Arnold Air Force Base Hosts 2018 Air Force Test Center Strategic Offsite by Bradley Hicks AEDC Public Affairs

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PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID TULLAHOMA TN Vol. 66, No. 1 Arnold AFB, Tenn. PERMIT NO. 29 January 7, 2019 Arnold Air Force Base hosts 2018 Air Force Test Center Strategic Offsite By Bradley Hicks AEDC Public Affairs

The mission of the Air Force Test Center is to “conduct De- velopmental Test and Evaluation of air, space and cyber systems to provide timely, objective and accurate information to decision makers.” Arnold Engineering Devel- opment Complex is expected to continue playing a vital role in this mission, and recently Brig. Gen. Christopher Azzano and other AFTC leadership descended upon the AEDC headquarters to not only shape the direction of the AFTC but also to meet with members of Team AEDC and get a firsthand look at the facilities that will help the AFTC attain its vision to be the tester of choice both now and in the future. Arnold Air Force Base hosted the 2018 AFTC Strategic Offsite, Azzano’s first offsite since he took on the role of AFTC commander in August. The offsites, which oc- cur annually, provide leadership across the AFTC the opportunity AEDC Test Systems Sustainment Chief Col. John Tran, left, and TSS Capital Improvement Lead Engineer and Service Life Ex- to gather for strategic planning, in- tension Program Manager Kathleen Bajar show Brig. Gen. Christopher Azzano, commander of the Air Force Test Center, the cluding discussions focused on the mechanical systems used in the Engine Test Facility at Arnold Air Force Base. Azzano and other AFTC leadership visited Arnold development of new technologies. Air Force Base in mid-November to take part in the 2018 AFTC Strategic Offsite, Azzano’s first offsite since assuming the role Leadership from each of the of AFTC commander in August. (U.S. Air Force photo by Brad Hicks) (This image was altered by obscuring badges for security purposes) AFTC’s organizations were on hand for the recent Offsite at Ar- to focus on the strategic direction nold to host this event because evaluating systems in new mission aspect of the event to me. It was nold, with AEDC Commander of the organization as a whole, so many strategic issues for the areas, such as space, hypersonics also significant because we were Col. Scott Cain and AEDC Super- adding this strategic direction fo- Air Force and how we support and directed energy, all of which able to showcase our people and intendent Chief Master Sgt. Rob- cuses the efforts of the AFTC and the National Defense Strategy are directly support the NDS. facilities to the senior leaders. ert Heckman among those repre- enables its leaders to execute the tied to Arnold and AEDC,” Cain “Working with the Air Force They all came away with a new senting AEDC. mission of the Center more effec- said. “AEDC has a critical role in Test Center to set our sights on Cain said the offsite events are tively. developing next-generation aero- resourcing AEDC to support these See OFFSITE, page 5 a great way for AFTC leadership “It was significant for - Ar space systems and for testing and missions was the most significant 704th Test Group receives $23,000 for 3D Runway Surface Scanning and Surface Re-Creation

By Deidre Ortiz AEDC Public Affairs

Air Force Materiel Command has allo- cated more than $4.6 million in Squadron Innovation Funds in fiscal year 2018, and $23,000 is to be used for 3D Runway Sur- face Scanning and Surface Re-Creation at the Landing Gear Test Facility (LGTF). The LGTF is operated by the 704th Test Group (704 TG), Aerospace Survivabil- ity and Safety Office (704 TG/OL-AC) at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, a unit of the Arnold Engineering Development Complex. Brig. Gen. Azzano says Scott Wacker, Flight Chief, 704 TG/OL- AC, explained this innovative effort is one Arnold Air Force Base that has been in the works for many years. “The 704 TG Aerospace Survivability and Safety Office at Wright-Patterson has critical in helping Air Force spent over a decade at the Landing Gear Test Bruce Nelson, with Battenkill Tech- Facility developing advanced test methods nologies, demonstrates his 3D laser that allow the evaluation of aircraft tire and carrier deck scanner on the runway Test Center achieve its at Sheppard Air Force Base, Texas. runway friction interaction and tire wear,” The 704th Test Group, Aerospace he said. “This effort has focused on devel- Survivability and Safety Office, at mission oping innovative technologies and processes Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Air Force Test Center Commander Brig. Gen. Christopher Azzano, right, is to more accurately simulate real world tire Ohio, has received $23,000 as part of greeted by Sean Smith outside of the Aerodynamic & Propulsion Test Unit performance in the test facility. At the heart the Squadron Innovation Funds pro- during Azzano’s Nov. 16 tour of Arnold Air Force Base. Azzano and other of this work is the 168-inch internal drum vided by the Air Force Materiel Com- AFTC leadership recently visited Arnold to take part in the AFTC Strategic dynamometer, which is a world-unique test mand. This funding is being used to Offsite. The Offsite was Azzano’s first since assuming the post of AFTC machine developed and commissioned in further develop the unit’s 3D Runway commander. (U.S. Air Force photo by Bradley Hicks) Surface Scanning and Surface Re- Creation project at the Landing Gear See RUNWAY, page 5 See the entire story on page 2. Test Facility. (U.S. Air Force photo)

Arnold Air Force Base Main Gate Arnold AFB engineers prepare to project set to begin ‘amaze’ local students

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Arnold Brig. Gen. Azzano says Arnold Air Force Base critical Air Force Base in helping Air Force Test Center achieve its mission

By Bradley Hicks AEDC Public Affairs

Arnold Air Force Base recently hosted Brig. Gen. Christo- pher Azzano’s first Air Force Test Center Strategic Offsite since he Col. Scott Cain assumed the post of AFTC com- Commander mander in August. Jason Austin The AFTC, headquartered at Chief, Edwards Air Force Base, Califor- Public Affairs nia, leads the Air Force test and evaluation mission, conducting developmental T&E and evaluation of air, space and cyber sys- Richard Tighe tems to provide timely, objec- General Manager, tive and accurate information to National Aerospace decision makers. The AFTC has Solutions oversight of work carried out at High Mach Staff: three primary locations across Kathy Gattis, Air Force Materiel Command. NAS Executive Editor The organizations of the AFTC include: Arnold Engineering Lt. Col. David Garay, director of the Aeropropulsion Combined Test Force at Arnold Air Force Base, Raquel March, right, discusses some of the equipment found within the Aeropropulsion Systems Test Facility with NAS Editor Development Complex, Arnold Brig. Gen. Christopher Azzano, commander of the Air Force Test Center, center. Pictured at left is High Mach is published by AFB; 96th Test Wing, Eglin Air ASTF Asset Manager Jimmy Steele. Azzano and other AFTC leadership visited Arnold Air Force Lakeway Publishers, Inc. a pri- Force Base, Florida; and 412th vate firm in no way connected Test Wing, Edwards AFB. Base in mid-November to take part in the 2018 AFTC Strategic Offsite, Azzano’s first offsite since with the U.S. Air Force, Arnold Leadership from each of the assuming the role of AFTC commander in August. (U.S. Air Force photo by Brad Hicks) Air Force Base, Arnold Engi- tance of the work carried out at role in our nation’s security. As Team AEDC to know about the neering Development Complex AFTC organizations attended (AEDC) or National Aerospace the Offsite at Arnold. The event Arnold in achieving the AFTC we move to restore readiness and AFTC’s vision and goals for the Solutions (NAS), under exclu- provided them the opportunity mission. improve lethality of our service, future? sive written contract with NAS to come together to discuss ways AEDC has been front and center. Azzano: I want them to know at Arnold AFB, Tenn., 37389. to develop and grow next-gener- High Mach: Why did you The United States is lagging be- how incredibly important AEDC Everything advertised in this publication will be made ation technologies and systems choose Arnold Air Force Base for hind our potential adversaries in is to the AF Test Center and to the available for purchase, use for the U.S. Air Force and Joint your first Offsite? some critical technologies, and defense of our nation. or patronage without regard partners. Brig. Gen. Azzano: I’ve Arnold is indispensable in the It is evident the AEDC work- to race, color, religion, sex, Strategic planning meetings spent much of my career in the discussion of how to catch up - force takes pride in what they do national origin, age, marital sta- tus, physical handicap, political were held at Arnold on Nov. 14 Air Force Test Center, but most how to develop game-changing and is motivated by the impor- affiliation or any other non- and 15, and Azzano and other recently I was assigned to the technologies and incorporate tance of their work. But when merit factor of the purchaser, AFTC leadership toured the base AFMC Directorate for Air, Space them into next generation sys- you take a step back and look at user or patron. on Nov. 16. and Cyberspace operations. In tems. For those reasons, AEDC the strategic environment con- The High Mach office is located at 100 Kindel Drive, Prior to his tour of Arnold, that position, with consideration seemed like the perfect place to fronting our nation today, it is ob- Suite A236, Arnold AFB, Tenn. Azzano took a few moments to for our new National Defense host this year’s AFTC Strategic vious we have a truly indispens- 37389-1236. Editorial content participate in an interview during Strategy and a rapidly evolving Offsite. able pillar of science and technol- is edited and prepared by NAS. which he discussed the Strategic global environment, I gained a Deadline for copy is Wednes- See AZZANO, page 4 day at close of business one Offsite and conveyed the impor- new appreciation for Arnold’s HM: What would you like for week before publication. This commercial enterprise newspaper is an allowable NAS contractor publication for personnel at Arnold AFB. The content of High Mach does not necessarily reflect the views of the Air Force, Arnold AFB, AEDC or NAS. The ap- pearance of advertising in this publication does not constitute endorsement of the products or services advertised by the Department of Defense, the Department of the Air Force, Arnold AFB, AEDC, NAS or Lakeway Publishers, Inc. For general information about High Mach, call (931) 454-5655 or visit www. arnold.af.mil. Use High Mach to market your products and services. Contact Renee at 931- 455-4545 or tnadvmgr@ lcs.net.

Core Values • Integrity first • Service before self • Excellence in all we do

Vision “NAS delivers the best aerospace testing capabilities today and in the future.” Values • Ethics. We are uncompromising in our Action Line integrity, honesty, and fairness. Smoking Policy • Safety & Health. We are relentless in Team AEDC, keeping people safe from harm, and 1. The following revised Arnold AFB smoking policy is effective immediately and applies to all individuals on I believe in free and open communications we provide a safe and healthy work Arnold AFB. with our Team AEDC employees, and that’s why environment. 2. Traditional Tobacco products (e.g. cigars and cigarettes): we have the Action Line available. People can • Security. We are disciplined and vigilant use the Action Line to clear up rumors, ask ques- in protecting sensitive AEDC information a. Smoking is permitted solely in Designated Tobacco Areas (DTAs) identified by designated signage. If no 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 tions, suggest ideas on improvements, enter national security and our customers. clean of cigarette butts. complaints or get other issues off their chests. • Excellence. We thrive on challenge, b. Tobacco use on the Arnold AFB Golf Course is permitted, but discouraged based on the health hazards The Action Line has been expanded to in- accomplishment, and mission success. clude an option for your ideas, comments, or • Quality. We are passionate about doing of tobacco use and secondhand smoke. No smoking is permitted within 50 feet of golf course buildings our work right the first time. except in the approved DTA. suggestions on the AcqDemo personnel sys- • People. We have a mission-focused, c. Smoking in government-owned/leased vehicles is strictly prohibited. Personnel are allowed to smoke in their tem. Simply call the normal x6000 commander’s inclusive workforce who have a diverse personal vehicles at any time; however, at no time will personnel discard cigarette butts outside their vehicle. action line. You will then be prompted to select skill set, are committed to success, option 1 for the Commander’s Action Line or Op- demonstrate innovation and have a can d. For government employees, the fact that a person smokes has no bearing on the number of breaks they do attitude. may take. Breaks should be taken in accordance with the current supervisory and personnel policies that tion 2 for the AcqDemo line. They can access the • Culture. Our team is proud of our diver- afford all employees the same break opportunities consistent with good work practices and accomplish- Action Line via the AEDC intranet home page sity, inclusiveness, and collaborative work ment of the mission. and by calling 454-6000. environment. We are proud of what we do 3. Smokeless Tobacco products (e.g. snuff and dip): Although the Action Line is always available, and how we do it. • Relationships. We build positive, long- Smokeless tobacco products are not to be restricted to DTAs. Smokeless tobacco use will be permitted in all the best and fastest way to get things resolved term business relationships through trust, workplace areas (inside and out) subject to reasonable safety and sanitary conditions. Specifically, containers is by using your chain of command or by con- respect, and collaboration. of tobacco waste product, including sealed containers, must not be left unattended or disposed of in trash tacting the organization directly involved. I en- • Innovation. We overcome challenges receptacles. Users of smokeless tobacco must flush tobacco waste down the toilet. courage everyone to go that route first, then if through creativity, perseverance, technol- the situation isn’t made right, give us a chance. ogy, and flexibility. We actively seek to 4. Electronic Cigarettes (also known as “e-cigs”): continually improve. Pursuant to Air Force Instruction (AFI) 40-102, Tobacco Free Living, e-cigs are considered to be equivalent to • 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 Col. Scott Cain long term benefit of our communities and distance of 25 feet from building entry/egress points. (This policy is dated July 27, 2016) AEDC Commander our environment. January 7, 2019 • 3 Arnold Air Force Base Main Gate project set to begin By Deidre Ortiz active vehicle net barriers, connections and tion at Arnold, emphasizes to the workforce Test Support Division Engineering Sec- AEDC Public Affairs controls, signage and related utility, access that the Main Gate at Arnold will remain tion, added, “When the project is complete, routes and asphalt roadways, reinforced open and active throughout construction. the Main Gate will once again have two Starting this month, modifications will concrete pavements, and subsurface drain- “There will be no additional impact for lanes for entering and two lanes for exit- be made to the Main Gate entrance to Ar- ing and related grading. drivers at Arnold Air Force Base,” he said. ing. We also anticipate it will be a more nold Air Force Base. In addition, there will be new parking, “Just as is presently the case for our driv- aesthetically pleasing product.” The project, awarded to Bacik Group, sidewalks and a pre-manufactured over- ers, one lane will remain open to incoming Notices will be posted to the AEDC LLC, for $2.3 million, will involve the in- watch booth. traffic and one lane will remain open for Team SharePoint site throughout the proj- stallation of security barriers and fencing at Joshua Cooke, utility asset manager for outgoing traffic.” ect so that all AEDC Team members are Arnold AFB. It will also include installing the Test Support Division Operations Sec- Jon Paul Wallace, Flight Chief with the aware of any traffic changes.

This drawing depicts the new barrier system to be constructed at the Main The construction of a new barrier system for the Main Gate at Arnold Air Force Gate of Arnold Air Force Base. The project, which was awarded to Bacik Base will begin this month. The project was awarded to Bacik Group, LLC, for Group, LLC, for $2.3 million, is set to begin this month. A major portion of the $2.3 million. A major portion of the project will involve the installation of secu- project will involve the installation of security barriers and fencing. FutureNet rity barriers and fencing at the Main Gate. (U.S. Air Force photo by Deidre Ortiz) is the manufacturer of the Net Barrier System. (Courtesy graphic) Arnold AFB engineers prepare to ‘amaze’ local students

By Raquel March UTSI Feb. 19. Tenth through 12th grade AEDC Public Affairs students design, build and compete their designs against other teams. The teams Arnold Air Force Base engineers will be given kits with identical materi- and personnel are preparing to host lo- als and will have a designated time to cal students at the Base and local busi- design, build and test. nesses during National Engineers Week, Prizes will be awarded to the top Feb. 17-23. three scoring teams. The theme of the 2019 Engineers Engineer for a Day is Feb. 20. Engi- Week is “Engineers: Invent Amazing – neering-oriented junior and senior high Celebrate. Volunteer. Connect.” school students will tour AEDC, have To celebrate Engineers Week, lo- lunch and then go with a mentor to ob- cal engineering society volunteers will serve engineers at work. Some students demonstrate their support of helping will stay at AEDC, others will visit youth discover engineering through companies in the local area. multiple events including a MathCounts Coordination is ongoing for the En- competition, a student design competi- gineers Week Banquet, scheduled for tion, an Engineer-for-a-Day program Feb. 21. More information will be re- and a banquet. leased at a later date. The MathCounts competition is The Engineers Week activities are scheduled for Feb. 2, 8 a.m., at the Uni- sponsored by the Tullahoma Chapter of Arnold Air Force Base Aerospace Engineer Kevin Holst (right) describes the versity of Tennessee Space Institute, or the Tennessee Society of Professional operation of the Aerodynamic and Propulsion Test Unit to Kaleb Smith (from left), Tim Barlow and Kendall Purdom. The local students were invited to par- UTSI. Middle school mathletes utilize Engineers, the Highland Rim Chapter ticipate in Engineer for a Day on Feb. 21, 2018, as part of the Arnold AFB Engi- their skills to answer math questions in of the American Society of Mechanical neers Week. (U.S. Air Force photo by Rick Goodfriend) “bee-style” contests. The winning team Engineers, the Tennessee section of the will be recognized at the Engineers American Institute of Aeronautics and cieties. or participate in community engineering Week Banquet and will advance to the Astronautics, the Society for Mainte- During the week of activities, vol- events. state competition. nance and Reliability Professionals, the unteers have the opportunity to conduct Volunteers are invited to assist in the High school teams will participate Project Management Institute, and the hands-on activities with students, talk to events. To volunteer or for more infor- in the Student Design Competition at Arnold Association of Professional So- a group of students about engineering, mation, call 931-454-6542. Welders complete works of arc for Base mission By Bradley Hicks ert gas, usually argon. “Stick welding” is AEDC Public Affairs also performed by Arnold welders. This method, more formally known as shield- When engineers in the test facilities ed metal arc welding, manual metal arc across Arnold Air Force Base need items welding or flux shielded arc welding, is fabricated ranging from large platforms a manual arc welding process that uses a to small data-collection devices, they consumable electrode covered with a flux typically turn to the welders at the base to lay the weld. Model and Machine Shop to provide the The welders carry out these processes spark needed to get the job done. on various types of metals, including alu- Between the boilermakers, pipefitters, minum, stainless steel and carbon steel. ironworkers, sheet metal workers and Each welder found in the Model Shop machinists capable of wielding the torch, is required to pass a welder certification around 40 welders call the Model Shop test as a condition of employment. home. This number does not include “They also have to maintain certifi- those in maintenance and operations cations during the duration of their em- crews scattered around the base who are ployment,” Reid said. “Certifications are also capable of welding as required. based on the material to be welded and The welders in the Model Shop are what welding technique will be used, spread across different craft sets, but such as MIG, TIG, etcetera. Maintain- Manufacturing Services Deputy Manag- ing the certification consists of perform- er Brad Reid said all support testing and ing welding while you are here. A code general operations at Arnold. on the timecard system tracks what and “The welders support all parts of op- when each employee welds. This data erations at AEDC,” he said. “Some jobs is used to verify that the welder has per- are building new infrastructure for the fa- formed a certain welding process. We cilities, while others are repairing exist- call that information the Welder Continu- ing infrastructure. Sometimes, it is plant ity Report.” equipment and sometimes it’s temporary According to Model Shop Pipefit- systems in support of a particular test. ter Mike Riddle, most welders are also Tony Bigsby, pipefitter in the Model and Machine Shop at Arnold Air Force And, sometimes, welding is required to required to complete plenty of training Base, welds a pipe for one of the test cells on base. Bigsby is one of about fabricate or modify test articles.” before they are allowed to strike out on 40 craft workers in the Model Shop certified to perform welding. The welders At its most basic definition, welding their own. For Riddle, who has 13 years support general operations at Arnold, including the repair of existing infra- is the process of using high heat to fuse of experience in pipefitting, this included structure, and testing, including the fabrication of piping for test cells. They metal together. But welders at Arnold a yearlong pre-apprenticeship program also perform various types of welding on a variety of metals. (U.S. Air Force perform various types of welding includ- that he said acts as a “weeding out pro- photo by Bradley Hicks) ing Tungsten Inert Gas, or TIG, a method cess” used to determine if a potential ing at Arnold through the fabrication of sary alterations. of welding in which the arc is maintained welder is mechanically inclined and re- piping, meshes and other items used in “We’re constantly modifying the test by a tungsten electrode and shielded from sponsible enough to show up for a job. cells across base. The products needed cell for whatever application they’re the access of air by an inert gas. They also Afterwards, a would-be welder must from the welders depend on the type of testing and article they’re testing and conduct metal inert gas welding, or MIG, complete an apprenticeship that includes test and the facility in which it is con- whatever the needs are at the moment,” a method in which the filler metal -sup five years of classroom instruction and ducted. The pipe used for one test may Riddle said. plies the electric current to maintain the fieldwork during which they will encoun- not work for a subsequent test within the arc. Like TIG, in MIG welding the arc is ter various welding scenarios. same facility, meaning the welders are See , page 6 shielded from the access of air by an in- The Model Shop welders support test- regularly called upon to make the neces- WELDERS 4 • January 7, 2019

AZZONO from page 2 ogy - of future capability - right here at AEDC adding value to the Air Force? ation concepts of operation. where we need to develop, grow and pre- Arnold. I hope our team here will look at Azzano: The point of execution for Considering Arnold’s one-of-a-kind pare for the future because, as you know, the strategic direction coming out of this each of our mission areas resides at the infrastructure and a workforce specialized the Test Center is always out in front, ex- AFTC Offsite and see that AEDC will in- unit level, and the Air Force has devoted in terms of talent, capability, and the prod- ploring the unknown. We have to be ready fluence our nation’s ability to maintain its much thought and initiative the last few ucts they deliver, the importance of AEDC to develop next-generation technologies, preeminence around the globe, that AEDC years to reinvigorate and re-empower is obvious. So I intend to visit here enough to test next-generation systems before they has a key role in doing so. squadron-level leadership. The end goal is to understand and to be able to communi- appear - really, before their time. We have for leaders to be able to execute their mis- cate that information to key policymakers, to be at least a few years out in front of the HM: As our nation continues to make sions with fewer hierarchical constraints, and also to get to know the workforce and development and fielding of next-genera- great strides in aerospace research, test and allowing them to apply their intrinsic lead- enjoy the hospitality of middle Tennessee. tion technologies. development, what role do you see AEDC ership and insight to move forward faster The Esprit de Corps at AEDC is second playing in AFTC’s ever-growing mission? and add value in new ways. to none, and you get a sense of that every HM: What were the main takeaways Azzano: AEDC has been a foundation When you look at a wing-level orga- time you visit. I look forward to many from the Offsite? for capability development throughout its nization like Arnold, you see a consolida- more during my tenure. Azzano: Each of the Test Center’s ma- history. When senior government officials tion of like-mission areas under one orga- jor organizations were represented by their realized our nation had fallen behind in nization, and that is where I as a Center HM: What is an Offsite and what was commanders, command chiefs, and our some critical technologies, to include hy- commander and where my superiors at the purpose? senior leaders in science and technology. personic research and hypersonic applica- the MAJCOM and Air Force level have Azzano: We have an Offsite to con- I think it was obvious to all in attendance tions for future systems, our policy makers the opportunity to influence an entire col- duct Strategic Planning on an annual ba- the incredible talent and vision we have turned to the Air Force and the Air Force lection of missions. The Test Center has sis. Strategic Planning is important for any across our entire workforce. And I hope immediately turned toward AEDC. oversight of the research and development large, complex organization, but especial- we learned from each other there is still Arnold has been crucial in helping us missions at Arnold. We have the armament ly for the Air Force Test Center, which is room for improvement in achieving syn- understand where this technology can go, and C4ISR development missions at Eg- right in the middle of the effort to restore ergy across the Center. Prior to AFMC’s and as a result we have had considerable lin. And we have the airframe test center readiness and improve lethality of our re-organization in 2012, our enterprise national investment into AEDC infrastruc- of excellence at Edwards. The wing-level Armed Forces. leads operated independently through the ture over the last few years. So looking at organization enables us to integrate those We have 18,000 talented people and Arnold Engineering Development Center, the hundreds of millions of dollars direct- efforts in a meaningful way for a specific billions of dollars in infrastructure and ca- Air Force Flight Test Center, and the Air ed to AEDC to develop and sustain next- test site but also allows us to collaborate pability, all of which are heavily utilized. Armament Center, as they were known generation infrastructure for hypersonics across sites to achieve better synergy and The Test Center possesses many unique, at the time. Now, we are operating much research, I see a unique opportunity for the rapid capability development. one-of-a-kind capabilities. And we have more synergistically. If one of our test Air Force Test Center. Unique because of a responsibility to determine how best to sites needs help with a particular devel- our talent and our diversity to leverage the HM: How often do you plan on visit- distribute our talent and resources to meet opmental priority or sees a mission area science we develop at Arnold and rapidly ing Arnold? the United States’ national security objec- where it can add value, we’ve got the team integrate it into next-generation weapons Azzano: As the Test Center command- tives. So we bring AFTC leadership to one now and the channels of communication and systems, especially as the Air Force er, I’m going to get here as often as I can. location and we talk about the most critical to facilitate better collaboration than in the strives for greater multi-domain opera- The Test Center is made up of three bases, elements of national defense. We align our past. tions. I think we’re going to see immediate each with its own unique mission areas. Strategic Planning with the National De- So I think our leaders took away a bet- payoff from a research perspective. Each base is valuable to our national se- fense Strategy. We base it on the focus ar- ter understand each other’s missions and curity in its own way, but Arnold is truly at eas of our Service Secretary and the Chief equities, but also where there is synergy HM: How do you see AFTC and, spe- the forefront of how we are transforming of Staff, and we decide what type of ad- and where we can add value as an enter- cifically, a wing-level organization like the United States military into next-gener- justments we need to our overall effort and prise in new ways. Nuclear bomb tail kit reaches major milestone for production phase

By Leah Bryant system’s development and received approv- in development costs, according to Ziegler. sible for the B61-12 nuclear bomb assembly. Air Force Nuclear Weapons Center al to end its engineering and manufacturing “The flight tests demonstrated the- sys The Air Force is responsible for the B61-12 Public Affairs development phase and enter the next phase tem works very well in its intended environ- TKA, joint integration of the bomb assem- for production of the tail kit. In the produc- ment,” said Col. Paul Rounsavall, AFNWC bly and TKA into the “all-up-round” of the KIRTLAND AIR FORCE BASE, tion phase, the testing environment will senior materiel leader for the B61-12 TKA, weapon, and its integration with aircraft. N.M. (AFNS) – The Air Force Nuclear more closely approach real-world environ- Eglin AFB, Florida. “This development ef- Headquartered at Kirtland AFB, AF- Weapons Center received formal approval ments. fort brought the first-ever digital interface NWC is responsible for synchronizing all in late October to enter the production phase Known as Milestone C, the decision to to the B61 family of weapons and dem- aspects of nuclear materiel management on for the B61-12 nuclear gravity bomb’s new enter this next phase marked the completion onstrated the B61-12 TKA’s compatibility behalf of Air Force Materiel Command and guided tail-kit assembly, or TKA. of a series of developmental flight tests. The with the Air Force’s B-2 and F-15 aircraft. in direct support of Air Force Global Strike “This marks the completion of a highly program office completed a 27-month test In addition, the TKA achieved greater than Command. The center has about 1,100 per- successful development effort for the tail program in less than 11 months, with 100 five times its required performance during sonnel assigned to 18 locations worldwide, kit,” said Col. Dustin Ziegler, AFNWC di- percent success for all of its 31 bomb drops. developmental testing and is ready to start including Eglin AFB; Hanscom AFB, Mas- rector for air-delivered capabilities. The accelerated schedule, as well as other initial operational test and evaluation.” sachusetts; Hill AFB, Utah; Kirtland AFB; The AFNWC program office recently risk mitigation strategies, enabled the pro- The Department of Energy’s National and Tinker AFB, Oklahoma, in the U.S. and passed the Air Force review of the weapon gram office to save more than $280 million Nuclear Security Administration is respon- Ramstein Air Base in Germany. January 7, 2019 • 5

OFFSITE from page 1 appreciation for AEDC.” The AFTC, headquartered at Ed- wards Air Force Base, California, has oversight of work carried out at three primary locations across Air Force Materiel Command. The organizations making up the Center are AEDC; the 96th Test Wing, Eglin Air Force Base, Florida; and the 412th Test Wing, Ed- wards AFB. Strategic planning meetings were held at the Gossick Leadership Center on Nov. 14 and 15. Azzano and fellow AFTC leaders toured several facilities at Arnold, including the Aerodynamic and Propulsion Test Unit and Engine Test Facility, on Nov. 16. Azzano said one reason this year’s Strategic Planning Offsite was held at Arnold is that the Complex is “front and center” in the efforts of the Air Force to bolster national security. “Arnold has been a foundation for capability development for decades,” Azzano said. “Intelligent and embold- ened adversaries are now challenging our nation’s technical superiority, specifically in hypersonic research and applications. Our nation’s leaders immediately turned toward the Air Force to preserve and extend our strategic technical advantage. The Air Force Brig. Gen. Christopher Azzano, commander of the Air Force Test Center, right front, tours the Aerodynamic & Propul- immediately turned toward Arnold.” sion Test Unit at Arnold Air Force Base on Nov. 16. The facility tour was led by AEDC Hypersonic Systems Combined And what the AFTC hopes to ac- Test Force Director Lance Baxter, who is on Azzano’s right. Azzano and other AFTC leadership visited Arnold Air Force complish with next-generation sys- Base in mid-November to take part in the 2018 AFTC Strategic Offsite, Azzano’s first offsite since assuming the role tems will start at Arnold, Cain said. of AFTC commander in August. (U.S. Air Force photo by Brad Hicks) (This image was altered by obscuring badges for security purposes) “We’re really where the aerospace systems that come to AFTC start. Get- “We were informed that it was go- ting test and evaluation right during ing to be here and, therefore, we had ground test is an enabler for effective to support it and be ready to help,” flight test,” he said. Parrish said. “Actually, we probably Azzano said the AFTC has a got notified about a month before the “unique opportunity” to rapidly inte- Offsite was coming and we had to get grate the science developed at Arnold ready. We worked with the AFTC XP into new technology and systems, add- staff, who had done this for the last ing Arnold is “indispensable” in the couple of years at Edwards, about the development of new technologies and kinds of things that needed to be done the incorporation of these technologies and what we needed to do to get pre- into next-generation systems. pared.” Cain said discussions stemming Cain described the Offsite as a from the Offsite will impact operations “great success” while commending the at Arnold along with the other wing- efforts of those at Arnold who worked level organizations under the AFTC to ensure this. He said the Plans and umbrella. Programs team led by Parrish did an “AEDC’s mission will be enhanced “outstanding job” setting up, facili- by the Air Force Test Center’s strategic tating and documenting the event. He plan that results from this Offsite,” he also said AEDC Protocol Officer Son- Brig. Gen. Christopher Azzano speaks during a strategic planning meeting at said. “I can’t understate how important ja Smith played an integral role in the the Gossick Leadership Center during the 2018 Air Force Test Center Strate- AEDC is to the Test Center, the Air success of the Offsite and that the Ar- gic Offsite. (U.S. Air Force photo by Brad Hicks) Force and the Department of Defense.” nold Services team took great care of preciated some of the answers because coordinated, we can produce a better Crawford Parrish, chief of the Stra- the visitors. he found out we can do things that he product for our acquisition custom- tegic Planning and Transformation “It’s rewarding to see Team AEDC didn’t realize we could do,” Parrish ers.” Branch in the Arnold AFB XP Office, put together a great event like this,” said. Cain added the success of the Off- said he and other organizers on base Cain said. “It’s also rewarding to see Azzano said he hoped that the Off- site was evident, as AFTC shared began preparation to host the AFTC this amazing place showcased. There’s site would help the AFTC leadership compliments and came away from the leaders as soon as they received notifi- so much to be proud of at Arnold, and I to achieve better synergy by learning event impressed by what they had ob- cation the Offsite would take place at love showing it off to our distinguished from each other’s ideas and building served and experienced at Arnold. Arnold. This preparation included ar- visitors.” upon some of their own. Cain feels the “They all commented on the hospi- ranging the various facilities for meet- Parrish also said he felt the Offsite Offsite was successful in this regard. tality both at Arnold and in the local ings and tours, ensuring the computers went well, adding Azzano expressed “In addition to being a great tech- community, and they all love the natu- and projectors needed for the meet- his appreciation to those at Arnold nique for developing strategic di- ral beauty at Arnold,” he said. “On the ings were setup and in working order, who helped pull the event together. rection, an offsite is a teambuilding mission side, they were very impressed and that the visitors from the AFTC “The tours were very interesting event,” Cain said. “We coordinate our with the quality and motivation of our had snacks and fare for their working and helpful for him. I think he asked priorities and individual visions for the people, and they were amazed with our lunches. a lot of questions, and I think he ap- Wings and the Test Center and, when test facilities.” RUNWAY from page 1 1998 for the purpose of aircraft tire wear fielding tires, which translates to improved testing.” safety-of-flight and greatly reduced acqui- The 168-inch internal drum dynamom- sition and logistics costs. eter, or 168i, operates at speeds up to 350 “Until recently, little thought was given mph, with loads of up to 150,000 pounds, to the runway surface’s influence on aircraft plus or minus 20 degrees of yaw, plus or tire wear and ground handling characteris- minus 10 degrees of camber and can pro- tics,” Childress said. “It was understood vide variable levels of brake torque. that replicating the runway surface on the “All of these aspects can be dynamical- 168i was critical for accurate testing. How- ly programmed to replicate aircraft ground ever, the extent of the influence the surface operations,” said Jonathan Childress, Test characteristics had was not well known. Manager overseeing the 3D Runway Sur- “While working with the Navy on an face Scanning and Surface Re-Creation aircraft ground handling test program, project. “Also, the tire footprint pressure the 704 TG/OL-AC was made aware of a on the internal drum dynamometer more Navy Program to develop a 3D laser scan- closely resembles tire footprint pressure on ning device for use on aircraft carrier deck a flat surface than it does on an external dy- surfaces. After discussing the capabilities namometer.” of the carrier deck scanner with a Navy In the early years of the 168i, tire test- support contractor, a demonstration was ing was limited to comparative wear test- arranged during one of the team’s field in- Above is one example of U.S Air Force concrete runway texture. This par- ing. This was accomplished by lining the vestigations to an Air Force runway. The ticular image is of the Sheppard Air Force Base, Texas, runway with various aggregate sizes and surface texture. (U.S. Air Force photo) interior of the 168i drum with grit paper prototype showed promising results when and performing various rolling tests. Tire testing on a concrete runway and it was test methodology. inputs for the AM (additive manufacturing) wear testing on the grit paper was unrep- clear that a little innovation could provide “In time, a digital library of every USAF process,” Childress said. “Using a digital resentative of the wear experienced in the a very useful tool for the U.S. Air Force.” runway could be acquired and analyzed to library of Air Force runway surfaces, test field, and was incapable of providing data With some modification, it’s anticipated offer important insight into aircraft ground surfaces for the 168i could be created in- on ground handling characteristics. that the specialized laser scanning technol- operations and tire life,” he said. “The Air house leading to reduced lead time, cheaper The 704 TG/OL-AC LGTF team has ogy will provide a consistent method for Force Civil Engineering Center has ex- procurement and greater control of quality. since developed the capability to clone acquiring high fidelity 3D topology maps pressed interest in this technology as well, “The insight gained from correlating U.S. Air Force concrete runways and line of concrete runway surfaces. Customized and could potentially use the information surface properties, with test results coupled the interior of the 168i with the replicated post processing software algorithms will gained from this technology to drive deci- with this AM technology, could also lead runway surface. Although the process is parameterize important characteristic of sions about runway design, maintenance to the production of idealized runway test time-consuming and costly, runway sur- the runway surface texture that relate to and repair.” surfaces for the 168i that can be used as a face replication is an instrumental capabil- tire ground handling performance and tire The 704 TG/OL-AC is also leading a gold standard for aircraft tire life qualifi- ity that makes possible ground handling wear. Phase I Small Business Innovation Re- cation testing. This innovative technology evaluation and tire-life predictive testing, According to Childress, 704 TG/OL- search program to develop the capability to represents a small step with the potential to known as Missionized Wear Testing. AC plans to couple these parameters with Additively Manufacture replicated landing have a great impact on test capabilities at The development of these new test ca- tire testing performed on replicated runway surfaces for the 168i. the 704 TG/OL-AC LGTF, which aim to pabilities has provided the Air Force and surfaces in its 168i and correlate these sur- “If this technology is successful, the improve the safety of warfighter operations DOD with a method to evaluate aircraft tire face properties to friction properties and scans acquired from the 3D white light and reduce aircraft tire procurement and lo- performance prior to mass producing and tire wear as an enhancement to the current runway scanner could be directly used as gistic costs.” 6 • January 7, 2019

WELDERS from page 3 Riddle said the welders fabricate as much as possible in the Machine Shop based off of the plans provided. “Even though these test cells have been here for years, they’ll get something in there and they’ll say, ‘We’ve got to have this pipe modified,’” said Mike Lance, Model Shop pipefitter and chief steward for all AEDC pipefitters. “So we’ll fab the pipe up here and then take it over into the cell and install it so that they can do a certain job.” If needed, the Model Shop welders will go out into the test facilities to make final positional welds and modifications to the product. “Here in the Model Shop, us pipefitters, we are a dual craft in a way in that we work here in the shop and we do work out in the field,” Riddle said. “A lot of the pipefitters in the actual facilities and the test cells, they specifically work there. We go back and forth. We work here and there.” Riddle added those from the Model Shop will respond rapidly to the test cells if adjustments are required. “If the test cells needed something done in a hurry, we would be some of the faster people to get on the site to fix Inside Machinist John Adams completes laser welding on two small pieces of metal in the Model and Machine Shop at it where they don’t have to send out a re- Arnold Air Force Base. The screen to Adams’ left provides an enlarged display of the welding being conducted. Laser quest for bids,” he said. “They could call welding is one of multiple welding methods craft personnel across Arnold perform to support general operations and testing. (U.S. Air Force photo by Brad Hicks) us and we could get up there and have some people on the job site quicker if small metal pieces are placed in a ma- they don’t have the manpower.” chine. From there, Adams looks through The Model Shop welders also work to a microscope as he fuses together the bring older piping installed in base facil- pieces, which are sometimes less than ities prior to current codes up to modern a centimeter in diameter. These welds standards. He said this work may involve are used in the data-collecting rakes and repairing welds or replacing welds. periscopes found in the flame emitted Riddle said the quality of the equip- from a tested engine. ment and welding personnel at Arnold “Sometimes we have to weld some is “second to none.” Because of this, he very small stuff, some very high-preci- said efforts are made to keep as much sion stuff,” Adams said. “That’s what I work as possible in-house. do.” “I think the engineers know what For Adams, it is this work on minute they’re getting when they bring us on materials that differentiates his duties at board with them – the highest of qual- Arnold from those at prior jobs. ity,” he said. “It’s a lot more precision,” he said. John Adams, an inside machinist in “I do a lot smaller work here than I ever the Model Shop, holds unique respon- have before.” sibilities at Arnold. While pipefitters Along with the MIG, TIG, stick and and other craft skill sets have welding laser welding, Adams also performs in- requirements, many machinists do not. duction and orbital welding at Arnold. Adams is the only true machinist welder He said he enjoys his job due to the vari- at Arnold AFB. ety of his tasks and how they support the “I’m the only man on base who does mission of Arnold. what I can do,” he said. “There’s more of a purpose behind Like other welders at Arnold, Ad- what we do here than anywhere I’ve ever ams works on large structures that may worked,” he said. require a crane to move. Unlike any- Reid said the work of the welders is one else on base, Adams is occasionally vital to Arnold and base operations could called upon to weld pieces that can fit in not be carried out without their efforts. Inside Machinist John Adams shows an example of two pieces of metal fused the palm of the hand. He is responsible “You can’t maintain and build this together using the laser welder in the Arnold Air Force Base Model and Ma- for laser welding, a method in which place without them,” he said. chine Shop. (U.S. Air Force photo by Brad Hicks) 421st Fighter Squadron and AMU receive first F-35A

By 388th Fighter Wing Public Affairs The arrival of the first jets in the working hard and we’re ready to fill the Force Reserve 419th FW fly and main- 421st FS brings the total number of F- squadron out and fulfill the wing’s mis- tain the F-35A in a Total Force partner- HILL AIR FORCE BASE, Utah 35As at Hill AFB to 52 and is a big step sion: to rapidly employ combat power.” ship, which capitalizes on the strength (AFNS) – The 421st Fighter Squad- toward the 388th Fighter Wing having The active duty 388th FW and Air of both components. ron received its first F-35A Lightning a full complement of 78 F-35A Light- II Dec. 12. The squadron is the last of ning IIs by the end of 2019. three squadrons in Hill Air Force Base’s The 421st Aircraft Maintenance 388th Fighter Wing to take posses- Unit, which will support the 421st sion of combat-ready aircraft, bringing Fighter Squadron, has been preparing the 388th Fighter Wing closer to full to receive the aircraft for some time by strength. maintaining and launching jets loaned The Air Force’s first operational from the wings two other squadrons. F-35As landed at Hill AFB in Octo- “The 421st has a proud history in ber 2015. Since then, the 34th and 4th the 388th Fighter Wing and we’re all Fighter Squadrons and Aircraft Main- excited to receive our first aircraft,” tenance Units stood up and generated said Lt. Col. Richard Orzechowski, nearly 10,000 sorties with more than 421st Fighter Squadron commander. 15,000 flying hours. “Our pilots and maintainers have been

The 421st Fighter Squadron at Hill Air Force Base, Utah, received its first F- 35A Lightning II Dec. 12. The squadron is the last of three squadrons in Hill AFB’s 388th Fighter Wing to take possession of combat-ready aircraft, bringing the 388th Fighter Wing closer to full strength. Lt. Col. Richard Orzach- owski, 421st FS commander and 1st Lt. Ryan Allen, the squadron's youngest wingman, flew the jets from the Lockheed Martin plant in Fort Worth, Texas, into a snow-covered Hill AFB. The arrival of the first jets in the 421st brings the total number of F-35As at Hill to 52 and is a big step toward the 388th Fighter Wing having a full complement of 78 F-35A Lightning IIs by the end of 2019. (U.S. Air Force photo by Todd Cromar) January 7, 2019 • 7 8 • January 7, 2019 How the Air Force got smarter about its aviation fuel use in 2018 By Corrie Poland fice saw success in a- num Air Force Operational En- ber of areas. Here are just a ergy few ways they’ve helped the Air Force get smarter about ARLINGTON, Va. operational energy in 2018: (AFNS) – Did you know the Air Force is the largest Established a fuel consumer of fuel in the De- data collection strategy partment of Defense? This across the force to may not surprise you, if say, pinpoint inefficiencies you’ve ever watched a sortie and analyze of F-35s complete an aerial consumption trends refueling, or witnessed a Fuel data is crucial to C-5 lift (seemingly) effort- identifying and understand- lessly into the sky. In fact, ing operational inefficien- the Air Force consumes cies in the Force. By collect- approximately 2 billion ing and analyzing fuel data gallons of aviation fuel an- from across all aircraft, the nually – which is about 81 Air Force can measure its percent of the total Air Force effectiveness, enable data- energy budget (with about driven decisions, and better 17 percent used for facilities target opportunities to im- and 2 percent for ground ve- prove operations that deliver hicles). competitive advantages Operational energy, or against adversaries. aviation fuel, is critical to Historically however, the Master Sgt. Moe Shivers, a 914th Operations Support Squadron boom operator at Niagara Air Reserve mission success – but get- Air Force has not captured Station, N.Y., refuels an A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft over Avon Park, Fla., Jan. 30. The A-10s, assigned to ting fuel to the warfighter and retained sufficient avia- the 122nd Fighter Wing, Fort Wayne Air National Guard Station, Ind., conducted Operation Guardian Blitz, involves complex logistical tion fuel data to accurately which includes training in close air support, forward air control and combat search and rescue. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Adam R. Shanks) and technical challenges, evaluate its operations. At intricate planning, and more the end of 2017, only about wargaming tional Energy, and industry - A reference point 1,000 pounds per aircraft. importantly, poses safety 30 percent of Air Force fuel Operational energy chal- partners – enabled unprec- for aviation energy The synthetic cables and risks to the troops trans- use was captured in a sortie- lenges and solutions are edented incorporation of awareness and tiedowns are just as strong porting it. As the battlefield level database. now an active part of Air the fuel supply chain (from culture in the C-17A as the metal chains they are becomes increasingly mul- In 2018, Air Force Op- Force wargaming due to an refinery to aerial tanker) into community replacing, far easier to han- tifaceted, energy resilience erational Energy drafted the Air Force Operational Ener- the 2018 wargaming cam- - The EATF is scheduled dle (reducing load time and is a top concern for the Air Operational Energy Data gy initiative. In 2017, the of- paign and highlighted the to complete the next workload), while also be- Force, and optimized opera- Collection Strategy to lay fice became involved in the key role operational energy Line Operations ing safer for Airmen as they tions are an essential com- the foundation for collect- planning and development plays for combat operations Efficiency Analysis are less likely to recoil dan- ponent to maintaining it. ing and storing aviation fuel of the Air Force’s Title 10 at bases and beyond. on the KC-135 fleet in gerously. The cable is now Air Force Operational use and associated mission Wargame series, which led Ultimately, their goal 2019. cataloged as a part number Energy (SAF/IEN), head- execution data. The purpose to their active role in Global is to facilitate better under- and has transitioned to fleet quartered at the Pentagon, of the Strategy is to set the Engagement 2018, Global standing of logistical chal- use, while the tiedowns are is dedicated to champion- Inserted operational Air Force on a course to col- Mobility/Agile Combat lenges and to drive energy- in the final phases of devel- ing energy-informed solu- energy lesson plans lect aviation fuel data that is Support 2018, Long Dura- informed leadership deci- opment before fielding. tions that increase combat into Air Force Institute comprehensive, automated, tion Logistics Wargame sions in wargaming - and Another Air Force Op- capability across the Air of Technology (AFIT) high-resolution, and ac- 2018, and Futures Game ultimately in basing strategy erational Energy project Force. The office is made programs curate. Implementing the 2019. and investment priorities. has worked to replace leg- up of subject matter experts In 2018, Air Force Op- Strategy will inform opera- The office’s participa- acy aluminum honeycomb in aviation, aeronautics, fuel erational Energy funded tions, support a resilient and tion – along with support Identified efficiency air inlets with lightweight logistics, data research, ac- the development of two innovative Air Force, and from aligned organizations best practices for composite RAM Air Inlet quisitions, maintenance, and graduate courses at the Air integrate aviation fuel data such as Naval Postgradu- C-17A fleet system for the C-5M Super strategic engagement who Force Institute of Technol- collection into a wider data ate School, Headquarters Air Force Operational Galaxy, which are 19 per- look for ways to increase ef- ogy (AFIT), Department and IT strategy across the Air Force Logistics (A4) Energy, in coordination with cent lighter and cost almost ficiency through new -tech of Systems Engineering Air Force and Department and Plans (A5), Air Force Air Mobility Command $100,000 less per part to nologies, data solutions, and and Management. The two of Defense. Petroleum Office (AFPET), (AMC), tasked the Energy manufacture. The compos- innovative process improve- courses, Aviation Energy ite parts have met all tests Defense Logistics Agency Analysis Task Force (EATF) Systems Engineering and ments. Incorporated for strength and durability, - Energy, Office of the Sec- to complete a Line Opera- Contingency Base Energy In the past year, the of- operational energy into and have a greater corro- retary of Defense for Opera- tions Efficiency Analysis Systems Engineering, will (LOEA) on the C-17A fleet, sion resistance, increas- be offered for the first time ing part life and aircraft one of the DoD’s largest in the spring of 2019. The consumers of aviation fuel. availability while reducing collaborative effort to de- maintenance costs. The To accomplish the velop these courses has LOEA, the EATF inter- new inlets have transitioned ensured that operational to operational use and will viewed Airmen at Joint energy is at the center of Base (JB) Charleston, JB replace the aluminum parts lectures and research ef- on an attrition basis. Lewis-McChord, JB Mc- forts, and is a significant Guire-Dix-Lakehurst, and step toward the office’s Updated max range Wright-Patterson Air Force goal of educating the Force Base (AFB) from April to airspeed policy, and building an operational resulting in optimized September 2018. After re- energy-aware culture. viewing flight manuals and operations operational guidance mate- Due to an optimization rials, surveying crew mem- Introduced light- initiative led by Air Force bers to understand C-17 en- weight parts into Operational Energy, policy ergy efficiency techniques operations to reduce has been put into place that and mindsets, and soliciting aircraft weight directs planners to plan air- ideas from crew members Aircraft weight is a key speeds for 5th generation and leaders, the EATF pub- aspect of fuel burn, so the fighter Coronet missions at lished an official report, dis- heavier the aircraft, the closer to maximum range tributed to Air Force senior more fuel it takes to fly it. airspeed. The faster speed leaders at the end of 2018, Air Force Operational En- decreases overall fuel con- outlining the following: ergy is exploring a num- sumption by about 6 per- - Efficiency best ber of avenues to reduce cent, and reduces flight practices for C-17A weight, and therefore fuel hours by about 10 percent. operations burn, on aircraft. After a successful demon- In 2018, the office ini- stration with F-22s at the - Operational fuel tiated a project to replace end 2017, the office con- efficiency assessments heavy metal chains with tinued working with ACC for the C-17A and lightweight synthetic tie- and AMC in 2018 to for- recommendations on downs and winch cables on malize the procedures and efficiency opportunities the C-17, reducing aircraft expanded them to include across the fleet weight by approximately the F-35. January 7, 2019 • 9 Local youth compete at the FIRST® LEGO® League Qualifier

Col. Scott Cain, AEDC commander, gives the opening comments at the FIRST® LEGO® League Qualifier Dec. 8 at the Coffee County Middle School, Man- chester. The 2018-2019 theme is “INTO OR- BIT SM.” With the help of coaches, teams of grades 4-8 apply science, technology, engineering and math concepts to solve real- world problems. The qualifier was sponsored in part by the Air Force Science, Tech- nology, Engineering and Mathematics Edu- cational Outreach program. (U.S. Air Force photos by Dakin Selig- man)

Col. Scott Cain, AEDC commander, speaks with the FIRST® Tech Challenge team Smalltown Ro- botics from Shelbyville. Pictured from the left is Mauricio Sanchez, Joshua Rains, Jake Thompson, Coach Nancy Jo Thompson and Cain.

Savannah Baker and Kenton Tracy of the Northfield Knights team prepare their components while competing in the FLL Quali- fier. FLL teams design, build and program a LEGO MINDSTORMS® robot, then compete on a themed tabletop playing field.

Referee Stan Powell (far left) watches while the Hypersonic Narwhals team, based out of AEDC, compete in the FLL qualifier. Pictured from left is Karina Roessig, Kolleen Roessig, Adin Brisco, Benjamin Quick, Thomas Hoffman and Evan Cain.

Referees Stan Powell and Marga- ret Smith observe as team members Madeline Holton and Mat- thew Smith (far left in royal blue shirts) from Murfreesboro, Dis- covery School Team ExPLOsion- ary Force, compete against Ken- ton Tracy and Savannah Baker of the Northfield Knights. 10 • January 7, 2019 Arnold AFB Milestones

35 YEARS ing, AF Debra Barnes, TOS Christopher Broad- OUTBOUND rick, TOS MILITARY Frank Brown, TOS 1st Lt. Thomas Julian, James Farley, TOS AF 1st Lt. Benjamin Sine- 30 YEARS mus, AF Deborah Trice, AF RETIREMENTS 25 YEARS Mark Chappell, TOS Stephen Arnold, FSS Josefina Henley, AF Teresa Butler, TOS William Horton, TOS Raquel March, TOS Carlton Hobbs, TOS Cynthia Northcutt, 15 YEARS TOS Jarvis Gross, TOS Stephen Passarello, AF 10 YEARS Anthony Taylor, TOS Marvin Greeson, FSS Ozey Young, AF Tom Lombard, FSS Judy Mohler, AF NEW HIRES Roger Whitton, FSS Dustin Fleenor, TOS Rick Fleming, FSS 5 YEARS Cory Friend, FSS Lon Britt, TOS Fred Hutchinson, David Brooks, TOS TOS Carlos Bussche, TOS Joan LaFleur, AF Jim Evans, FSS Sarah Morgan, AF Michael Fleming, TOS Marcus Frey, TOS PROMOTIONS Benjamin Howell, Jose Flores, promoted TOS to master sergeant Chad Luttrell, TOS Michael Mason, TOS CERTIFICATES Bradley Rogers, TOS Brian Brown, received his Professional Engi- INBOUND neers license MILITARY Master Sgt. Johnny Mark Lewis, received Foreman, AF Emission Security Lt. Col. Charles Hard- Manager certificate January 7, 2019 • 11 Arnold engineers attend Process Piping Training

A training session on process piping was held in the G- Range Conference Room at Arnold Air Force Base on Dec. 12. Engineers base wide, both contractor and Air Force, attended the four-day training to learn the requirements to prevent piping system failures. This training was led by Austin Voorhes, a Test Systems Design supervisor for the Test Operations and Sustainment contract at Arnold. (U.S. Air Force photo by Deidre Ortiz) (Image was altered by obscuring badges for security purposes)

Austin Voorhes, far right, a Test Systems Design supervisor for the Test Operations and Sustainment contract at Arnold Air Force Base, leads a Process Piping Train- ing session in the G-Range Conference Room at Arnold on Dec. 12. Engineers base wide, both contractor and Air Force, attended the training to learn the requirements to prevent piping system failures. (U.S. Air Force photo by Deidre Ortiz) (Image was altered by obscuring badges for security purposes)

AFIMSC Innovation Office seeks game-changing ideas By Tim Hardy AFIMSC Expeditionary Support Directorate

JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO–LACK- LAND, Texas (AFNS) – The Air Force Installation and Mission Support Cen- ter Innovation Office will launch a program in the new year to help Airmen implement their innovative ideas. The campaign, open Jan. 1-31, 2019, gives military and civilian members of mission support groups worldwide a chance to fund their ideas and partner with innovation experts. “Our office focuses on an idea, and our goal is to collaborate across the enterprise and help lead the idea towards implementa- tion” said Marc Vandeveer, AFIMSC chief innovation officer. “If we don’t implement, we’re not adding value to the organization.” Ideas can be submitted though the online collaboration tool Ideascale AFIMSC introduced the concept of the Combat Support Wing during an annual Weapons and Tactics Conference. This concept is at https://usaf.ideasca- designed to be an on-call Agile Combat Support force of multi-functional Airmen trained and equipped to quickly establish mul- legov.com/a/campaign- tiple Forward Operating Locations. The center for I&MS innovation, with the stand-up of the Innovation Office, will view challenges home/39. through an enterprise-wide lens to potentially reshape delivery of I&MS operations. (U.S. Air Force photo by Armando Perez) “Let’s get those bril- compete others through doesn’t sit on someone’s tions understands that in- cheaper and more innova- tively,” Vandeveer said. liant ideas submitted from the $600-million Small desk,” Vandeveer said. stallation and mission sup- our civil engineer, security Business Innovation and “We put money against it port is a big deal.” forces, logistics readiness, Research Program; and and solve problems.” The AFWERX pro- communications, force take the three best ideas to The AFIMSC enter- gram encourages part- support and contracting compete in an official AF- prise is at the forefront of nerships with academic squadrons,” Vandeveer WERX Challenge in 2019, innovation, said Brig. Gen. institutions, science and said. each funded with $200,000 Brian Bruckbauer, expedi- technology communities, Full-time innovation to connect with global ex- tionary support director. and private industries with specialists with the in- perts, start-ups and venture “We definitely feel a vested interest in solving novation office will -col capitalists to prototype and the momentum building, complex security issues. laborate with Airmen to implement. and we’re finally making “The goal is to enable refine their ideas. AFIMSC “When the field submits a name for ourselves,” Airmen to accomplish will fund some directly; an idea or challenge, it just Bruckbauer said. “Opera- their mission better, faster, 12 • January 7, 2019