 Conventional See SUPPORTING, page 2 sure data on the model. (U.S. Air Force photo)

Maj. Gen. Harris speaks at 2017 AEDC Fellows Banquet Maj. Gen. David A. Harris, the Air Force Test Cen- ter commander and speaker for the 2017 AEDC Fellows Banquet, is shown with retired Maj. Gen. Mike Wiedemer, AEDC Fellow and Arnold Com- munity Council Fellows Committee chairman, at Arnold Air Force Base June 23. Five current and former AEDC employees were inducted as AEDC Fellows during the banquet. (Courtesy photo/ Claude Morse)

See AEDC Fellows photos on page 4.

Dogwood Ridge opens for lodgers …Page 3 2 • July 3, 2017

Arnold Air Force Area youth have a blast at this year’s Base AIAA RocketDay! event

By Deidre Ortiz AEDC Public Affairs

The second annual RocketDay! Competition for area youth was held June 17 at the Hands-On Science Col. Rodney Todaro Center (HOSC) in Tullahoma. Commander The event, sponsored by the Tennessee Section of Jason Austin American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Chief, and the Arnold Air Force Base Science, Technology, Public Affairs Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Center, fea- tured various contests and activities for families. Youth taking part in the competition ranged from toddlers to high school students. Cynthia Rivera As part of the event, the Cool-Two Rocket Com- General Manager, petition was once again held. This competition invites National Aerospace students from fifth grade through high school to cre- Solutions ate an elaborate, innovative rocket from a two-liter High Mach Staff: bottle. Entries included everything from flying pigs to Kathy Gattis, black widow spiders. Some rockets used homemade The first place winner at the 2017 RocketDay! event was Bradley Escue, whose NAS Executive Editor systems made with PVC with a rubber stopper and bi- rocket wowed the judges by its high lofting flight with a perfectly stable ballis- Raquel March, cycle pump while others used materials and equipment tic trajectory. RocketDay! was held for area youth on June 17 at the Hands on NAS Editor obtained from the Arnold AFB STEM Center, which Science Center in Tullahoma. Pictured left to right are: Joe Sheeley, RocketDay High Mach is published by enabled bottle pressures of up to 80 pounds per square organizer; Deb Wimberly, director of the Hands-On Science Center; and Escue. (Courtesy photos/Tanya Sheeley) Lakeway Publishers, Inc. a pri- inch and launches of greater than 100 feet in the air. vate firm in no way connected with the U.S. Air Force, Arnold First place was won by a solid traditional design, Air Force Base, Arnold Engi- created by Bradley Escue, which wowed the judges by neering Development Complex its high lofting flight with a perfectly stable ballistic (AEDC) or National Aerospace trajectory. Zack Sheeley took second place with his Solutions (NAS), under exclu- sive written contract with NAS elaborate black widow design which had glowing red at Arnold AFB, Tenn., 37389. eyes and spit out red water during its maiden flight. Everything advertised in Third place was won by Clay Taylor, with his flying this publication will be made pig, complete with a rounded-snout from which a para- available for purchase, use chute deployed. or patronage without regard to race, color, religion, sex, The first and second place winners won drones and national origin, age, marital sta- the third place winner received a gift certificate for the tus, physical handicap, political Hands-On Science Center gift shop. affiliation or any other non- Dr. Taylor Swanson, member of the AEDC Analy- merit factor of the purchaser, user or patron. sis and Evaluation Branch and volunteer for the event The High Mach office is commented that RocketDay! 2017 was enjoyable for located at 100 Kindel Drive, both participants and event volunteers. Suite A236, Arnold AFB, Tenn. “Attendance this year was greater than last year and 37389-1236. Editorial content is edited and prepared by NAS. we hope this trend continues,” Swanson said. “One of Deadline for copy is Wednes- the two liter rockets was made to look like a pig and day at close of business one another to resemble a spider. At what other event can week before publication. you see a pig fly?” Several water and air rocket launchers were setup at RocketDay! allowing par- This commercial enterprise Deb Wimberly, director of the HOSC, said it was an ticipants to launch rockets, ranging from a homemade system made with PVC newspaper is an allowable with a rubber stopper and bicycle pump to a system from the Arnold Air Force honor to host the event. NAS contractor publication Base STEM Center which enabled bottle pressures of up to 80 pounds per for personnel at Arnold AFB. “Thank you AIAA for hosting the second annual square inch and launches of greater than 100 feet in the air. Pictured is Clay The content of High Mach Rocket Day at the Hands-On Science Center,” she said. Taylor with his flying pig. RocketDay! was held June 17 at the Hands-On Sci- does not necessarily reflect the “It was a beautiful, sunny Saturday, and a great time views of the Air Force, Arnold ence Center in Tullahoma. AFB, AEDC or NAS. The ap- was had by both kids and adults.” pearance of advertising in this Col. Raymond Briggs, Chief of the AEDC Test Sus- publication does not constitute tainment Division and volunteer for the event added, endorsement of the products “The creativity of the Cool-Two entrants was inspir- or services advertised by the ing. It was a lot of fun to talk to the kids on where Department of Defense, the Department of the Air Force, they gained their inspiration, what gave them trouble, Arnold AFB, AEDC, NAS or and how they thought their rockets performed. Good Lakeway Publishers, Inc. event.” For general information Dr. Joe Sheeley, AEDC technology engineer and about High Mach, call (931) RocketDay! event organizer, said even more activities 454-5655 or visit www. arnold.af.mil. are planned for the 2018 competition. “Next year we’re planning to expand the competi- Use High Mach to market your products and servic- tions at the event,” he said. “We’ll have a contest called es. Contact Renee at 931- ‘recycled rockets’ where competitors build static mod- 455-4545 or tnadvmgr@ els of existing or whimsical spacecraft using things like lcs.net. cans, bottles and popsicle sticks. We will also expand into drones, adding perhaps a drone race and a yet-to- be-defined competition called ‘drone wars,’ in which teams will compete with multiple drones to move objects around in some sort of game area.” Sheely also thanked Jere Matty, Arnold AFB STEM The Cool-Two entries at the RocketDay! competition, shown here, ranged from director, as well as the Tennessee Section of AIAA a flying pig to a black widow spider. About 30 area youth participated in Rocket- members for their continued support of the event. Day! held June 17 at the Hands-On Science Center in Tullahoma. Core Values • Integrity first SUPPORTING from page 1 • Service before self AGM-154 Joint Stand-off Weapon, GBU-32 weapons separation characteristic evaluations sion Wind Tunnel facility. • Excellence in all (1,000-pound Joint Direct Attack Munition) and structural analyses for various aircraft Other aircraft tested in AEDC test facilities we do and Paveway IV, from internal and external weapons loadings. over the years include A-10 Thunderbolt II, weapons stations of the Short Take-off and The Air Force’s Global Hawk and Un- F-14 Tomcat, F-15 Eagle, F-16 Fighting Fal- Vertical Landing and Carrier Variant versions manned Combat Air Vehicle have also used con, F/A-18 Hornet and F/A-18 Super Hornet, of the JSF aircraft. Test data included store AEDC latest technology for test before flight, F-105 Thunderchief, F-111 Aardvark, F-117A freestream, pseudo-freestream (i.e. aircraft such as Pressure Sensitive Paint technology. Nighthawk, C-5 Galaxy, C-17 Globemaster Vision model in tunnel), aerodynamic grid, captive The B-2 Spirit bomber is another that has un- III, C-141Starlifter, B-1B Lancer, B-2 Spirit, “NAS will be integral to the success of AEDC, the U. S. Air trajectory and captive loads. Results from dergone store separation testing to validate B-52 Stratofortress, B-58 Hustler, X-15, X-29, Force’s premier aerospace testing facilities, while applying the highest the test have supported internal and external conventional weapons in the AEDC Propul- X-32 and X-33, X-35, XB-70 Valkyrie. standards of ethics, innovation, safety, security, and quality to daily operations.” Values • Ethics. We are uncompromising in our Action Line integrity, honesty, and fairness. Smoking Policy • 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 in protecting sensitive AEDC information why we have the Action Line available. and ensuring system integrity to support signage exists, smoking is not permitted in that area. It is the responsibility of all smokers to keep DTAs 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 our work right the first time. except in the approved DTA. get other issues off their chests. They • 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 demonstrate innovation and have a can Although the Action Line is always do attitude. may take. Breaks should be taken in accordance with the current supervisory and personnel policies that available, the best and fastest way to get • Culture. Our team is proud of our diver- afford all employees the same break opportunities consistent with good work practices and accomplish- 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. directly involved. I encourage everyone to • Relationships. We build positive, long- Smokeless tobacco products are not to be restricted to DTAs. Smokeless tobacco use will be permitted in all term business relationships through trust, workplace areas (inside and out) subject to reasonable safety and sanitary conditions. Specifically, containers go that route first, then if the situation isn’t 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”): ogy, and flexibility. We actively seek to Col. Rodney Todaro continually improve. Pursuant to Air Force Instruction (AFI) 40-102, Tobacco Free Living, e-cigs are considered to be equivalent to 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. July 3, 2017 • 3 Area youth have a blast at this year’s Arnold AFB Natural Resources harvesting AIAA RocketDay! event comes with some guidelines

By Raquel March Arnold AFB Services office for Permittees cutting fire wood life materials, and warnings. cate and dispose of such items. AEDC Public Affairs cutting on base property. In- are required to remove all cut When coming from Tullahoma Always remember the golden structions and terms of use are tops and debris from roadways traveling East on Wattendorf rule – If you didn’t drop it, When local residents or provided in the permit. and drains and are required to Highway, a kiosk is immediate- don’t pick it up. More informa- transient visitors pass through Permittees have two weeks comply with applicable gov- ly on the right at the corner of tion on identification and how the Arnold Air Force Base Nat- from the date of purchase to ex- erning regulations, federal Harton Boulevard as you enter to respond to finding a UXO ural Resources area, they may ercise the permit. No firewood state and local law, and safety the base property. Another ki- can be found at a TWRA kiosk. have an intent to pick blackber- cutting is allowed on weekends standards. osk is located on the first right If you have any questions about ries or gather firewood. during the deer hunting sea- It is not lawful to harvest gravel road as you exit Inter- the munitions remediation pro- Before any of these actions son. Only downed trees may any other plants or forest prod- state 24 traveling west on Wat- gram, call 454-4353. begin there are some guide- be cut on site and must be cut ucts within the 40,000 acres at tendorf Highway and enter base Never go alone, if possible, lines residents and visitors to firewood length. Log length Arnold. property. and always let someone know must follow. wood may not be removed and Arnold AFB was used for your plan. Cell phone coverage According to the Integrated cut off-site. Individual permit Army live-fire training -dur on Arnold AFB is limited and Natural Resources Manage- holders may not remove more Remember Safety ing WWII and unidentified ex- you may not be able to contact ment Plan, blackberries and than five truck- or trailer-loads When harvesting items at plosive ordinance, known as help should you need it. Let blueberries may be harvested of firewood per year. Permit- Arnold, there are some safety UXOs, still exist today. Desig- someone know exactly where by the public for personal con- tees may neither sell nor ex- precautions to keep in mind. nated walking trails and recre- you are going and what time The first place winner at the 2017 RocketDay! event was Bradley Escue,sumption only in areas that are change any cut material. The Anyone planning to enter ational areas have been swept you will return. You can even rocket wowed the judges by its high lofting flight with a perfectly stable ballis deemed safe and do not inter- permit must be kept in the into the lands and forest of Ar- and cleared of UXOs. use Google Maps to pinpoint tic trajectory. RocketDay! was held for area youth on June 17 at the Hands fere with military missions. A possession of the permittee at nold AFB should stop at one Items such as mortars, rock- the destination and give the Science Center in Tullahoma. Pictured left to right are: Joe Sheeley, permit isn’t required for har- all times while cutting, load- of the two Tennessee Wildlife ets, grenades and anti-tank GPS coordinates to someone organizer; Deb Wimberly, director of the Hands-On Science Center; and vesting blackberries or blue- ing and hauling firewood and Resource Agency, or TWRA, mines are still occasionally else should you fail to return in (Courtesy photos/Tanya Sheeley) berries at Arnold. are subject to a compliance in- Hunters Information Kiosks to found by hunters and hikers in time. The sale of firewood per- spection by Arnold AFB or the obtain latest local conditions, the forest of Arnold AFB even Stay hydrated and wear the mits to the general public for Tennessee Wildlife Resources safety information, hunting sea- after years of munitions reme- proper clothing and shoes for $5 is conducted through the Agency at any time. son dates and indigenous wild- diation programs efforts to lo- the environment. AIAA Tennessee Section presents 2017 Awards

The American Institute of Aeronautics and As- tronautics Tennessee Section recently held an annual awards luncheon where professional engineers were recognized for Several water and air rocket launchers were setup at RocketDay! allowing par their significant technical ticipants to launch rockets, ranging from a homemade system made with accomplishments, out- with a rubber stopper and bicycle pump to a system from the Arnold Air standing achievements Base STEM Center which enabled bottle pressures of up to 80 pounds and support to AIAA Sec- Jim Burns Dustin Crider Joseph Giuffrida Doug Garrard square inch and launches of greater than 100 feet in the air. Pictured is tion activities. Taylor with his flying pig. RocketDay! was held June 17 at the Hands-On Sci Booster Award: In rec- Booster Award: In rec- Billy J. Griffith Engineer- Special Award: For tech- ence Center in Tullahoma. ognition of outstanding ognition of exceptional ing Analysis Award: In nical contributions and advocacy and support leadership and service to recognition of exemplary orchestrating facility re- of STEM outreach events the AIAA TN Section Test & Evaluation sup- quirements for the first within the community port to an acquisition pro- Aerodynamic and Pro- gram using a store sepa- pulsion Test Unit direct ration analysis methodol- connect test ogy that combines com- putational modeling and ground test data

Sara Rhodes Chris Rudolf Mark Smith Joseph Sheely David Beale The Cool-Two entries at the RocketDay! competition, shown here, ranged Special Award: For out- Special Award: For de- Special Award: For his The General H. H. Arnold The General H. H. Arnold a flying pig to a black widow spider. About 30 area youth participated in Rocket standing wind tunnel veloping and applying leadership and techni- Award: In recognition of Award: In recognition of Day! held June 17 at the Hands-On Science Center in Tullahoma. test support leading to innovative measurement cal contributions in com- his outstanding contri- his outstanding contri- the successful demon- techniques in support of pleting rigorous facility butions toward advanc- butions toward advanc- stration of a prototype arc heater test facilities analyses to demonstrate ing the state of the art of ing the state of the art of SUPPORTING from page 1 swirl generator the mid-pressure arc the aerodynamic and as- the aerodynamic and as- heater capability tronautical sciences tronautical sciences sion Wind Tunnel facility. Other aircraft tested in AEDC test over the years include A-10 Thunderbolt F-14 Tomcat, F-15 Eagle, F-16 Fighting Fal Dogwood Ridge opens for lodgers F-105 Thunderchief, F-111 Aardvark, F-1 Nighthawk, C-5 Galaxy III, C-141Starlifter, B-1B Lancer, B-2 B-52 Stratofortress, B-58 Hustler X-32 and X-33, X-35, XB-70 Valkyrie.

John McKelvey, Arnold Air Force Base Services Branch, AEDC Commander Col. Rodney Todaro and David Wilhite, Arnold AFB Civil Engineering Branch, cut the ribbon at the grand opening and ceremony June 20 for the Dogwood Ridge recreation area at Arnold Air Force Base. Dogwood Ridge has four fully equipped cabins with access to Woods Reservoir shore and beach area. Each cabin has heat and air, a kitchenette, bathroom, downstairs and loft bedroom, Participants take a tour of a cabin during the Dogwood Ridge recreation area living room, and dining area. All cabins have a double bed, two twin beds and grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremony June 20, 2017 at Arnold Air Force a futon which folds out to a double bed. (U.S. Air Force photo/Rick Goodfriend) Base. (U.S. Air Force photo/Rick Goodfriend) 4 • July 3, 2017

th Air Base Wing Public Affairs

HILL AIR FORCE BASE, Utah – ’s Note: Hill Air Force Base units e helping ensure the nuclear triad re- strategic deterrent and into the future. This is the first in

Five inducted at AEDC For more than 50 years, rural Ameri- pastures in the Great Plains have Fellows Banquet in the air, land and sea AEDC Fellow Dr. Bill Kimzey pins Barbara Callens (center) the widow of newbased strategic deterrent triad – mission- Five current and former AEDC employees were inducted as AEDC Fellows during AEDC Technical Fellow Dr. Gene Callens while son Eric (right) watches. ready Airmen controlling highly-surviv- a banquet and induction ceremony June 23 at the Arnold Lakeside Center, Arnold nuclear-armed Minuteman III inter- Air Force Base. AEDC Fellow Dr. Bill Kimzey presents the AEDC Fellows plaque to new AEDC Technical Fellow Bill Bates. (Courtesy photos/Claude Morse) Depot-level maintenance of the boost- - for the s Missile Maintenance Group, part Air Logistics Complex. The Air Force has 150 launch facilities ed launch control centers in place” at each of three loca- - Malmstrom AFB, Montana; Mi- AFB, North Dakota; and F.E. Warren Wyoming. The Airmen and ICBMs alert” around the clock

To comply with the New START , the United States is reducing the of ICBMs that are on strategic from 450 to 400 leaving 50 launch Cyndi Clower-Profferer assists AEDC Craft Fellow Bill Scott in pinning new AEDC Craft Fellow Bill Scott pins new AEDC Craft Fellow Annette McCullough in reserve. This enables the Air AEDC Craft Fellow Pete French. Painter. to plan and execute a Programmed Maintenance (PDM) effort for the time in the life of the weapon system. The launch facilities are underground What you should know about 10-ton blast door for All of the silos are networked and controlled by Missile Com- excavating and trenching safety ground blast-

By AEDC Safety received. This is the first time since 1971, when The SHE Standard C6 for Minuteman III first became opera- The goal of the monthly Safety Excavations, Trenching and at Minot AFB, that a portion of the Condition Campaigns is to identify Shoring also has the following III fleet is being relieved of conditions that make compliance requirements regarding exposure combat assignment long enough to re- with safety requirements a challenge, vehicles/equipment: PDM in the same way aircraft have Employees are not normally AEDC Fellow Dr. Jim Mitchell presents an AEDC Fellow Plaque to new AEDC to ensure we are in compliance with allowed in an excavation, in close “We’re taking advantage of that draw- Lifetime Achievement Fellow Dave Minto. the Air Force safety standards, and to establish consistency across our proximity (closer than 10 feet) to work locations. We will continue heavy equipment, and must remain to send out periodic updates on our visible and out of the swing zone results. while the equipment is digging; We have already completed however, it is recognized that it these focus areas: fall protection, sometimes becomes necessary for barricades and signs, lockout/ a person to enter an excavation tagout, confined spaces, electrical for the purpose of guiding the hot work and lifting and rigging. equipment operator when digging Our efforts have so far resulted in is required in close proximity to a successfully identifying areas that known buried object, or when an need to be improved. In each case, unknown buried object is detected. a short term solution was identified When it becomes necessary for and the process for identifying a person to enter the excavation longer term fixes has begun. Thanks and be in close proximity to heavy to all who have participated in this equipment, while it is digging, the campaign to date. Your actions are following shall apply: making our workplace safer. For the month of July, our • Contractor Safety and Health Safety Condition Campaign focus shall be notified and shall is Excavation and Trenching. approve the entry for AEDC Safety, Health and employees. This can be Environmental Standard C6 on accomplished telephonically; Excavations, Trenching and Shoring in addition, the following is describes the tasks, activities and required for all personnel: actions required when excavations 1. A member of supervision/ or trenching operations are to be management shall be present, performed at Arnold Air Force and Base. 2. When excavation is deeper The principal hazard of than 4 feet, the employee excavation work is death by shall be protected by adequate suffocation or crushing when protective system(s) and shall exposed soil falls and buries not be allowed outside of the workers. Workers are also protected area. subjected to hazards of falling 3. Employees outside of and materials, tools, equipment, and to exposed to vehicular traffic the hazards involving with digging shall be provided with and into energized/pressurized utilities be required to wear reflective such as electrical, water, steam, fuel vests or other suitable and natural gas lines. An additional garments marked with or concern is the potential for an made of reflectorized or high- oxygen-deficient atmosphere. visibility materials. Muddy conditions (common to 4. Trained flag persons, signs, excavations) increase dangers of signals, and barricades shall slips and falls. Hazards of striking be used when necessary. against or being struck by objects are increased by congestion • Exposure to Falling Loads: of personnel, materials, and 1. No person shall be permitted equipment. Additionally, vibrations under loads handled by from heavy equipment or nearby lifting or digging equipment. vehicle traffic can cause soil to 2. No employee shall remain become unstable and collapse. near a vehicle being loaded Employees are expected to know or unloaded. Operators may the hazards associated with their remain in the enclosed cab work in and around excavations and of the vehicle. ensure these hazards are properly The Safety Condition Campaign addressed according to training for August is scaffolding. July 3, 2017 • 5 ICBM Country: Ogden Air Logistics Complex restoring Air Force’s nuclear launch facilities

By Micah Garbarino 75th Air Base Wing Public Affairs

HILL AIR FORCE BASE, Utah – Editor’s Note: Hill Air Force Base units are helping ensure the nuclear triad remains an effective strategic deterrent now and into the future. This is the first in a two part series. For more than 50 years, rural Ameri- can pastures in the Great Plains have housed a key leg in the air, land and sea AEDC Fellow Dr. Bill Kimzey pins Barbara Callens (center) the widow of based strategic deterrent triad – mission- AEDC Technical Fellow Dr. Gene Callens while son Eric (right) watches. ready Airmen controlling highly-surviv- able, nuclear-armed Minuteman III inter- continental ballistic missiles. Depot-level maintenance of the boost- ers, launch control centers, launch facilities, and key support equipment for the Minuteman III is performed by Hill’s 309th Missile Maintenance Group, part of the Ogden Air Logistics Complex. The Air Force has 150 launch facilities and 15 associated launch control centers “deployed in place” at each of three locations - Malmstrom AFB, Montana; Mi- not AFB, North Dakota; and F.E. Warren AFB, Wyoming. The Airmen and ICBMs are “on strategic alert” around the clock to respond to orders from the President. A new storage container used for maintaining missile launch facilities and control centers sits on display Jan. 25 at Hill To comply with the New START Air Force Base, Utah. (U.S. Air Force photo by Todd Cromar) treaty, the United States is reducing the number of ICBMs that are on strategic down to restore vital hardness-critical cility, launch control center, solid-rocket the operating wing and returned to Hill alert from 450 to 400 leaving 50 launch systems to full mission capability – re- booster (stages 1, 2 and 3), and liquid- AFB by 309th MMXG drivers, where AEDC Craft Fellow Bill Scott pins new AEDC Craft Fellow facilities in reserve. This enables the Air pair water leaks, mitigate corrosion, and propellant propulsion system rocket en- they undergo programmed depot mainte- Painter. Force to plan and execute a Programmed generally posture the weapons system gine, said Lt. Col. Lt. Col. Brian Young, nance. Depot Maintenance (PDM) effort for the to remain safe, secure and reliable until product support technical director, at the After the booster PDM is completed at first time in the life of the weapon system. the Ground Based Strategic Deterrent Air Force Nuclear Weapons Center, in a Hill, it is returned to the field and placed The launch facilities are underground program (next generation ICBM) can recently published Air Force story. in a newly-repaired launch facility which silos, each with a 110-ton blast door for achieve full mission capability in the mid- Within the launch facilities and is then returned to strategic alert to make protection. All of the silos are networked 2030’s,” said Col. Eric Jackson, com- launch control centers, there are a vari- way for the next launch facility to receive together and controlled by Missile Com- mander of the 309th Missile Maintenance ety of components targeted to ensure the PDM. bat Crew members in underground blast- Group. “These are all things we couldn’t readiness and health of the site, including “As a result of the hard work and dili- proof launch control centers. do as effectively – or at all – while the shock isolators, various launcher closure gence of the depot and field maintainers, This is the first time since 1971, when launch facility was on strategic alert.” components, overpressure-protecting supported by government and contractor the Minuteman III first became opera- The entire Minuteman III fleet will be blast valves and blast doors, and envi- supply-chain partners and guided by ex- tional at Minot AFB, that a portion of the inspected and restored during the course ronmental control system components, ceptional engineers and program manag- Minuteman III fleet is being relieved of of an eight-year cycle. The maintenance Young said. ers from the AF Nuclear Weapons Cen- its combat assignment long enough to re- process takes about 50 days for each As each of the 50 launch facilities are ter, the nation can rest easy knowing the ceive PDM in the same way aircraft have launch facility or launch control center. placed into the rotating reserve status Minuteman III and associated systems for decades. The effort targets four major areas for maintenance, the booster is removed will remain, ready, alert and combat ef- “We’re taking advantage of that draw- through an eight-year cycle: launch fa- from the launch facility by Airmen from fective,” Jackson said. ICBM Country: Hill AFB workers play key role in future of strategic defense

By Micah Garbarino prioritizing the nuclear en- for a new weapon system. 75th Air Base Wing terprise. He also noted that Attrition of Minuteman III Public Affairs while conventional wars go drives our schedule,” said on, the major nuclear pow- Col. Heath Collins, the HILL AIR FORCE ers have not gone to war Air Force Nuclear Weap- BASE, Utah (AFNS) – Ed- since World War II because ons Center’s ICBM Sys- itor’s Note: Hill Air Force of the deterrence nuclear tems Directorate’s Ground Base units are helping en- weapons provide. Based Strategic Deterrent sure the nuclear triad re- As nations develop more System program manager. mains an effective strategic sophisticated anti-ballistic However, while the deterrent now and into the missile systems, the U.S. Minuteman III is typical of future. This is the second in needs a weapon system that a system decades past its a two part series. can effectively survive those original design life, Col- The nation needs a ro- capabilities and provide a lins is confident they are bust nuclear deterrent. Not credible threat. The current viable for another 30 years, just any missiles, but the ICBM, the Minuteman III, if required, due to current most responsive strate- has technology that was de- sustainment and mainte- gic weapon systems in the veloped in the 1960s. Since nance programs, such as world. Minuteman III missiles are programmed depot main- The Air Force is respon- no longer in production, in- tenance. sible for two legs of the U.S. ventory will dwindle in the strategic nuclear triad, inter- coming years due to testing continental ballistic missiles and attrition issues as the What’s next? and bombers. Airmen, civil- missiles provide near 24/7 The Air Force deter- ian employees and contrac- alert coverage. mined the most cost-effec- tors at Hill AFB are working “Future capability re- tive way to increase ICBM hard to provide that strate- quirements drive the need See DEFENSE, page 6 gic ICBM need by oversee- ing the Ground Based Stra- tegic Deterrent program, the ICBM for the future. Why a new weapon system? For more than 50 years the Air Force’s ICBMs and the Airmen who operate and maintain them have helped ensure peace by operating and sustaining this leg of the nuclear triad. “We have Airmen right now, as we speak, defending the homeland, and that nuclear deterrent underwrites every military operation on the globe,” said Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David L. Goldfein, in a recent speech 6 • July 3, 2017 ‘Voice’ winner launching AF tour

By Carole Chiles Fuller bunch of really amazing people. We can’t Air Force Civil Engineer Center wait, so come see the show,” Head said. Public Affairs Head said he and bassist, Dropkick Dave Walters and drummer Big Joe Busa JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO- are thrilled to be playing for and meeting LACKLAND, Texas (AFNS) – Sun- Airmen and their families. dance Head, the winner of NBC’s “The “Mostly, I just really want to meet our Voice” season 11, is ready and eager to Airmen and shake their hands and thank bring his original soul country music to them for everything that they’ve done for Air Force audiences. America. That’s the most important thing As part of its initiative to bring quality to me. It’s not about me – I understand entertainment to Airmen and their fami- that, and I want them to know that, too,” lies, the Air Force Services Activity was he said. just as eager to sign the Texas music artist Head credits Misty with coming up to a 10-base tour. with the term “soul country” in an effort “When Sundance Head won ‘The to get his original music played on the Voice’ in December, we started to arrange radio and attract booking agencies. Since for him to play on Air Force bases,” said “The Voice,” he said, “Suddenly there are Soul country singer/songwriter Sundance Head launched his tour of 10 Air Jeri White, the AFSVA entertainment pro- soul country singers all over social me- Force installations at Beale Air Force Base, California, June 30. (Courtesy pho- gram manager. “We selected him because dia.” to/Meredith Truax) we felt he would appeal to a majority of “For me, it’s just writing really cool to our Airmen and their families. These kota, Sept. 22; F.E. Warren AFB, Wyo- people, including our younger Airmen.” songs and singing everything from the concerts give Airmen and their families ming, Sept. 24; and Altus AFB, Oklaho- Head’s career has taken off after his depths of your soul and giving your the opportunity to attend a concert, at no ma, Oct. 5. victory on the singing competition. He whole heart to every lyric.” charge to them, at their base,” White said. “We are hoping the Air Force tour toured with his on-air mentor and country Head, who is from Porter, Texas, be- Head’s tour will include bases that are will be a great experience for him and music star, Blake Shelton over the winter. came an “overnight success” through more remote and isolated, she added. the installations, so we can send him out In June, he won the Texas Regional Ra- resiliency, honing his craft and making a “Airmen stationed there do not have to more locations. We encourage bases dio Association award for best new male living performing in Texas. But what he the same opportunities for entertainment to give the entertainers a look into our vocalist and had his first No. 1 hit on the wanted to do was make an impact on mu- as those stationed in or near metropolitan world, a glimpse into an Airman’s life Texas charts with “13 Years,” a song he sic, so he took a chance and tried out for areas. Another consideration in selecting and our different career fields. Once the wrote for his wife, Misty; and he played “The Voice.” bases for tour stops is logistics. The con- artists experience it, they’re hooked on the “mother church of country music,” “I felt like we had put in the hard work certs should be grouped geographically performing for the Air Force because the the Grand Old Opry in Nashville, Ten- in Texas to make sure we had the stage and fit in with the entertainer’s concert bases welcome them into the Air Force nessee, with Shelton. presence and relatability to the audience schedule,” she said. family,” White said. “We’re going to come into town, and, that you really could only have perfected The tour launches at Beale Air Force Other upcoming entertainment tours hopefully, we’re going to provide one through hard work and many, many hours Base, California, June 30; and includes from AFSVA are with illusionists Mike of the best concerts they’ve ever seen. of singing in bars large enough for only Vandenberg AFB, California, July 3; Ed- Super and Jason Michael. Super is tour- That’s always the goal. We’re just a three- 10-15 people, or sometimes only to my wards AFB, California, July 4; Hill AFB, ing 18 locations in July and August and piece band. We just play real music with wife running sound,” he said. Utah, Aug. 24; Mountain Home AFB, Michael is touring in September and real instruments. We don’t have anything He is the type of entertainer AFSVA Idaho, Aug. 25; Malmstrom AFB, Mon- October. Both provide family-friendly looped, don’t have anything tracked. We seeks. “We want to support rising stars tana, Aug. 27; Grand Forks AFB, North shows, which have been well-received at just want to come play real music for a while bringing quality entertainment Dakota, Sept. 21; Minot AFB, North Da- installations previously, White said.

DEFENSE from page 5 capabilities was to acquire Minuteman III. It would ated systems. Now, around ture, thousands of miles 250 discussions with indus- During the entire time, an entirely new weapon be like taking your VHS 300 of them are playing a of cables, transportation try to review the request,” the men and women of the system, the GBSD. De- player and trying to make large part in development equipment,” Collins said. Collins said. “We want to ICBM Systems Directorate veloping and fielding this it a Blu-Ray player by of the future ICBM. Fifty “While we’ll use some of make crystal-clear they un- will continue to oversee the system has been called a swapping out parts,” Col- more Air Force civilians the existing infrastructure, derstand exactly what the process. “foundational” priority by lins said. are being added this year. like the silos, the entirety government is looking for. “Hill is ICBM country. service leaders. Government and con- “It’s a big program – needs to be engineered for We are being as transpar- We’re very humbled by the “The warfighter needs tract workers at the ICBM 400 missiles, 450 silos the new missile.” ent as possible to better in- opportunity we have here these capabilities and we Systems Directorate al- across five different states, form them and, in turn, re- and very honored to do it,” can’t just make incre- ready sustain the Minute- control centers, command ceive better proposals from Collins said. “We have a lot mental improvements to man III and all the associ- and control infrastruc- Who will build it and them.” of work ahead of us but this what’s Hill AFB’s role? The program is current- workforce is very driven, ly in the Technology Matu- very committed. It means a The new weapon sys- ration and Risk Reduction lot to us. It means a lot to tem will be produced by a phase, which means de- Hill AFB and it’s going to defense contractor, selected fense contractors are simul- mean a lot to this Utah com- by the Air Force after a taneously preparing “end- munity.” design competition. To be- to-end” preliminary designs Collins says it’s hard to gin the process, the GBSD of a full weapon system. say exactly how many new program office at Hill AFB Up to two of the companies jobs the program will bring created a library for the bid- will be awarded 36-month to Utah but there will defi- ders with hundreds of docu- development contracts by nitely be an increase during ments, along with a weapon the end of this fiscal year. the decade-long overlap system specification and Eventually, the competi- while GBSD is rolled out capability requirements tion will be narrowed to one and Minuteman III remains to guide the companies in supplier who will finish the at the ready. their design process. final design of the weapon It’s likely the prime “We’ve provided a system and produce mis- contractor, support contrac- wealth of information. siles to be tested and field- tors and other government Even before we presented ed. The plan is for the first agencies will need workers the request last year, we missiles to be produced by at Hill AFB to support the released five draft requests the late 2020s and fielding GBSD program, which is for proposals to industry will be completed in the scheduled to remain in ser- and received comments 2030s, Collins said. vice into the 2070s. back. We had more than July 3, 2017 • 7 8 • July 3, 2017 Cleared hot: When predators and reapers engage

An MQ-9 Reaper sits on the flight line Nov. 16, 2016, at Creech Air Force Base, Nev. The MQ-9 provides persistent attack and reconnaissance capabilities for combatant commanders and coalition forces involved in 24/7 year-round combat operations abroad. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class James Thompson)

By Airman 1st Class James Thompson to conduct the weaponeering and through the CAOC, craft used. 432nd Wing/432nd Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs they satisfy the legal requirements in terms of ROE, “It’s [CAS procedures] the same for all U.S. mili- weapon alignment and specific collateral damage es- tary,” said Brian. “It’s a joint publication that defines CREECH AIR FORCE BASE, Nev. (AFNS) – timation for that target.” those procedures and how it works.” Following the mission brief and pre-flight checks, Upholding the laws governing the use of military Certain factors determined by the CAS doctrine an aircrew consisting of an officer pilot in command force ensures that the enemy can be eliminated with- and the varying length of time in the confirmation of and a career enlisted aviator sensor operator observe out harm to civilians and friendly forces while, also, targets, emphasize the need for persistent and precise a target in an area of responsibility overseas from a strictly aligning with the Law of Armed Conflict to attack capabilities provided by the multi-role MQ-1s cockpit in the U.S. and waits for the green light from meet legal and moral requirements. and MQ-9s. a joint terminal attack controller on the ground. Brian said most of the 432nd AEW strikes are con- “Personally, I’ve eliminated enemy forces that Anticipation heightens as the JTAC confirms the ducted in a dynamic target situation. were engaging friendlies 15 meters away, so it’s ex- target and gives the aircrew the clearance to attack. “Dynamic targeting is executed using close air tremely important to employ quickly and effectively The aircrew then reviews checklists before engag- support doctrinal procedures,” said Brian. “Within and the MQ-9 is one of the best assets in the Air Force ing, adrenaline begins to seep in and the whirring the CAS doctrinal procedures, once a target is identi- to accomplish this,” said Chris. from electronic components in the cockpit recedes fied on the ground, a JTAC contacts the aircrew and The routing chain from target identification to from awareness. Their concentration sharpens and as starts to generate a plan as far as how they’re going strike can take anywhere from a few minutes to sev- the pilot squeezes the trigger, a laser-guided AGM- to conduct and execute that strike.” eral hours depending on the significance and situa- 114 Hellfire missile is released. The sensor operator A dynamic target strike is a coordinated effort be- tion of the strike. Any strike done with a JTAC goes hones in on the objective at hand by keeping the la- tween the aircrew and a ground team within a joint through the same process regardless of what platform ser designator crosshairs precisely over the target and operations center. is employing the weapon. guiding the missile. “Once we’ve found valid targets, I’m going to “One advantage that the MQ-1 and MQ-9 has Unbeknownst to most people, the multi-role MQ-1 notify the JTAC and from there he’s working on his over some of our more traditional aircraft is its per- Predator and MQ-9 Reaper strikes are coordinated side to get approval for the strike,” said Capt. Chris, sistence,” said Brian. “Since our mission durations through specific routing chains well before weapons a 42nd Attack Squadron MQ-9 pilot. are so long, we’re able to maintain custody of that employment to ensure the fulfillment of combat di- Along with communicating with the aircrew, the target for an extended period of time and provide an rectives, combatant commanders’ requirements and JTAC coordinates with his ground force commander. in-depth characterization of the target, ensuring the overall rules of engagement. “The ground force commander is working in sync target is hostile.” These aircrews follow the same weapons employ- with a targeteer for collateral damage estimation Brian added, because of their sensor capabilities ment process as those in other traditional fighter and and a judge advocate to ensure that Law of Armed and persistence over a target, MQ-1 and MQ-9 air- bomber aircraft. Conflict in terms of proportionality, use of force crews are able to integrate the entire targeting pro- “Anytime a munition is employed or dropped and all legal requirements are satisfied,” said Brian. cess from identification to final destruction and strike by any platform to include our MQ-1s and MQ-9s, “Once he confirms that we have a valid target and evaluation into a single platform versus requiring dif- those rules of engagement must be satisfied,” said the proportionality and collateral damage estimation ferent multiple assets to accomplish the mission. Maj. Brian, the 432nd Wing/432nd Air Expedition- is acceptable based on the commander’s intent and Brian went on to say that MQ-1 and MQ-9 air- ary Wing Weapons and Tactics assistant director of guidance, he then seeks target engagement approval crews receive special training to understand ROE as operations. “They define the specific requirements as authority from the first one-star in his chain of com- well as the commander’s guidance and intent for a far as who, what and when something can be targeted mand.” particular strike; this complete understanding dem- for the employment of a weapon.” If the situation and circumstances are aligned the onstrates a high level of proficiency in flying daily Brian explained that, like other aircraft, there are commander authorizes the strike and at that point the combat missions to support multiple theaters abroad. two different types of strikes that occur in theater. aircrew is given clearance to then engage the target Taking the fight to the enemy requires all aircrews One is a deliberate strike and the other is a dynamic using the designated weapon as decided by the air- to follow strict guidance in order to eliminate the target situation. crew, Brian said. enemy and safeguard friendly and coalition forces. “The deliberate strikes are all targets that have “When the strike is approved, he will pass me a The aircrews flying the multi-role MQ-1s and MQ-9s been nominated, gone through a vetting process and game plan 9-line. At that time, I will brief the sen- follow the same doctrine in support of 24/7 combat ran through the Combined Air Operations Center for sor exactly how this weapons delivery will be carried operations daily while adding an extremely profes- validity,” said Brian. “They go through target nomi- out,” said Chris. sional and precise persistent attack and reconnais- nations and then it’s passed off to targeteers, as well The CAS doctrinal procedures apply to all aircrew sance force to the Joint and coalition team engaged as the individual units, that will execute those strikes performing close air support, regardless of the air- on the battlefield. Connection saves lives: Be there to help prevent suicide

By Peter Holstein “If a fellow Airman seems to be depression or social withdrawal.” you get a sense of whether something Surgeon General Office of Public Affairs struggling, make simple gestures,” said This can be especially true for peo- is bothering them, it also reinforces Linkh. “Have lunch with them, talk to ple who are usually engaged and outgo- relationships and can keep the person FALLS CHURCH, Va. (AFNS) – them and include them. Ask them how ing. It can be a concerning sign if they from feeling isolated. Being attentive You can make a difference for someone they are doing, or about their family. start avoiding eye contact, skipping to someone struggling with suicidal struggling with suicidal thoughts with Stop by their desk and share a little bit social events and stop associating with thoughts or depression can encourage as little as eye contact and a friendly about yourself.” family, friends or coworkers. Drug or them to open up and tell you that they smile, an arm around the shoulder, or a In the right circumstances, those alcohol abuse is another critical indica- are having trouble. kind word at the right time. simple, everyday actions really can tor that a person may be dealing with “We can’t always know what our Everyone has a role to play in pre- save a life. issues that could lead to self-harm. wingmen or coworkers are dealing venting suicide, a key theme of the Recognizing that someone is at risk There are some other warning signs with,” said Linkh. “Taking the time to Defense Department’s #BeThere Cam- of suicide isn’t always possible. There that a wingman, supervisor or colleague know one another and go out of our paign, which encourages making a dif- isn’t always an obvious or consistent might notice as well. way to help each other can help change ference through every day connections. sign that someone may be struggling “Changes in work behavior, like the culture. Small acts of kindness, “Connection saves lives,” said Col. with suicidal thoughts. People can hide showing up late to work, unexplained small moments of connection can make David Linkh, the Air Force Suicide or compartmentalize the underlying absences, or missed deadlines by folks us all safer.” Prevention Program manager. “Isola- stress that lead to suicidal behavior, but who were previously on the spot can be For more information about suicide tion, alienation and feeling of a lack of there are things you can watch out for. concerning,” said Linkh. “Really, any prevention and additional resources, belonging places folks at risk.” “We tend think in terms of two things change in behavior, especially one that visit the Air Force Medical Service Sui- Suicide is a major public health – risk factors and warning signs,” said suggests the person may be struggling cide Prevention webpage, or the U.S. concern in the U.S., and for the Armed Linkh. “Risk factors are some of the in areas of their life. People shouldn’t Air Force Wingman Online webpage. If Forces. One of the most important and larger life factors that we sometimes be afraid to engage on these issues in a you are having suicidal thoughts or are simplest ways to fight back against see, like relationship, legal, financial supportive way.” worried that someone you know may be this threat is to build connections with or workplace issues. Warning signs are If you are concerned about a per- about to engage in self-harm, call the people in your life, and make sure that more behavior changes. That can in- son, start by just talking to them. It may Military Crisis Line at 1-800-273-8255 people don’t feel alone and isolated. clude mood swings, irritability, anger, seem simple, but not only can it help and press “1” for assistance. July 3, 2017 • 9 AEDC Contributions to the warfighter (U.S. Air Force photos)

B-52 Stratofortress tested in the AEDC Propulsion Wind Tunnel 16-foot Tran- sonic Tunnel in 2011.

Pratt & Whitney YF119 prototype engine for the F-22 Raptor with a demonstrator nozzle running in the AEDC Aeropropulsion Systems Test Facility in 1989.

In 1996, a scale model of the Global Hawk was tested in the AEDC 16-foot transonic wind tunnel.

AEDC outside machinist makes adjustments to a model of a GBU-31 Joint Di- rect Attack Munition (JDAM) before F-35 Lightning II store separation testing in the four-foot transonic wind tunnel in 2007.

Pratt & Whitney F135 engine tested in the AEDC Engine Test Facility SL2 test cell in 2014.

A scale model of the F-22 being prepared for testing in the AEDC 16-foot transonic wind tunnel at Arnold AFB in 1992. 10 • July 3, 2017 Heard, leaving how he arrived

By Raquel March AEDC Public Affairs

After working almost 45 years for AEDC at Ar- nold, software engineer Tommie Heard is cross- ing over to test the retirement waters. As he sat in the Admin- istration and Engineering building lobby for the Tommie Heard last time, he remembered how it all started for him Heard remembered at AEDC – in the lobby. that he wasn’t dressed for “I came to AEDC with an interview because he a friend who had an inter- wore bell-bottom jeans view,” he said. “While I and a large afro. He was waited in the A&E lobby offered a job and began for my friend, the man working as a technical as- conducting the interview sistant July 16, 1972. approached me and asked Heard is a resident of if I wanted to interview. I Murfreesboro. His last wasn’t looking for a job day at AEDC was June AEDC software engineer Tommie Heard remembers his first day at Arnold Air Force Base almost 45 years when I came here.” 23. ago as he departs on his retirement day June 23. (U.S. Air Force photo/Rick Goodfriend) AEDC Milestones 45 YEARS 10 YEARS TARY Jimmy Harman, NAS Gary Fulmer, ASO Mike Bennett, Quati- Tammy Denton, Capt. Janet Ashitey Chugach Jesse Peery, NAS Warner Holt, ASO Tech Chugach Lt. Col. Andrew Barker Tommie Heard, NAS Barry Porter, NAS Jeff Stewart, ASO Anthony Taylor, NAS Robert Hale, NAS Col. Scott Cain Charles Lester, NAS Dane Rape, NAS Janice Willis, NAS Jennifer Johnson, Lt. Col. David Hoff- James Nichols, AF Chelsea Stovall, AF CERTIFICATES Chugach man Stephen Northcutt, Stephen Vannoy, NAS Susan Drinnon, 35 YEARS Alan Jones, AF NAS Michael Vasquez, AF Certified Information Clara Sanders, NAS Ezra Perkins, NAS OUTBOUND MILI- Jeffery Utley, NAS Chris Warner, AF Systems Security Pro- Kimberly Smith, NAS TARY David Yoder, Quanti- fessional (CISSP), AF 25 YEARS Lt. Col. Daniel Watson NEW HIRES Tech Ashley Dement, NAS 5 YEARS Jack Burdine, NAS Karen Zarecor, Quan- Christine Hughes, Robert Hurt Jr., NAS RETIREMENTS Lance Grossarth, NAS tiTech Certification from Air Janice Willis 20 YEARS Charles Bryant, NAS Heather Kostak, AF Command and Staff 45 years William Isbell, NAS INBOUND MILI- Stuart Coulter, NAS Benjamin Manipadam, PROMOTIONS College Physical therapists keep service members fit to fight By Tech. Sgt. Jonathan pen. Whether they occur in perform their duties, plays “What we do is actually said Tong. “A lot of times fitness goals and they may Hehnly the performance of duty or an important role in the suc- keep guys working,” said if physical therapy was not not be doing the exercises 386th Air Expeditionary through the course of physi- cess of the greater mission. Capt. Grant Tong, the 386th available, an injured member correctly. It’s important to Wing Public Affairs cal exercise, they have the For the two-man physical Expeditionary Medical would suffer an injury that have our team on board so potential to impact the mis- therapy element at the 386th Group physical therapy ele- could have been resolved we can keep these guys fit to SOUTHWEST ASIA sion. Air Expeditionary Wing, it is ment chief. “When injuries way earlier, and then when do things safely while they (AFNS) – In a deployed Each individual in the their role to keep members fit occur, we help them return to they get back home, an inju- are achieving their goals and environment, injuries hap- military, and their ability to to fight. duty as quickly as possible. ry that could have been very to ensure that they can con- We help decrease the down minor turns into something tinue doing their jobs they’ve days for fliers and keep the very large and exponential.” been tasked to do out here as security forces members Tong and Tech. Sgt. Da- well.” armed. Our mission is perti- vid Garcia, the 386th EMDG Anyone can make use of nent in terms of keeping the physical therapy NCO in the physical therapy services mission running.” charge, provide an array of offered, even if they are not The physical therapy services to support the per- injured. The clinic provides clinic at the 386th AEW is manent party population of preventive care classes and relatively new, with its es- two wings and the transient information on lifting form tablishment in January 2016. personnel passing through on and techniques and weekly Prior to its implementation, their way to and from down- foam rolling and squat class- injured members would range. es. either have to travel to the The physical therapy “The physical therapy nearest Army clinic for treat- clinic’s services include clinic holds classes on those ment, deal with the minor musculoskeletal evaluation types of things so even if you injury, which often caused it and treatment, rehabilitative are not specifically injured to get worse, or in the most exercise, stretching, neuro- you gain a lot of informa- severe cases, be deemed not muscular education, postural tion that you can take back fit to fight and therefore sent awareness and therapy for home to your home station home. pain management. They also and can continue to maintain Tong said he believes in offer clinical expertise in or- throughout your career,” said doing what he can to help thopedics, strength and con- Staff Sgt. Melanie Hernan- keep the service members of ditioning, trigger point dry dez, a 386th EMDG physical all four branches, and coali- needling and manual therapy. therapy clinic patient. tion forces, in the fight. “We are one of the most On a day-to -day basis “Physical therapy can utilized services here at the Garcia and Tong see approxi- decrease the severity of the medical facility,” said Gar- mately 20 patients a day, pro- injury along with helping the cia. “Some people come out viding care to everyone from member actually get better here and start training a little special operatives to the Air- and return to duty quicker,” harder trying to reach their man working in the dining facility. Being the only Air Force physical therapy clinic in the region, it saw more than 1,200 patient visits in the past four months, break- ing its own record by servic- ing over 75 people more per month than the two previous rotations. “When we are not out here handling the mission we have the time to work on personal goals and part of that is maintaining physical fitness,” said Hernandez. “Having physical therapy out here teaches you how to do everything that you are trying to do and how to maintain the physical standards but doing it in the right way so that you are not prone to injury. The Air Force wants you top notch 24/7 and physical therapy helps you do that.” July 3, 2017 • 11

AEDC software engineer Tommie Heard remembers his first day at Arnold Air Force Base almost 45 ago as he departs on his retirement day June 23. (U.S. Air Force photo/Rick Goodfriend) AEDC Milestones Gary Fulmer, ASO Warner Holt, ASO Jeff Stewart, ASO

CERTIFICATES Susan Drinnon, Certified Information Systems Security Pro- fessional (CISSP), AF

Christine Hughes, Certification from Air Command and Staff College Physical therapists keep ser 12 • July 3, 2017