Annual Convention andSymposium 2016 Airlift/Tanker Association of SummerSince 2008! Fatality-Free Critical Days AMC Celebrates itsFirst THE MOBILITY THE MAGAZINE OF AIR MOBILITY COMMAND MOBILITY AIR OF MAGAZINE THE |
WINTER 2016-2017 WINTER Operations Safe Keeping Pacific Bomber Pilot World War II Silver Star Awarded FORUM Volume 25, No. 4 CONTENTS THE MOBILITY FORUM Winter 2016-2017 AIR MOBILITY COMMAND Gen Carlton Everhart II
6 14 20 26 34 DIRECTOR OF SAFETY Col Michael R. Seiler FROM THE TOP 30 Eyes, Tools, and [email protected] 3 Seasons Greetings from Safety Briefs Air Mobility Command 32 Air Force-USDA EDITORS Headquarters! Partnership: Providing Wildlife Mitigation Tactics Kim Brumley RISK MANAGEMENT [email protected] It’s Time to Eliminate 36 Sherrie Schatz 4 Aircrew Member’s Feedback Work Stress Provides ASAP Just Culture Sheree Lewis Lesson Learned FLIGHT SAFETY [email protected] 10 Increased Reporting and 12 Simple Innovation to Graphic Design Prevent Towing Mishaps Confidence in Proactive Safety Elizabeth Bailey AMC NEWS SEASONAL CONSIDERATIONS The Mobility Forum (TMF) is published four 6 World War II Bomber Pilot times a year by the Director of Safety, Air Awarded Silver Star 14 The Do’s and Don’ts of Mobility Command, Scott AFB, IL. The con- Winter Driving tents are informative and not regulatory or 9 Fortunate Enough to Fly 34 When “Skin” Gets Cold directive. Viewpoints expressed are those of 15 McChord Airman Saves Girl the authors and do not necessarily reflect the from Drowning AMC HERITAGE policy of AMC, USAF, or any DoD agency. 18 September 2016: Superb 26 A Date Which Will Live Contributions: Please email articles and in Infamy photos to [email protected], fax to AMC Safety Conference (580) 628-2011, or mail to Schatz Publishing, 20 AMC Commander: Airmen, 11950 W. Highland Ave., Blackwell, OK 74631. Partnerships, Technology Key For questions call (580) 628-4607. The REGULAR FEATURES editors reserve the right to make editorial to Mobility’s Future 37 Mishap-Free Flying changes to manuscripts. 23 USAFCENT Crewchief Safety Hour Milestones DE denotes digitally enhanced photo. Award of Distinction 39 Quickstoppers SAFETY CULTURE 40 A Day in the Life Subscriptions: U.S. Government Printing Office: 2015-545-114. For sale by the 8 A Fatality-Free Critical Days of superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Summer and More Printing Office. Internet: bookstore.gpo.gov. ON THE COVER Phone: toll free (866) 512-1800; DC area (202) The Grinch Stole WHAT? 16 A C-130J Super Hercules from the 41st 512-1800. Fax: (202) 512-2104. Mail: Stop 24 Keeping Pacific AS flies past Denali, the highest peak in IDCC, Washington, DC 20402-0001. Operations Safe North America. AMC RP 91-2. Dist: X 28 Is Safety in the Way? USAF photo by SrA KAylee ClArK ISSN 1067-8999
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2 The Mobility Forum Seasons Greetings from Air Mobility Command Headquarters!
s we get ready to wrap up 2016 and head into the holiday season, I want to take a moment thank all of you for an outstanding year. Our Total Force team maintained a constant presence over the skies of Iraq andA Afghanistan where we refueled an average of one aircraft every five minutes. Expeditionary Airmen opened and operated airfields in Africa Fiscal year 2016 was to support counter-terrorism operations. We airdropped U.S. and NATO paratroopers in Europe to send a message of strength and stability. Our our best safety year tanker fleet played a pivotal role to project power in the Pacific. Mobility Airmen also responded to a devastating earthquake in South America and ever with our first Hurricane Matthew here at home. fatality-free summer Together, we make our military a global enterprise and enable all nine since 2008. combatant commanders to do their missions every day. Each Airman plays an important role executing our mission. We need all of you to return to your units after the holidays. Many of you will travel substantial distances to spend time with family and friends. Plan your travels well in advance and consider areas of risk like unfamiliar roads, adverse weather conditions, and traffic delays. Whether behind the wheel or engaging in a winter sport, think of your family members when you are tempted to take an unnecessary risk. You are all part of my AMC family, and I want to see you back after the holidays.
Also, please remember our deployed personnel and Airmen geographically separated from their families and friends. This time of year can be particularly stressful for those away from home. Support each other, and be mindful of signs of depression and solitude. An act of kindness, a friendly face, or an invitation to participate in holiday festivities can make a big difference.
We have a lot to be thankful for this year. Fiscal year 2016 was our best safety year ever with our first fatality-free summer since 2008. I expect everyone to stay involved growing our safety culture. Our Active Duty, Guard, Reserve, and Civilian Airmen are the heart of AMC’s Total Force team. We are a family and we take care of each other. Together we will continue to answer the call and deliver Rapid Global Mobility Now!
Michele and I want to thank you for another fantastic year. We wish all of you a safe and happy holiday!
- Gen Carlton D. Everhart II
Winter 2016/2017 3 Aircrew Member’s Feedback Provides ASAP Just Culture Lesson Learned
By MAJ GEN THOMAS J. SHARPY, AMC Vice Commander
he Aviation Safety Action Program (ASAP) is designed to allow Airmen to report information and concepts critical to resolving mishap precur- It was a pretty harrowing experience, and I think sors and to share this information across all Air my personal pucker factor would have been a little TForce aviation communities. ASAP submissions can be higher than an 8. The crew did everything right—they used to report an honest mistake or identify an observed immediately went on oxygen, directed the rest of the or experienced safety-related issue. It is based on a Just crew and patients to get on oxygen, and then found the Culture where an organization fosters an atmosphere source of the fire and smoke. This ASAP is ready made of mutual trust. Airmen exercise the courage to report for a training or safety meeting, hangar fly session, safety-related information to improve safety of flight, or pre-mission briefing discussion on how a routine knowing that their leadership recognizes the difference mission can deteriorate rapidly when least expected. between acceptable mistakes and unacceptable behavior. ASAP submissions are non-retribution. Aircrew and unit This is where our HQ Just Culture broke down. The identification are sanitized prior to being posted on the ASAP narrative was nice and concise and did not ASAP Scoreboard. unnecessarily detail every step the aircrew took in resolving the situation. However, our subject matter As mentioned, one of the benefits of ASAP is to share experts (SMEs) Monday morning quarterbacked the knowledge across the crew force so that others are scenario and focused on BOLD FACE and specific aware of potential issues. In that vein, we had an ASAP checklist step completion. We placed these comments submitted in August 2015 concerning a fire onboard a in the Resolution Section on the ASAP Scoreboard, C-17 during a real-world aeromedical evacuation (AE) denigrating the aircrew and marginalizing the benefits mission. An excerpt from ASAP 1477 is on the next page. of the ASAP.
4 The Mobility Forum RISK MANAGEMENT
EXCERPT FROM ASAP 1477 “Loadmaster and Airevac personnel smelled electrical burning coming from galley refrigerator. Pulled galley circuit breakers and Even though a year flight deck galley circuit breakers and smoke stopped. Crew chief removed burnt temperature digital readout circuit board from had passed between refrigerator. Inside the circuit board slot showed charring. the comments being This was a C-17 Airevac mission with seven flight crew (three pilots, posted and this pilot’s two loadmasters and one student loadmaster), seven Aeromed crew, three litters, and 11 ambulatory from ETAR to KADW. The electrical valuable feedback, fire occurred 80 miles before 57N30W and approximately 120 miles to ETP at FL340. Crew put on oxygen and I directed Copilot to wake the staff immediately up other Loadmasters, Pilot, and Crew Chief. Initially, I asked the updated the ASAP Loadmaster to check the comfort pallet for burning food/plastic. LM told me no it’s coming from under the nose of the aircraft. I directed Resolution section him to the galley area to search there and avionics compartments. on the Scoreboard LM couldn’t find the source due to smoke and said, “it was getting to refocus the HQ pretty bad.” I had the second pilot grab a fire extinguisher to get ready. Smoke was contained to the front of the aircraft and in front response back to the of the comfort pallet. I had the other pilot run the smoke and fumes normal constructive elimination checklist. MCD could smell burning electrical but no smoke. I declared emergency with Shanwick requesting immediate comments for which turn back to Mildenhall. There was a delay with Shanwick Oceanic and I was just about ready to go Split Access and turn off course. the section is known. As Aeromed were getting oxygen on and getting ready to place oxygen on mostly sleeping patients, 2nd LM and Crew Chief found the burning refrigerator and isolated the faulty component by pulling Trend Review and Action Committee circuit breakers. I elected to terminate the emergency with Shanwick (TRAC), which I chaired. Over 150 since the electrical fire was confirmed out with no collateral damage people, including the AMC Staff, and we had patients to get to Andrews AFB. By then, we were other MAJCOM reps, and wing and crossing 30W switching to Gander Oceanic control so the event group commanders, participate in the lasted approximately 10 minutes without injury or further damage. TRAC, either in person or by phone Pucker factor 8 out of 10!” or Defense Collaboration Services. In essence, we submitted an ASAP on Thankfully, we received feedback Even though a year had passed how we processed ASAP 1477. from an experienced Air Reserve between the comments being posted Component aircraft commander, and this pilot’s valuable feedback, the What do I want you take away from and a commercial airline pilot who staff immediately updated the ASAP this? The ASAP reporting process has participated in his airline’s Resolution section on the Scoreboard has proven to be an effective way ASAP program. He had read the to refocus the HQ response back to to get the word out about potential article our Ops Risk Assessment the normal constructive comments flight safety concerns. I don’t want and Management System (RAMS) for which the section is known. The the mistakes in handling one ASAP staff wrote about the program for section was also updated to provide to jeopardize the integrity of the the Summer 2016 Mobility Forum information from HQ AE SMEs to program or cause aircrew members titled The Journey from Concept to help aircraft commanders under- to lose confidence in the Just Culture. Execution, welcoming inputs and stand the reporting responsibilities of This program is a journey—together ideas from the readers. He pointed the AE crewmembers. we can continue to improve out that the nature of the Resolution the safety and effectiveness of Section comments had a negative My Ops RAMS staff contacted the our operations. We need YOUR impact on his willingness to submit ASAP submitter to apologize for participation in order for your fellow a military ASAP. OUCH! The truth the Just Culture breakdown and Airmen to learn from you—together hurts. But it is what we needed to attempt to regain confidence in the we can and will prevent MISHAPS ensure each ASAP is treated with ASAP program. Additionally, we from happening. Thank you in the respect deserved. discussed this ASAP at the October advance, and fly safe!
Winter 2016-2017 5 Maj Gen Christopher Bence, U.S. Air Force Expeditionary Center commander, pins the Silver Star on Maj William “Joe” Schneider during a ceremony at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, Nov. 1, 2016.
USAF photo by tSgt JAmie powell Capt William Schneider, circa 1943 World War II Bomber Pilot Awarded Silver Star
By TSGT JAMIE POWELL, World War II bomber pilot Germans’ ability to provide rein- Expeditionary Center Public Affairs has finally been given forcements to the Italian peninsula. proper recognition for his actions during a bombing During the mission, Schneider was Araid more than 70 years ago. responsible for not only directing the bombardment mission, but also the Maj William “Joe” Schneider was safety of all men in his formation. As awarded the Silver Star during a his formation approached the heav- ceremony at Joint Base McGuire- ily defended rail link at Dogna, Italy, Dix-Lakehurst, N.J. on Nov. 1, 2016, an extremely accurate anti-aircraft for his actions while commanding barrage enveloped the B-25s, severely an 18-plane bombing raid on Feb. crippling Schneider’s plane and 23, 1945 over Italy. U.S. Air Force damaging many other bombers in Expeditionary Center Commander his formation. With his right engine Maj Gen Christopher Bence presided not functioning, the propeller control over the ceremony. mechanism inoperative, the airspeed indicator destroyed, and a smashed “I don’t think I deserve what they’re elevator trim tab, Schneider led all the proposing for me to get, but I think bombardiers to drop their payloads it’s good for generations to come to on the communications point. be able to understand what hap- pened,” Schneider said. Afterwards, Schneider contacted an William “Joe” Schneider open air sea rescue unit to be continu- USAF photo by tSgt JAmie powell At that time, Schneider was assigned ously updated with accurate bearings to the 310th Bombardment Group, of their location and communicated and his unit was known as the with a fellow B-25 aircrew in his for- “Bridge Busters” because they mation and relayed to his pilot vital bombed bridges in Italy to slow information to assist with the return down the supply lines and the flight. During the landing procedure,
6 The Mobility Forum AMC NEWS
Even before “the war I wanted to be in the sky.
Maj William Schneider and his flight” crew after crash landing on Feb. 23, 1945.
CoUrteSy photo
Maj Schneider’s B-25
Maj Schneider and fellow airman, circa 1945.
Schneider assisted the pilot with a Schneider was finally able to get before the attack on Pearl Harbor. successful emergency crash landing proper recognition. Before reporting to Maxwell Field, and with the safe return of all his Alabama, Schneider earned his crew members. After returning home in February private pilot’s license, and upon of 1946, Schneider went back to arriving he was selected to become a “It’s not often you get to stand in the Fordham University to finish military aviator. presence of a true hero,” said Bence. his degree. While in school he “A man who not only answered met his wife, Lucille, and raised “Even before the war I wanted to be his nation’s call, but whose actions eight children in the house he in the sky,” said Schneider. “With directly saved the lives of fellow lives in to this day. He now that pilot’s license I was pushed to Americans and helped defeat the has 22 grandchildren and nine the front of the line to become an Axis powers.” great-grandchildren. Army Air Corps pilot.”
Schneider was told by his “The strength of family life and the In just two years, Schneider commanders that his actions holding together of each generation, advanced from second lieutenant warranted a Silver Star award, but that’s the glue that keeps it all to major and became a squadron the paperwork was lost with the together,” said Schneider, addressing and group commander, in charge Army in the rush to close down the the audience during the ceremony. of 72 aircraft. During his service he war. However, with the support of earned the Air Medal with 11 oak his children and Congressman Scott Maj Schneider enlisted in the Army leaf clusters and the Distinguished Garret, 5th District of New Jersey, in November, 1941, one month Flying Cross.
Winter 2016-2017 7 A FATALITY-FREE Critical Days of Summer By MR. RONNIE BENDALL, HQ AMC and More Occupational Safety and Health Manager
e recently shared the great news “marathon” driving to get somewhere that our 2016 Critical Days for a holiday are bad decisions that pose of Summer Safety Campaign unacceptable risks. Having a designated Wconcluded with zero AMC driver, waiting to read or send a text, accountable fatalities for just the second and planning rest breaks on your trip time in AMC history, with the other being mitigate risk effectively, as does the in 2008. That in itself is a huge accom- simple decision to wear a seat belt. This plishment, but there is even better news! often overlooked step has proven to be an effective way to save lives and reduce AMC just concluded the entire FY16 the severity of injuries. with only one fatality, which is our best fiscal year ever! This is a testament Let’s not forget the hazards that come with to the mishap prevention efforts of on-duty operations. The Air Force Safety commanders, supervisors, safety staffs, Center’s (AFSEC) Quest for Zero year- wingmen, co-workers, friends, and round initiative is geared at protecting families—all promote a culture that resources—both people and equipment— inspires Airmen to make decisions that that are critical to combat readiness. The enable them to enjoy a multitude of goal is zero on-duty injuries and fatalities. activities without placing their lives and According to AFSEC records, the 29,713 the lives of others at risk. on-duty mishaps reported during FY 11 through FY 15 resulted in 26,651 injuries at Since 1993, 190 AMC Airmen have a cost of $242 million. lost their lives to mishaps. That is an average of more than eight Airmen Gen Andrew Mueller, Air Force Chief of annually, many of them while off duty. Safety, said eliminating on-duty fatalities Most of those accidents could have and reducing mishaps is an attainable been avoided by simply exercising goal, but it requires every one doing their sound risk management and making job. “Safety is a shared responsibility,” he better decisions. The key is not skipping said, “from providing the guidance, train- the first step in the Risk Management ing, requirements, and oversight, to each process: Identify the Hazard. Failure of us making a personal choice every day to do so allows potential risks (such to take responsibility for our own safety.” as distractions, fatigue, complacency, alcohol, and excessive speed) to claim We must continue to build upon a culture lives every year. that does not take short cuts. As we enter the new fiscal year, we owe it to our Talk to your Airmen about making Airmen and their families to continue good decisions when driving. Private to stress sound risk management and motor vehicle mishaps continue to take decision-making in all activities, both on the lives of Airmen, and it is critical and off duty. that they use sound risk management when operating vehicles. Drinking and We wish you all a safe and happy driving, texting while driving, and new year.
8 The Mobility Forum Fortunate Enough to
Lt Col JW Smith FLYBy MS. RUTH ANN REPLOGLE, Staff Writer
t Col JW Smith of the 728th license before being accepted into isn’t one. He relies on his training, Airlift Squadron, 446th pilot training at Columbus AFB, procedures, experience, and an Airlift Wing (Air Force Mississippi. He went on to fly C-141s element of luck. He recalled a quote Reserve Command), holds at McChord and then C-12s in from his pilot training: “A lot of Lthe AMC record of 17,753.5 flying Bogotá, Colombia. warnings in our flight manuals are hours without any Class A or B written in blood.” mishaps. The assistant operations “I was fortunate to fly as much as I officer at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, wanted,” Smith said about his two “You don’t wake up in the morning Washington, said it was never his years in Colombia. Since the air saying, ‘I think I’ll have a mishap intent to set a record, much less be attaché wanted to fly, he got to fly as today.’ A lot of decisions we make recognized for it. well. After 11-plus years on active each day are subconscious; it’s what duty, Smith decided to join the Air we do.” Smith advises other pilots to “I hit 10,000, then 15,000 hours,” Force Reserve at McChord, where fly as much as they can and to hone Smith said. When 17,500 looked like he is an Air Reserve Technician. He their flying skills and knowledge to a possibility, he thought of a friend has been there since 1996 and will be build a solid foundation that will who had worn an 8,760-hour patch retiring this December. stay with them throughout their and figured he would aim for 17,520 flying career. hours, which equates to two years in “Timing is everything,” Smith said. the air. When Smith reached that goal “It’s been a very rewarding active So what is next for him? Will he keep and beyond, he kept quiet about it. and reserve career in the Air Force.” flying after nearly 30 years of being in the air? All he ever wanted to do was fly. As a In addition to C-141s and C-12s, he kid, Smith dreamed of being a pilot. has flown C-17s—and he has loved “I don’t know, but there will be a every one of them. Smith said he has lot of travel at a slower pace and “I was lucky enough to have it work no favorite. definitely no 24-hour crew duty out,” he said. days!” he replied. Right now, he has “As long as I was flying, it didn’t sailing on his mind. He grew up around airplanes, matter which plane I was in,” having grown up at Torrejón he said. Air Base, Spain. Smith went on to join the Air Force—as a civil When asked about the secret to no engineer—and got his private pilot’s flying mishaps, Smith said there
Winter 2016/2017 9 Increased Reporting and Confidence in Proactive Safety
By Ops RAMS Staff
roactive safety is a One highlight of the orientation if crewmembers are contacted by team sport. It relies on is attending the Trend Review Ops RAMS personnel. However, participation from everyone and Action Committee (TRAC), their contact information will never to ensure that the knowledge chaired by the AMC/CV. The TRAC be released without their consent Pgained to mitigate risks is not provides an overview of issues or used to monitor performance or isolated to a small group. impacting MAF aviators and an administer punitive action per AFI opportunity to help resolve those 91-225 and AMCI 10-502. The Aviation Safety Action Program issues. After the TRAC, the AMC/ (ASAP) is a Mobility Air Force CV speaks to the attendees, assuring Ops RAMS continues to encourage (MAF) aviation operational tool that AMC leadership’s support of suggestions for improving improves effectiveness by fostering ASAP. Additionally, the AMC/CV participation, confidence, and the safe mission accomplishment. promotes a Just Culture, provides overall utility of this program. ASAP submissions are identity- instructors an opportunity to voice protected; they are non-retribution concerns, and asks for suggestions Military Flight Operations Quality and sanitized prior to posting on how the command can improve Assurance (MFOQA) is the analysis on the ASAP Scoreboard (www. ASAP support. and trending of aircraft system safety-masap.com). Submissions are and flight performance data to voluntary within a Just Culture, as Recently, the Instructor Orientation improve safety, operations, training, open reporting lets others learn from Program welcomed its first Career and maintenance functions. Flight mistakes and it encourages sharing Enlisted Aviator (CEA) attendee, data is collected from onboard of lessons learned. recognizing the critical role CEAs aircraft sensors, compiled, and play within MAF operations. retained in a database that analysts Initial challenges included lack of The inclusion of CEA attendees use to gain insight into MAF program awareness and lack of also underscores the command’s operations. Analysis helps detect trust in its non-punitive nature. At commitment to making the Ops trends, determine scope, and first, the Ops RAMS branch was RAMS’ program and awareness develop mitigation (training and allotted 20 minutes of briefing time foundational for all aircrew members. policy changes), as well as inform during the Global Ready Aircraft commanders and senior leaders. Commander Course (GRACC). Since 2010, ASAP submissions GRACC attendees began to see the increased from an average of four One of Ops RAMS’ newest proactive merits of ASAP and the allotted or five per month down to two safety initiatives is a voluntary effort time increased to a full hour. each day. Crew confidence in the within MFOQA called “MFOQA Additionally, Ops RAMS briefs program, measured using the per- Crew Contact.” MFOQA analysts all new MAF wing commanders centage of those who include contact can usually determine what at the AMC wing commanders’ information, continues to increase. occurred (the what) but often can orientation. Ultimately, these Recently, over 93 percent of submit- only speculate on the circumstances briefs culminated in the Instructor ters provided their information. This (the why) behind the event. When Orientation, a three-day program. can help clarify submitted concerns aircraft-captured data is insufficient,
10 The Mobility Forum RISK MANAGEMENT
Capt Zachary R. Walrond, 3d AS aircraft commander, and Capt Daniel H. Morgan, 3d AS co-pilot, prepare to land a C-17 Globemaster III at Fort A.P. Hill, Va.
USAF photo by DAviD S. tUCKer they may contact crewmembers Recent technological advances missions to evaluate certain aspects to validate or add context to their have provided the ability to deter- of crew performance, primarily analysis. Again, crew response is mine AMC and other MAF units’ TEM. They observe and record voluntary. Requests flow from the CRM/TEM average skill levels for threats encountered, types of errors analyst(s) to the Ops RAMS chair; each crew position. Per AFI 11-290_ crews commit, and how flight crews to AMC Safety, who coordinates AMC Sup, units must report each manage these situations to main- with the appropriate MAJCOM, Air individual crewmember’s CRM/ tain safety. They also collect data Reserve, or NGB staff; to the crew’s TEM skills using AMC Form 4031 on CRM performance and solicit wing safety office. Event specifics are after all G-240 training events and crewmembers for safety-related not shared once the request leaves after any simulator or flight evalua- suggestions. These combined Ops RAMS. The individual is given tion where CRM was downgraded. sources reflect safety strengths and the analyst’s phone number and You can obtain the form at https:// weaknesses during normal flight is not required to identify himself mafops.us.af.mil/Crm/Index. operations. A Safety Investigation or herself. Several successful crew Board reviews the LOSA data and contacts to date helped analysts Though an automated method produces actionable findings to better identify the hazards and thus is in development, a unit can enhance safety. notify the entire crew force. now request a snapshot of its CRM/TEM average performance While these programs are listed Crew Resource Management (CRM)/ compared to overall average individually, we correlate the Threat and Error Management MDS competency by emailing issues. For example, if we receive (TEM). CRM is concerned with the [email protected]. Use CRM/ an ASAP, we may look at the cognitive and interpersonal skills TEM Data Analysis Request in the MFOQA analysis to see if we can needed to manage the flight within subject line. find other or similar occurrences. an organized aviation system. It is We also use LOSA observations comprised of six key skills: Mission Line Operations Safety Audit to help confirm what we identify Analysis, Situation Awareness, (LOSA). Ops RAMS works with in ASAPs or MFOQA analysis. Communication, Risk Management/ AMC Safety regarding LOSAs, in Finally, we use all the information Decision Making, Crew Coordination, which trained observers accom- to develop the CRM/TEM training and Task Management. TEM builds pany aircrews during actual emphasis items. multiple layers of defense that are designed to identify, prevent, and trap threats and/or mitigate inevi- CONTACT OPS RAMS table threats, errors, and undesired Email: [email protected] aircraft states. In short, TEM is how aircrews use the six CRM skills. Read Phone DSN: 779-2422 or Comm: 618-229-2422 more at https://www.milsuite.mil/ See Ops RAMS AMCI 10-502 at http://static.e-publishing.af.mil/ book/community/spaces/amc/a3/a3t/ production/1/amc/publication/amci10-502/amci10-502.pdf. ops_rams/crm-tem.
Winter 2016-2017 11 Maintenance Airmen tow a KC-135 Stratotanker during a readiness exercise at McConnell AFB, Kan.
USAF photo by SrA mAriA A. rUiz
Simple uring a towing operation, been in aircraft maintenance my the tail-walker noticed entire career, and working near the tail section of the aircraft engines has taken a toll on Innovation aircraft was not lining my hearing. Many mechanics and Dup as quickly as he expected, but tow vehicle operators have this same he hesitated to signal “stop the issue and need more than just sound tow” because he anticipated the tail to get their attention. to Prevent would swing back around and clear the hangar as the tow continued. In the maintenance unit, aircraft Approximately three seconds later, are constantly towed in and out the tail-walker crossed his wands, of hangars and across taxiways, Towing blew his warning whistle, and runways, and ramps. It may seem yelled “Stop!” The entire tow team easy, but it can certainly damage immediately blew their whistles and aircraft or injure personnel if yelled for the supervisor to stop the done carelessly. Towing aircraft tow, but the tow vehicle operator did correctly takes coordination and Mishaps not hear the whistles or yells due to keen communication from everyone noise produced by the tow vehicle’s involved. Each member is the eyes engine. He continued pushing the and ears for the vehicle operator and By MR. LALO MAYNES, aircraft. The supervisor ran to the the tow supervisor. HQ AMC Flight Safety vehicle, banged on the door, and yelled “Stop!” The operator did, The wingspan of the C-5 Galaxy is but approximately 10 seconds had 223 feet, and from nose to tail is 247 elapsed from when the tail-walker feet. When towing this airplane, the first blew his whistle. tow vehicle is hooked to a 20-foot tow bar, so the operator is one This summarizes a towing mishap football field away from the tail- in 2009. If I were the tow vehicle walker (spotter) at the tail of the operator, I’m afraid the results aircraft. While pushing the Galaxy would have been the same. I have into a hangar, the tail-walker is just
12 The Mobility Forum FLIGHT SAFETY
We needed the lab to develop a handheld device in developing effective communica- tion technology to alert when a tow that allowed every tow team member the ability operation should stop. to initiate an electronic signal that triggered an We needed the lab to develop a alert immediately to the tow vehicle. handheld device that allowed every tow team member the ability to initiate an electronic signal that triggered an alert immediately to the tow vehicle. Chief Kemp mobile radios have been used with teamed up with Capt Carlos Suarez some success. However, in three II at AFRL Soft Matter Materials mishaps when radios were used, Branch, who jumped in to conduct
223 ft. one person, who keyed a radio for interviews with tow team members a “not so critical” communication, to determine exactly what was cut off others who had a “critical” needed. After discussions with 247 ft. STOP NOW demand. Sometimes, the field, the Emergency Stop a three- or four-second delay in Annunciator was born. Capt Suarez communication is enough to damage established an off-the shelf Bluetooth a wing tip or a tail. transmitter that each member of the tow team could access. When one pair of eyes. At each wing tip are Since 2007, Air Mobility Command activated, a rotating light beacon additional wing-walkers, guiding the (AMC) has had 12 aircraft towing mounted on the dash of the tow wing tips to avoid an impact. There mishaps costing $938,091. At the vehicle alerts the operator to stop, is little room for error. same time, the entire Mobility Air without regard to why. Currently, Force has had 23 towing mishaps engineers are still researching the Aircraft are also heavy. The Galaxy costing $1,827,222. These numbers receiver/annunciator, but a pilot test weighs between 380,000 and 770,000 don’t take into account time to will be performed at Travis AFB in pounds, which means the engine reschedule aircraft or lost missions. the winter of 2016 on the C-5M, our of the tow vehicle pushing or longest and widest aircraft. pulling the aircraft is almost always To decrease the “communication at maximum power. It is noisy time” between tow team members This technology may have other inside the cab of the tow vehicle. and the vehicle operator, we have applications in the Mobility Air Each team member must be able to needed a real-time device—even Force. Many units have tried communicate with the supervisor something as simple as the device wireless headsets, air horns, etc., quickly and effectively to keep the you hold in your hand at a restau- but none has generated results that aircraft from hitting anything. If the rant to alert you that your table is constitute enterprise implementation wing or tail come too close to an ready. When your device lights up such as this device. The Emergency object, whistles are blown to notify and vibrates, it gets your attention. Stop Annunciator has the potential the vehicle operator to step on the It’s that simple. In the spring of 2015, to prevent numerous mishaps by brake. However, whistles aren’t I discussed the idea with CMSgt reducing precious seconds when always effective due to distance Andrew Kemp, AMC/A4MP, who communications must pass through around the jet and the high noise thought it was a good idea. In June, the team supervisor and instead go environment on the flightline or near Chief Kemp (and AMC/A4) part- directly to the vehicle operator. I look the hangar. Air horns have been tried nered with AFMC to leverage the Air forward to seeing this technology on with mediocre success, and land Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) the flightline.
Winter 2016-2017 13 The DO’s and DON’Ts of
By MS. LAUREN SCHATZ, Winter Driving Staff Writer
ith glistening ice- DO use winterized windshield DO apply even pressure when covered trees and R wiper fluid to make sure your R braking in slick conditions if blankets of fresh wiper sprayer doesn’t freeze over your vehicle is equipped with anti- snow as far as the eye or crack. lock brakes. Wcan see, there is no doubt that winter can be quite a beautiful season. To DON’T try to melt ice from DON’T become overconfident drivers, however, it can be a deadly Q your windshield by pouring Q on snowy and slippery roads, one. In fact, according to the Federal hot water on it—this can crack the and always be cautious until you can Highway Administration, roughly windshield. be sure of road conditions. 117,000 Americans are injured and more than 1,300 are killed in DO maintain at least half a tank DO turn the steering wheel in winter-weather-related car accidents R of gas to prevent stranding R the direction of the slide when each year. Yikes! To help reduce yourself in adverse conditions. driving on snowy or icy roads until this startling statistic, let’s review you gain control. the “DO’s and DON’Ts” of winter DON’T forget to check that all driving, shall we? Q fluids are at proper levels and DON’T accelerate or change ensure all tires, including the spare, Q directions suddenly on snow DO allow a few minutes to have the required pressure and tread. or ice. R brush and scrape your vehicle. Clearing windows is crucial for vis- DO prepare your car with an And remember, it’s best to avoid ibility, and clearing ice or snow from R emergency kit. driving at all if the roads are slick the top of your car will spare other and hazardous—it really is always drivers from a flying sheet of ice. DON’T forget the container of better to be safe than sorry. Q kitty litter or sand, which can DON’T forget to clean snow be used to provide added traction if Q and ice off your headlights your car becomes stuck in the snow. EMERGENCY KIT and taillights as well. • Ice scraper • Blanket and warm clothing • Flashlight with extra batteries • Shovel • Charged cell phone and extra charger • Jumper cables • Reflective triangles or flares • Cloth or paper towels • Bag of kitty litter or sand • First aid kit
14 The Mobility Forum McChord Airman Saves Girl from Drowning
By SRA DIVINE COX, 62d AW Public Affairs
n or out of uniform, Airmen “As soon as I looked up, I could hear SSgt Matthew Siegele
are required to uphold the Air screaming,” he explained. “I looked USAF photo by SrA Divine Cox Force’s core values at all times back to where I last saw the little and should always be aware of girl on the ice and saw that she had Itheir surroundings. fallen in. She was waving her arms Siegele and the little girl resurfaced in the air and screaming for help.” and headed to shore just as the other SSgt Matthew Siegele, the 627th man reached the shore. Force Support Squadron sports Siegele made the quick decision and fitness NCO in charge, had his to run around the lake to the side “Once we got to shore, I took off her situational awareness tested when closest to her so he could safely jacket and the individual grabbed a little girl fell through the ice on reach her. my jacket that I took off before Carter Lake at Joint Base Lewis- entering the water and put it on her,” McChord, Washington. “I knew the ice couldn’t hold my Siegele continued. weight,” he said. “Running around Siegele was at the park next to Carter to the other side was my only option As he picked up the phone Lake with his daughter. While there, to try to save her.” to call 911, the girl’s father his daughter spotted three girls arrived at the lake in a pan- playing and asked if she could play Siegele said as he rounded the fence icked state. with them. line, he saw a man get out of a silver van and run toward the lake. “The dad grabbed his little girl “Yes, you can go play,” Siegele told and headed home,” Siegele said. her, “as long as you stay off the ice, “I followed the individual into “We all exchanged information, I’m okay with that.” the water,” Siegele said. “We were but I was so cold and out of determined to help this little girl.” it, I forgot everything.” Siegele said as he watched the girls play, the oldest girl would try and The other man got to the girl Later that night, Siegele contacted talk the other girls into seeing how before Siegele. They then started the parents of the little girl, after far they could walk across the ice. He swimming back to the shore finding their phone number in his advised them not to do that, because with the little girl between phone, to see if she was okay. it might not be safe. them when suddenly the man went under water and Siegele The girl’s parents thanked him for “I took control of my daughter,” he lost grip of the girl, causing saving their daughter. said. “The other girls shrugged me off her to go under as well. and proceeded onto the ice.” “I’m just glad I was there,” Siegele “I reached for her, but I couldn’t feel said. “All the training I’ve had Siegele said later that afternoon, her,” he said. “So I dove under to through my years in the Air Force before sunset, one of the girls yelled, find her and managed to pull her up prompted me to react quickly enough “It’s time to go home.” by her jacket.” and ultimately save her life.”
Winter 2016/2017 15 The Grinch Stole WHAT?
By MS. RITA HESS, Staff Writer
n the Dr. Seuss holiday classic, a grumpy old hermit (the Grinch) tries to stop Christmas by stealing the presents, trees, and food used for the Whoville IChristmas celebration. The fictional tale has a happy ending, but that’s not usually the case in real life.
You see, similar Grinch-like monsters are lurking all year long to steal from you, and their numbers seem to multiply this time of year. They hide in the shadows— usually in foreign countries—hoping to steal your holiday joy by robbing your bank account, your credit card information, and/or your identity when you let your guard down. These creeps are clever, but here are a handful of ways to avoid becoming a victim.
16 The Mobility Forum SAFETY CULTURE
DELETE EMAILS THAT SEEM BE A DISCREET SHOPPER TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE Grinches sometimes try to steal Grinches know you like shopping online, private information by stalking web so they will try to trick you with online connections that aren’t secure, like those advertisements and emails that look where Wi-Fi is publicly available. Do genuine—right down to the unbelievable not use public connections to surf the offers on popular gifts. Problem is, clicking a link in Internet—especially if you will be shopping with a credit “phishy” emails that look legitimate can leave your or debit card! Wait until you are home where you have a computer vulnerable to everything from hackers to secure network (i.e., a router on which you set a strong viruses. Don’t become a victim! If you must buy online, password and enabled encryption). Also, remember to shop only from known vendors’ pages where you change all of your passwords regularly (every 90 days) manually enter a website address in your browser, rather and use strong passwords (those that contain numbers, than clicking a link. symbols, and a combination of upper and lower case letters). For added peace of mind, do not store passwords on mobile devices. Finally, power down (or disable data on) devices when not in use. SAY NO TO DOWNLOADS Grinches can also disguise malware or viruses to look like an attachment to an MAINTAIN SOCIAL MEDIA email from someone you trust. Never SECURITY SETTINGS download files, videos, or images unless/ Grinches hang out where crowds do— until you call the sender and verify what on Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, and the person sent you. Downloading and other social media sites. But these sites opening files that carry malware or viruses can infect sometimes globally change default your computer and/or quickly spread through a network. privacy settings, and you may not realize it. Every couple The same goes for emails and messages on social media of months, check your profile on all social media sites to in which someone you know recommends that you click make sure your privacy settings are as you want them. a link. Ask yourself: does this seem like something Bob You may intend to make a personal announcement to would send me? If you aren’t sure, call and ask him! your “friends” and unwittingly tell the world.
KEEP CURRENT WATCH YOUR BACK Grinches are aware that software Grinches are sly. They sometimes stalk developers may inadvertently leave in person, hoping to catch people using them an opening. Make sure to electronic devices so intently that they regularly update all software on your electronic devices, lose awareness of their surroundings. particularly the operating system and antivirus software, Pay attention to who is behind you when with the latest version or patch. This might be done for using electronics, particularly if you are inputting you at work, but you are responsible for updating your passwords, PINs, or other information you want to personal computer, notebook, and/or smartphone away keep private. Never leave a device unattended without from work. These updates often contain code that closes locking it or logging out of all applications, and never known security loopholes. leave it in plain sight.
If a Grinch ruins your holidays despite all of these precautions, perhaps the best gift you can hope to have is a backup copy of your data. As mentioned for operating system and software updates, information technology professionals might perform backups automatically where you work, but you are likely on your own when it comes to your personal devices. Take time once a week to back up your system to the “cloud” or to an external gadget such as a flash drive. Consider it like insurance—something you hope you never use but will be glad you have if you need it. Here’s wishing you a Grinch-free holiday season!
Winter 2016-2017 17 September 2016: Superb AMC Safety Conference
By MS. KIM BRUMLEY, Staff Writer
AMC Safety Directorate personnel.
photo by tSgt FrAnK D’Angelo, AmC Se
n September 20, 2016, weapons. AMC safety staff reached promulgating the safety culture. The safety profession- out to several agencies and began Chief of Air Force Safety, Maj Gen als from around the putting together the agenda, with Andrew Mueller, told the crowd how globe converged for the the main themes of: cutting edge promoting a fair and just proactive OAir Mobility Command (AMC) initiatives and education, leadership safety culture will give the needed Safety Conference held in Fairview perspectives, Safety Investigation confidence to ensure a program is Heights, Illinois, right outside of Boards, and safety cross tell. in great shape. Mueller cautioned Scott Air Force Base. AMC’s Safety not to gauge a program’s successes Conferences, last held in 2010 due The conference showcased many of on mishap rates alone because to funding restrictions, historically AMC’s innovations, such as the first those rates are a lagging indicator received accolades for relevant topics, Aerial Port – Line Observation Safety and do not reflect current trends. “cross tell” (sharing of information), Audit (LOSA) and first operational Forward thinking is key, and Mueller and leadership. This year did not fatigue study. Previously, fatigue added that AMC is the best of all disappoint. This standalone three-day studies were conducted in a labora- commands in proactive safety. event offered a wide range of sessions tory, but AMC will begin testing on that allowed opportunities to build pilots in the operational environ- Retired Naval Commander Kirk on existing safety skills or gain new ment, leading to the possibility of a Lippold, Captain of the USS Cole, ones. Feedback was overwhelmingly more relevant model and data. emphasized practicing swift and positive and AMC looks forward to sound emergency risk management exceeding the bar in the future. Additionally, the conference was able as he recounted events that occurred to offer continuing education credits on October 12, 2000, when a suicide Preparation for the conference began (CEUs) for several of the venues and bomber struck the destroyer while in January 2016, and the staff worked an OSHA instructor provided six it was refueling in an Aden, Yemen hard to achieve the right balance hours of accredited instruction. port. The terrorist attack killed of topics and the right depth of 17 American sailors and injured information for the various safety The conference provided leadership 39 more. Throughout the chaos divisions—occupational, flight, and perspectives and tools for of the explosion and aftermath,
18 The Mobility Forum AMC NEWS
The conference showcased many of AMC’s innovations, such as the first Aerial Port – Line Observation Safety Audit (LOSA) and first operational fatigue study.
Photo above, left to right: Lt Col Walt Borja, Col Art Coppage, (back of) Maj Chris De Winne, Lt Col John Ourada, and Capt Lee Rinella, all from AMC-SEF. Left: AFMC Occupational Safety member, Mr. Mike Semon, and AMC Weapons Safety Chief, Mr. Harry Lasell, catch up on old times. Left inset: retired Naval Commander Kirk Lippold, Captain of the USS Cole, speaking at the conference.
photoS by tSgt FrAnK D’Angelo, AmC Se
Commander Lippold managed the eventually changed aircraft require- safety staff with AMC safety wing crisis to avoid further fatalities and ments to avoid similar mishaps. personnel, Air National Guard save the ship from sinking as it took and Air Force Reserve Command, on water through the gaping 40-foot Col Jack Mateer, ACC/A4, began Air Combat Command, Air Force by 60-foot hole in the ship’s port side. his presentation by reflecting on Special Operations Command, and the day he got the dreaded call Air Force Safety Center personnel. Dr. Paul Schuda, Director of the that an Airman had been involved The cross tell offered views into the National Transportation Safety in a fatal mishap and he was to safety cultures of other agencies. Board Training Center, walked serve as president of the Safety Safety personnel across the Air Force through the July 17, 1996, Trans Investigation Board. The tragic shared valuable experiences and pro- World Airlines Flight 800 explo- and completely avoidable fatality vided resources and best practices sion and its subsequent crash into took place at Pope AFB on July 17, for consideration and use in safety the Atlantic Ocean near New York 2015, when a 30-year-old Senior across the spectrum. state. He explained how investiga- Airman was run over by a Humvee tors eliminated possible factors and during a simulated hostage exercise. The 2016 AMC Safety Conference conspiracy theories, and sorted Impromptu changes in the base leveraged innovation, leadership, through eyewitness statements exercise led to risks, such as not and cross tell for an invaluable from more than 700 individuals having spotters for the exercise. experience for safety professionals to determine the explosion origi- The last-minute changes ultimately across the Air Force. As we look nated in the fuel tank and brought resulted in the Airman’s death, towards the upcoming year, let the plane down only 12 minutes whereas sound risk management AMC Safety know about speakers, after takeoff, killing all 230 on during the exercise could have instructors, and topics that would board. Today, the assembled wreck- saved his life. be meaningful to you at future age serves as a grim reminder of conferences. AMC endeavors lessons learned from the costliest Arguably the most important aspect to keep safety interesting and crash investigation in U.S. history. of the conference was the face- relevant, and an integral part of The result of the four-year effort to-face and cross tell of the AMC everyday culture.
Winter 2016-2017 19 AMC Commander: Airmen, Partnerships, Technology Key to Mobility’s Future
By AMC PUBLIC AFFAIRS that highlight the real-world impact attack, May 17, 2010. Everhart told of successful air mobility. He linked the crowd how a total of 22 Total those successes to the extensive Force mobility Airmen were directly he Air Mobility Command contributions of Air Force Reserve involved in transporting Evans from commander showcased the and Air National Guard members, the battle field to the theater hospital impact of mobility Airmen along with crucial partnerships at Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan, on current global operations with civilian industry. Finally, the and then to Walter Reed National Twhile highlighting ways in which commander presented AMC’s vision Military Medical Center in Bethesda, partnership and technology will for maintaining air superiority into MD, to his waiting wife, Rosemary. shape the future in a presentation the future – a vision which will rely during the 48th annual AMC heavily on leveraging technology, Evans lost both legs and one of his and Airlift/Tanker Association modernizing the fleet, and gaining hands as a result of the attack, but he Symposium in Nashville, Tenn. on efficiencies in maintenance and survived and has continued to thrive Oct. 29, 2016. other processes critical to mission despite years of recovery, follow-on accomplishment. procedures, and being medically In a nod to the symposium’s theme, retired from active duty service. “Strengthening Our Bonds,” Gen The Heart of the Mission Everhart said this was possible due Carlton D. Everhart II, AMC com- “Make no mistake: people are to the diligent en-route critical care, mander, said sharing relevant our asymmetric advantage,” said timely and necessary communica- information and leveraging the Everhart, “And people will lead us tion between aircrew and waiting strength of Total Force and industry to the future.” medical professionals, and the partners is critical to the command’s ability to successfully execute airlift, The commander illustrated where Photo above: Gen Carlton D. Everhart II, air refueling, aeromedical evacua- the true heart of air mobility resides, AMC commander, thanks the air mobility tion, and mobility support missions. as he presented the stories of retired community for their dedication to the U.S. Marine Corps Sgt Carlos Evans Rapid Global Mobility mission during Before a packed auditorium with and the family of Technical Sergeants his keynote speech at the 48th annual Air more than 1,600 Total Force Airmen, Brianna and Dorian McNab. Mobility Command and Airlift/Tanker family members, and industry Association Symposium in Nashville, partners in attendance, Everhart Evans was critically wounded in Tennessee, Oct. 29, 2016. focused heavily on personal stories an improvised explosive device USAF photo by SrA megAn FrieDl
20 The Mobility Forum A/TA 2016AMC NEWS professional Airmanship of the air- of Turkey due to increased threat makes all the difference,” Everhart crew who safely cared for Evans and levels in that location. Among the said. “What a great story about the delivered him home to his wife and more than 700 people evacuated was dedication of our military families, the care of doctors at Walter Reed. Amelia McNab, a preschool-aged the challenges they face, and the girl and her infant brother, Kaison, commitment of Airmen and commer- In one of the biggest surprises of children of Technical Sergeants cial partners to take care of them!” the symposium, Everhart brought Dorian and Brianna McNab, the four-person aircrew onto the assigned at the time at Incirlik Air And to thunderous applause in stage. He then paused to gather his Base, Turkey. another standing ovation, he brought emotions before telling the aircrew the McNabs on stage and reunited and those in attendance that Evans Everhart showed a photo taken them with the aircrew – including was unable to attend the symposium during the evacuation process of Akers – who brought them home due to some health complications, young Amelia — curled up, asleep, with such care and compassion. but he had sent a video recording on one of AMC’s transport aircraft. from his cell phone that very day. He explained how Brianna McNab Crucial Partnerships As the video played over the evacuated with the children while In addition to those personal stories, audiovisual system, Evans thanked Dorian stayed behind with the Everhart spoke about the need for the crew by name in an emotional mission in Turkey, and how after effective communication and evolv- tribute to those who helped bring many hours in transit with an ing partnerships with the Reserves, him home alive. He stated it would infant and toddler, Brianna was the Guard, and civilian industry. be a goal of his to one day meet the exhausted and struggled to get Airmen who helped him, and shake off the aircraft while holding the Whether it’s an aeromedical, airlift their hands. baby and pulling luggage. He then or air refueling mission, the mobility mission isn’t possible without a Total Force effort, said the commander.
“We all benefit from a long line of senior leaders who nurtured the bond between military and industry to drive innovation and prepare for the future,” said Everhart.
“Today, the Guard and Reserve provide 65 percent of AMC’s capacity,” he continued. “The Civil Reserve Airlift Fleet program partners currently lift 40 percent of all passengers and cargo. So when AMC succeeds, we all succeed, and when AMC’s mission is exposed to Aeromedical evacuation team members Lt risk, we all are exposed to risk. Col Patrick Howard, Maj JP Coon, Maj Gen Everhart gave the keynote Jonathan Criss, and SMSgt Kevin Preston. speech at the symposium. “Industry, we need your help to USAF photo by A1C meliSSA eStevez USAF photo by SrA megAn FrieDl make big aircraft less detectable, and to give us a little fire power to get Evans’ story brought a standing displayed the image of SSgt Jon out of Dodge when necessary,” said ovation, but as it turned out, it Akers, a member of the aircrew, the general. “When we drop supplies would not be the only time the who scooped up the little girl, in contested airspace, we need the crowd stood up to cheer. cradled her in his arms, and carried ability to drop in a single pass, her off the plane. accurately, and from all altitudes. Earlier this year, mobility Airmen When the difference between had the tremendous task of “Sometimes it’s those little actions, delivering the package to the good implementing an evacuation of loving your job and doing it to the guys or the bad guys is one city military families from the nation absolute best of your ability that block, precision matters.”
Winter 2016-2017 21 A/TA 2016 Another process that can be a forecasted timeline with respect to improved through collaboration of equivalent flight hours, said Everhart. Airmen communicating their needs with industry partners is a better Information For example, if one base averages information system to increase 100 flying hours per month on each battlespace awareness for aircrews, sharing is not aircraft, and another base averages ground personnel, and joint users. optional, it’s a only 50 hours, by rotating the aircraft between the bases, it would “As we strive to integrate command, key to mission even the flying hours consumed control, and communications, we by specific aircraft and help with have to do it in a way that allows success. maintenance requirements. secure sharing with key partners,” the general continued. “Information This process is expected to increase sharing is not optional, it’s a key to the C-17 lifespan by an additional mission success.” Everhart said he also believes AMC 10 to 20 years. This hub-and-spoke needs to consider new design model process is already planned He spoke of a case this year where an concepts for air refueling, airlift for the upcoming KC-46, and the aeromedical evacuation crew saved a airframes, and develop ideas for Air Force is extending the process patient’s life because the aircrew was affordable sustainment. One of to other airframes to increase the able to patch in through airborne those ideas involves working with recapitalization trade space for the command and control systems partners to consider the hub-and- Air Force, said Everhart. with waiting medical specialists spoke model approach to aircraft to share critical information about maintenance, similar to practices by He also expects Mobility Airmen to medication, plasma, and treatment AMC’s commercial carrier partners. look to commercial carriers for ideas requirements. The patient received and areas of improvement. open-chest surgery in-flight, and This concept means that instead was safely passed on to medical staff of Airmen completing all aircraft For example, commercial carriers on the ground upon landing, the maintenance at home station, aircraft are using automation to load, store, general noted. would go to designated hubs for track, and manage cargo more specific maintenance requirements efficiently, said the general. To build on this success, AMC is that take longer, such as isochronical currently working with the Air phase inspections. Routine This could be a process Airmen in Force Research Lab and industry maintenance would continue to be logistics could adopt, Everhart noted. to create technology that will allow completed at the home station. AE Airmen to not only discuss a “Information systems should connect patient’s condition and medical Expanding on this concept, the fleet aircraft, k-loaders, and warehouses history, but to transmit and receive will need self-monitoring systems to increase throughput and better records of the patient while in the air. that detect when it’s time to fly serve our customers,” said Everhart. to the hub for big repairs or large “An automated flightline probably The Future: Modernization maintenance requirements, like an doesn’t make sense at every base, but and Partners for Mission engine change, said Everhart. I think there are applications at our Effectiveness busiest ports. We can use automation General Everhart emphasized the “Bottom line: we can increase our to do our mission better.” importance of modernizing AMC’s available capacity by improving fleet to minimize operational risk maintenance efficiency,” he said. “We Some might think that at the rate and boost mission capability. are also working with the Guard technology is developing, jobs could and Reserve to slow aircraft aging be at risk, but the AMC commander “The KC-46 is the first step in at the enterprise level. The estimate said he thinks otherwise. answering these challenges,” said is approximately 15 C-17s will reach Everhart. “This new tanker will their service life by 2040 under the “It’s not about replacing people,” allow Mobility Airmen to integrate current fleet management process.” he said. “It’s about using with the joint fight, increase machines to do what machines battlespace awareness, and enable But the future will have mobility air- do best, so we can let Airmen operational agility.” craft like those C-17s rotate bases on do what they do best.”
22 The Mobility Forum USAFCENT Crewchief Safety Award of Distinction SRA NATHANIEL P. JACKSON Aerospace Maintenance Journeyman
hile deployed to Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar, SrA Nathaniel Jackson exhibited unparalleled dedication in the performance of safe and Whigh-quality maintenance during a boom nozzle change. On May 9, 2016, during an aerial refuel reconfiguration on aircraft 59-1519, SrA Jackson found a piece of metal wedged inside the new boom nozzle. He immediately halted all maintenance activities and called the hydraulic specialist to identify the piece, which was part of the fuel offload transmit- ter. SrA Jackson then took the initiative to order and install a new boom nozzle to ensure there would be no malfunctions during the next flight.
Had he not identified this issue on the ground, the aircraft would have been unable to conduct air refueling once reaching the AOR, causing widespread ripple effects that would have negatively impacted the ATO. SrA Jackson’s situational awareness and attention to detail prevented not only damage to the $5M boom, but also to the approximately 1,600 coalition receiver aircraft that might have ingested the piece during air refueling during May, as well as the affected aircrews.
Winter 2016/2017 23 Keeping PACIFIC OPERATIONS SAFE
By MS. RUTH ANN REPLOGLE, Staff Writer remains the mantra and bedrock of the organization … Safely, By the Book, Then on Time.”
“Execute Rapid Global Mobility in Obviously, synchronizing two groups, six squadrons, three the Pacific … Safely, By the Book, detachments, and six operating Then on Time.” locations in 10 time zones can be a challenge.
“Communication and hat is the motto of the right place, at the right time—that’s synchronization within the wing 515th Air Mobility AMC’s mantra—anywhere in the is certainly different from other Operations Wing (AMOW), world, is a testament to our robust mobility wings,” he said. “We headquartered at Joint Base mobility system and the dedicated continue to refine our process to TPearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii. Airmen that make it happen. Both ensure the squadrons and their the 515 and 521 AMOWs are the Airmen have everything they need Spanning millions of miles backbone and network of that to execute day-to-day operations throughout the Pacific theater in global capability.” and are taken care of. Use of video 25 locations from Alaska to Diego telephone conferencing and data Garcia, the 515th provides command Before Zippwald took command on sharing is the norm, and our weekly and control, aerial port, and aircraft June 2, he reviewed the wing’s motto battle rhythm is built around maintenance in support of airlift and and felt it was perhaps too “soft.” leveraging those technologies.” air refueling missions. In fact, he contemplated refreshing it into something more aggressive Zippwald said his Airmen As the new commander of the 515th, and “forward leaning.” After seeing continue to amaze him and deliver Col Scott C. Zippwald envisions the wing in action over his first two every day—controlling, loading, continuing the wing’s long tradition months in command and discussing uploading, and maintaining of providing unrivaled rapid global it with his group and squadron mobility aircraft throughout the mobility in the Pacific. commanders, he changed his mind. Pacific—noting each of the wing’s numerous operating locations is “Our team provides the critical en “All of the commanders defended unique and tailored specifically to its route infrastructure, enabling the and praised the motto, affirming geographic area. most powerful Air Force in the it drove a culture of compliance world with a rapid global mobility and safety, which ultimately led Each location has its own ops tempo capability that no other Air Force to standardization and velocity,” and challenges, he said. For example, can match,” he said. “Our ability Zippwald said. “I am now 100 on any given day, there may be a bliz- to deliver the right effects, at the percent on board with it, and it zard in Alaska, a surge of deploying
24 The Mobility Forum SAFETY CULTURE
Zippwald said in 2015, his Airmen enabled the compliance and work center safety,” movement of more than 490,000 passengers he said. and 92,000 tons of cargo on 32,000 missions— One of Zippwald’s safety goals during his tenure at the 515th is this equates to 1,300 passengers and 252 tons to set a course for the future. To of cargo every day. accomplish this, he’s bringing all of his leadership—the group commanders and chiefs—together Army personnel in Hawaii, and a Office at Scott AFB, Illinois, devel- for a two-day strategy summit. real-world posture change for Airmen ops and trains the safety specialist at the tip of the spear in Korea. Every in each squadron. “We’re going to re-orient ourselves day, Airmen from the 515th work to to the wing’s unique mission set, ensure safe, professional, and timely To that end, by having these capabilities, and critical role we play execution of the mission. Zippwald individual squadron safety in AMC’s mission execution,” he said in 2015, his Airmen enabled the specialists, the wing can leverage explained. “Given the current stra- movement of more than 490,000 pas- knowledge and skill sets, based on tegic landscape, how can we ensure sengers and 92,000 tons of cargo on the uniqueness of each location, and the most efficient use of our Airmen 32,000 missions—this equates to 1,300 assist the squadron commander in and resources, while maintaining a passengers and 252 tons of cargo ensuring effective safety training, robust posture to provide effective every day. awareness, and compliance. and flexible support to contingency operations in theater? Where do So how does the 515th ensure each Representatives of the AMC Safety we want to be in two years, in five mission departs safely and on Office visit each squadron within the years, in 10 years? We’re going to time? “Because they are a unique 515th at least once a year to evaluate take a hard look at our strategy, and wing,” Zippwald said, “it requires a programs and provide assistance set a course for the wing to ensure unique approach to managing safety where needed. Zippwald added the AMOW of the future continues strategy and efforts.” while AMC’s Operational Safety to execute and deliver rapid global division is on site, the wing usually mobility in the Pacific—Safely, By the “Each of our six squadrons has a sends a safety specialist from another Book, Then on Time.” permanently assigned Occupational squadron to observe and learn from Safety Specialist focused on the full its fellow en route safety specialists A C-17 Globemaster III prepares to land during spectrum of safe mission execution. and share information. exercise RED FLAG-Alaska at JB Elmendorf- This is unique to the AMOWs due Richardson, Alaska. RF-A is a series of Pacific to the fact that they are not collo- “The safety professionals across all Air Forces commander-directed field training cated with the wing,” he said. The of our locations are always looking exercises for U.S. and partner nation forces in a 515th does not have its own wing for ways to improve the safety of simulated combat environment. safety office; rather, the AMC Safety our operations, including OSHA USAF photo by mSgt JoSeph SwAFForD
Winter 2016-2017 25 A Date Which Will Live
By MSGT JULIE MEINTEL, 655th Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance Group, (ISRG) in Infamy Wright-Patterson AFB, OH
very elementary school wounded, and there was terrible August 1945, Japan surrendered student across the country damage all over the island. The next unconditionally to the United States. knows the significance of day, President Franklin D. Roosevelt Leaders of Allied nations wanted to December 7, 1941. Although declared war on Japan with an iconic avoid repeating mistakes of World Eit took place 75 years ago, the speech calling December 7 a “date War I and thought it important to Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor which will live in infamy.” create an international organization will always remain a truly defining aimed at keeping the peace postwar. moment in American military The war in the Pacific raged on for Thus, the United Nations was born history. It was the first time America almost four more years, costing had been attacked by the enemy, billions of dollars and a much higher unprovoked, on our own soil. It price in human lives. Shortly after was a sucker punch to the gut and Hiroshima and Nagasaki were the last straw that drew the United decimated by atomic bombs in States all the way into World War II.
On that awful morning, as Sailors, Marines, and Airmen were just beginning to stir or were finishing up their late night shifts, the Japanese were revving up the engines on their aircraft, ready to fly into battle. It was a battle in which they would be mostly unopposed, using the element of surprise to their best advantage. Within a couple of hours of the start of the attack, more than 3,000 Americans were killed or
U.S. Navy battleships at Pearl Harbor on 7 December 1941 (l-r): USS West Virginia (BB-48) (sunk), USS Tennessee (BB-43) (damaged), and the USS Arizona (BB-39) (sunk).
26 The Mobility Forum AMC HERITAGE
at galvanizing Americans to stand World War II and the Global War on united and support actions against Terrorism have taken very different paths, the aggressors. World War II and the Global War on Terrorism have taken but they both changed the American very different paths, but they both changed the American political and political and military landscape drastically. military landscape drastically. Both changed the shape and operation of the government and of American military forces. And both defined, and remains today. Entire books survivors are passing away at a rate to a significant degree, the genera- have been written on World War of nearly 500 a day. tion of young men and women that II; the purpose here is simply to came of age at the time. recognize and honor an important This year marks the 75th anniversary piece of our national military story. of Pearl Harbor; it may be the The Mobility Forum is primarily a last time survivors can gather safety-related publication. There The Japanese attack was meant to and remember, and there are are numerous safety-related topics cripple American naval capability numerous major events planned to discuss about what happened at by destroying the aircraft carriers at to commemorate the occasion. Pearl Harbor, but very little was safe Pearl Harbor, but fortunately, they Honoring the past and inspiring that day. No one was safe. Americans were not on station at the time of the future is the theme, intended under attack fought back in any way the attack. However, the battleship to bridge the gap between the they could, with whatever they had, Arizona was completely destroyed generation that experienced Pearl as hard and as fast as they could. and the Oklahoma capsized. The Harbor and World War II up close They surprised the Japanese with California, Nevada, and West and personal and the generation the speed and intensity of their Virginia sank in shallow water. Three whose job it is to carry their stories counterpunches. They fought for other battleships, three cruisers, forward into the future. When their very lives and the lives of the three destroyers, and other vessels the time comes that all of the man or woman next to them. And were also damaged. More than survivors have passed on, honoring they did everything they could to 180 aircraft were destroyed. Of the their memory, their service, and help or ease the pain of those they eight battleships, all but the Arizona their sacrifices will be even more couldn’t save. and the California were eventually important than it is now. Just as in repaired and returned to service. wars that took place centuries ago, So while I would like to find some The USS Arizona remains where it one day soon, the only way to learn kind of safety angle to tie in with sank in Pearl Harbor, with her crew about what really happened will be this, that just isn’t going to happen. still on board. An American flag flies to read the stories in books. I want to encourage you instead to over the ship, memorializing all who find a way to recognize and honor were lost in the attack. In the years since the end of World the survivors. Honor those who gave War II, the United States has been their lives that day and in the days Every year on December 7, we involved in dozens of conflicts, that followed. Take time to visit a remember what happened and the but only once have we been sur- local VA hospital and spend time lives lost. Survivors of both the Pearl prised the way we were then. listening. Go to your grandparents’ Harbor attack and World War II On September 11, 2001, terrorists house and ask them to tell you their are fewer in number every year; in attacked the World Trade Center stories again. Go to a parade or a perhaps 10 years, there will be no and the United States Pentagon. memorial or a cemetery. Lay flowers more living connection with the past. Numerous comparisons exist or a wreath at the grave of a veteran, According to Department of Veterans between the two events, despite the whether you have any connection Affairs (VA) information, fewer than almost 60-year span between them. to the person or not. Only then can 700,000 World War II survivors are Both of them were unprovoked, sur- we be sure their stories and their still living as of 2016; Pearl Harbor prise attacks on our home soil. The sacrifices won’t be forgotten. And survivors are a small fraction of President at the time of each attack someday, someone will want to hear that. The VA also estimates that the made impassioned speeches aimed your story, too.
Winter 2016-2017 27 Is Safety in the Way? By SMSGT BRADLEY D. HINKLE, 126 ARW
t was early in the summer of 2008 look of concern and fear on her face had occurred seven years prior to and the Ground Safety Manager made me realize that this wasn’t then and how it had changed the position at my Wing became something any Air Force spouse operational pace of the Air Force. I vacant. I was the Unit Safety should ever have to experience. I Representative in the Maintenance wanted to prevent other spouses He told a story about where he was Group and really enjoyed the from experiencing that kind of on September 11, 2001, and how fast additional duty. After working 12 moment or something even worse. he was deployed as a KC-10 pilot. years in Maintenance, I decided to He continued to talk of the impor- apply for the vacant position and After being selected as the new tance each career field in attendance try to turn my additional duty into Ground Safety Manager, I knew was during those tense times right a new career. Twelve people applied I had a lot of work to do in order after the attacks. He talked about the for the position, so it took some time to become proficient with my new long hours Security Forces put in for the Chief of Safety to interview responsibilities. I studied every protecting the aircraft and inspect- everyone. After all of the interviews Air Force Occupational Safety and ing every vehicle that came onto the were completed and references Health standard I could find and base. He talked about the number of called, he selected me. It was the went to the Air National Guard’s flying hours boom operators were greatest day of my military career. Ground Safety Orientation School accumulating because they had air- before I was able to reserve a seat craft in the air 24 hours a day. Then I had a passion for safety as at the three-level 1S0 tech school, he got to how safety contributed to the Maintenance Unit Safety which was located on the Medina the effort. He stumbled for a second Representative because I saw the Annex of Lackland AFB. I began and said, “And safety—well, safety value that it brought to the Air Force. tech school in August 2008; it lasted just got out of our way so we could Just in my wing, three members through September. On September do our job!” The auditorium erupted had lost a finger at some point in 11, 2008, the squadron commander in laughter. I felt like I had been their career and a highly respected I fell under while at school got punched in the gut. member had fallen off a B-5 everyone into the auditorium to give stand—almost becoming a fatality a pep talk. It was supposed to give In one sentence, a squadron statistic. We also lost two members the new graduates of basic training commander assigned to Air in motorcycle mishaps in a five- inspiration and purpose in their new Education Training Command year span. I was even involved in a lives in the Air Force—a “this is why (AETC) placed the idea into the mishap that required a stop at the you’re here” type of speech. heads of a couple hundred brand base hospital and five staples in my new Airmen that safety would be in scalp to stop my head from bleeding. I don’t recall all of the career fields their way while they accomplished who fell under this squadron the mission of the Air Force. I remember coming home late on the commander but Safety, Security day of my mishap and explaining Forces, and some Operations areas I’m not a reserved person, and I’m to my wife what had happed before (including boom operators) attended certainly not afraid of speaking up I showed her the Frankenstein-like the pep talk. The commander started when something isn’t right. This has staples on the top of my head. The by talking about the tragedy that gotten me into trouble on a couple
28 The Mobility Forum SAFETY CULTURE
As safety professionals, it is not only important to do our jobs, but also to let Air Force members know what we do on a daily basis and how important it is in the Air Force’s mission. of occasions, but it has also helped me speak up when I see a chain of events occurring that could turn into a mishap. I didn’t want to cause any trouble while I was at school, so I bit my lip and didn’t say anything to him. Neither did any of the other safety students or instructors. We all just left the auditorium after our commander’s “pep talk” with our heads hung low.
I think back to that day every so often and wonder what I would say if I could go back and relive that moment. After many years of pondering, I think if I could go back, I would tell that commander that every time he taxied his KC-10 out of his parking spot and didn’t clip the wing of another aircraft, safety was standing right next to him. Every time he landed and an AGE or Airfield Management vehicle was not on the same runway I don’t recall the name of this com- supervisor safety training class, or as him, safety was standing right mander, but he’s probably retired by certifying a new weapons firing next to him. I would say that every now. I can’t say these things to him, range; but everything we do is to time a maintenance worker worked but many of the young Airmen in help commanders reduce hazards on his aircraft and didn’t fall off that auditorium are now NCOs and down to an acceptable level. When a maintenance stand because the may still have the perception that we are successful at this, Air Force handrails were in place, safety was safety is just “in the way.” spouses will not have to worry standing right next to him. And about their loved one coming home I would say that every time his As safety professionals, it is not in any worse shape than when they boom operator showed up to work only important to do our jobs, but left in the morning. Moreover, it is after avoiding a motorcycle mishap also to let Air Force members know important to stress that when we do because of the skills he had learned what we do on a daily basis and these things on a daily basis, we are at the free motorcycle safety course how important it is in the Air Force’s standing right next to every Airman, on base, safety was standing right mission. It may be conducting NCO, and commander … never in next to him. an airfield inspection, teaching a their way.
Winter 2016/2017 29 Eyes, Tools, and Safety Briefs
By MR. JOHN WOLLSLAGER, AEF Support Branch, AFPC/DP2WO
I’m fortunate in one regard only: I only lost one eye.
e’d moved into our house near Randolph AFB, the site of my last flying assignment. It was obvious after just a couple days that we needed a doggy door. Morning, noon, and night, plus many times in between, Wletting the dogs out became a real hassle. An easy purchase, a little work, and we’d be set.
I built a raised doghouse to fit under the window outside, in line with the new passage through the wall in the far corner of our kitchen.
30 The Mobility Forum SAFETY CULTURE
I had good luck in the first portion interacted; this should be no problem fiction. Everything you read was of the project. I cut into the wall and at all. But when the blade hit the true, right up until the point of found no electrical wires ran through edge of the trim, it blew apart. The the decision. that section. I removed the insulation saw, positioned as it was, lined up and drilled holes to mark the cuts my face exactly where the shards of You see, I DID make that walk to the siding. With a special blade in trim flew. back to the garage for the safety my skill saw, I completed the cuts glasses. My injuries that day without a problem. Pieces impacted from the top center included about five red dots on my of my forehead down to my lower forehead and five on my cheek. Inserting the new dog door itself right cheek, with my right eye in They barely bled. There was one took less than 15 minutes, and I even the middle. impact point and scratch on my followed the directions. safety glasses, exactly in front of I find it very difficult to describe my right eye. Having already completed the the feeling. I didn’t think about a doghouse, I brought it around to career ending injury. I didn’t think After wiping off a little blood, I the back corner of our house and about being blind. No rational finished the project. I was happy discovered one minor problem—the thought—just shock, pain, and with it; the dogs and family were one hitch in the whole project. The disorientation. I dropped the saw, happy with it, also. My life didn’t doghouse was about half an inch stumbled backwards and fell over change at all, except I no longer too tall. patio furniture to the ground. had to let the dogs out.
I couldn’t cut the legs shorter All those safety briefs are true, without messing up the levels of the There is no need in folks. With power tools, an kitchen and doghouse floors, as well the Air Force for a accident can happen faster than as the door cutout. So I decided to you can blink an eye. I know take my skill saw and cut off about one-eyed pilot. because I would have lost mine a half inch of siding trim on the that day. bottom edge of the window. My screams brought my wife Having already put the saw away, outside. At the hospital, three Selecting the Right I trudged around to the front of the different doctors told us the damage Eye Protection house. With my mind going through was too great to save the eye. how I was going to accomplish the Safety spectacles cut, I forgot one thing. That’s it, just I’m medically retired now. There is shield the wearer’s one little thing. I didn’t bring my no need in the Air Force for a one- eyes from impact safety glasses back with me. I’d used eyed pilot. At least with months of hazards. them earlier on the other cuts and healing, I no longer have any pain had put them away. associated with that eye. Safety goggles form a protective It was going to be an odd cut. I For the lack of a 30-second walk seal around the eyes, had to hold the saw at chest height each way to get my safety glasses, I preventing objects from and make a horizontal cut into the changed my life and the life of my entering under or around bottom of the trim. family forever. What I wouldn’t give the goggles. to have that time back again—that When I held up the saw and one-second decision, that one- Face shields squeezed the switch to start the saw, minute walk—to have the chance to protect the entire I realized I had forgotten my safety think about it again, maybe for more face when used in glasses and stopped. I thought about than a second this time, to not have combination with it, and with a decision made in about the guilt and not feel the stupidity of safety spectacles a second, my life changed forever. that choice every single day. or goggles.
I figured nothing would happen. The good news is that at some point Source: https://www.osha.gov/SLTC/ It was one cut. I had already seen in telling you my story, I went from etools/eyeandface/ppe/impact.html how the blade and siding material the complete truth to complete
Winter 2016-2017 31 Air Force-USDA Partnership: Providing Wildlife Mitigation Tactics
By CAPT KOREY FRATINI, 455th AEW Public Affairs
irds and wildlife can always prevent bird and wildlife hazards Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan. But pose a threat to aircraft from becoming a factor for aircraft the USDA partnership allows that operations in any location operations,” said Lt Col James individual (USDA personnel) to be where aircraft are taking Cooper, 455th AEW Chief of Safety. solely focused on bird and wildlife Boff, landing, or flying. In order to management using the knowledge prevent a catastrophic event from Airmen who are deployed to the he or she brings. occurring, it takes a dedicated team 455th AEW Safety Office currently to mitigate the effects of birds and work alongside Mr. Ben Allen, USDA Col Cooper says in areas with wildlife on an airfield. wildlife specialist and biologist. In the highest degree of wildlife the United States, Allen works at problems, leveraging the A close partnership between the the Denver International Airport, USDA’s expertise is effective. 455th Air Expeditionary Wing (AEW) providing wildlife services to civilian Safety Office and the United States aviation operations. There are a variety of methods to Department of Agriculture (USDA) mitigate bird and wildlife issues, Wildlife Services has resulted in “Wildlife services,” he says, “is not ranging from fireworks that make solutions to ensure air operations necessarily wildlife management as popping noises or flashes, to continue as safely as possible. much as it is wildlife knowledge.” using sirens and air cannons, to wildlife depredation, if necessary. “The broader relationship is based Working with the 455th, the mission In addition to these tactics, both on safety’s execution of the BASH is to prevent bird and wildlife organizations work to change the [Bird/Wildlife Aircraft Strike aircraft strikes to military and habitat around the airfield to make Hazard] program, which is to civilian aircraft that operate at it less enticing for birds and other
32 The Mobility Forum SAFETY CULTURE
animals. Changing grass types or removing certain features on the airfield play a key role in changing the environment.
Allen conducts mitigation tactics on the airfield and conducts research and analysis on birds and wildlife. With this data, he is able to provide the Air Force a much better picture of the issues pertaining to wildlife at Bagram Airfield.
“I collect survey data and put it into Photos (clockwise), top left: Mr. Ben Allen, a Geographic Information System U.S. Department of Agriculture Wildlife (GIS) Trimble unit that someone back Services wildlife specialist and biologist, home uses to make maps to tell the sifts dirt around a man-made wildlife trap story better,” said Allen. “So when at Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan. Devices I remove or disperse anything from like these are used to trap live animals and the airfield, I put a spot down on the All this is important because Bagram relocate them off the airfield to ensure safer map, record that, and put it into the Airfield operates a variety of flying operations. Trimble unit. The same thing goes missions with a variety of aircraft, for my bird or wildlife surveys.” including C-130s, C-17s, F-16s, and Top right: Mr. Allen constructs a man-made wildlife trap using rocks. HH-60s. It is imperative that people Eventually, this data will build maps understand wildlife issues to ensure Above: Mr. Allen fires a pyrotechnic pistol and display the issues on the airfield that crucial air operations supporting to scare birds and other wildlife near the in a visual way, giving people a tasks throughout Afghanistan can airfield to create an environment safe better understanding of the actual continue safely. enough for air operations. issues facing the airfield. Above left: Lt Col James Cooper (front), “It’s a whole problem approach 455th Air Expeditionary Wing Chief of Along with the informational data looking at the habitat, the patterns, Safety and Mr. Allen (back), prepare to fire collected, Allen also sends physical and the species, and learning what an air powered pellet rifle and shotgun. The specimens to the Feather ID Lab we can do to make the airfield less 455th AEW Safety Office and the USDA at the Smithsonian Institution in attractive for them,” said Cooper. sometimes use wildlife depredation tactics to Washington, D.C. Researchers there “The goal of the BASH program is to mitigate the impact of birds and wildlife on can then produce data on the exact reduce the impact of wildlife on our safe air operations. kind of wildlife present at Bagram. ongoing operations.” USAF photoS by CApt Korey FrAtini
Winter 2016-2017 33 When “Skin” Gets Cold
By MR. JAMES JORGENSEN, Staff Writer
Did you hear about the couple who bought a historic home in upstate New York from an elderly woman? They were concerned about the lack of insulation as winter approached but were determined to tough it out like the previous owner. When temperatures Unfortunately, we can’t all spend the during cold weather, we plunged, they awoke to find the bedroom winter in a tropical setting. In fact, also have to think about how walls covered with frost. The husband most Airmen live in locations that weather conditions affect the crawled from the blankets and phoned experience seasonally fluctuating “skin” of an airplane. When a the old woman to ask how she stayed temperatures, snow, wind chill, plane sits for hours in a snow warm. He quickly returned to bed and ice, etc. Living with those kinds of shower or ice storm (or simply told his wife, “For the past 30 years, she environmental stressors year after parked overnight in frigid and/ has gone to Florida for the winter.” year doesn’t make the conditions any or damp conditions), the plane’s less challenging or less dangerous. exterior is cold just like ours. On the contrary, it means all We know not to touch freezing s this imaginary couple personnel there must step up their metal with our bare skin (think learned, cold feels very safety mindset a notch. a wet tongue on a flagpole in A unpleasant on our skin. Christmas Story), and we watch It can also be downright For example, while it’s critical for falling ice around the aircraft Adangerous. Cold injuries claimed to pay attention to our own skin as temperatures start to climb. over 90,000 U.S. Army and Army Air Force soldiers during World War II and another 10,000 during the Korean War.
De-icers remove snow and ice from a Joint Base Charleston C-17 Globemaster III at Joint Base Andrews, Md.
USAF photo by SSgt perry ASton
34 The Mobility Forum SEASONAL CONSIDERATIONS
TIPS FOR COLD WEATHER OPS • Know what conditions you are likely to face, and know the procedures for dealing with them. • Never downplay potential hazards (i.e., driving on must always be alert for dangerous ice, skin exposed to the elements). crosswinds during winter storms.
• Slow down and take time to analyze all risks; take Snow is another source of seasonal measures to minimize or avoid them. problems for Airmen. Driving • Watch your coworkers for signs of frostbite and to and from work, trudging to hypothermia, as well as for reckless behavior. a nearby building or hangar, taking off or landing in blowing snow—all are possible hazards. Remember to report any unsafe conditions you experience on the ground to the proper authorities, as the information you pass along Sometimes, however, rather than morning temperatures hovered could save someone from a fall, an shedding ice in chunks or sheets, near freezing. I opened my car automobile accident, or worse. slowly warming temperatures door to get out and managed to cause ice to melt in gentle drips that slip on the only tiny spot of ice This article is not meant to address can land and refreeze or become in a huge parking lot. On a larger every dangerous cold weather slushy on another surface. These scale, icy spots are also precarious element. Instead, it is a brief slick patches create a slip, trip, for aircrews as they taxi, take off, reminder that adverse conditions or fall hazard for crews on the or land. affect humans, and they can affect ground, on ladders, and on metal aircraft, too. Temperature changes walkways. I learned about such High winds on the ground are of a degree or two can make a world hazards when I broke my hand another nasty winter enemy, of difference, so let’s continuously years ago as I arrived at work. creating the potential for injuries check ourselves (and check on Just enough moisture had that range from minor frostbite each other) to help prevent winter fallen overnight to gather in a to frozen corneas. High winds weather mishaps on the ground and low spot in the asphalt, and aloft are also hard on pilots, who in the air.
Winter 2016-2017 35 It’s Time to Eliminate Work Stress
By MS. RUTH ANN REPLOGLE, Staff Writer
... make sure you’re getting seven to eight hours of sleep so your brain can work out unresolved issues. around the building or up and down the stairs to clear your mind when be done, then you can focus, thus you start to feel the pressure. alleviating some stress. Engage in meditation, prayer, or other relaxation techniques to Keep work at work and home immediately relieve the tension. at home. It’s easy to bring work Listen to music for a few minutes. home. Don’t. Establishing clear If possible, set yourself reminders boundaries between the two will ou love every 90 minutes to help you reduce your stress. your job remember to take brief breaks but sometimes throughout the day. Take those vacation days. Everyone you can’t avoid the stress needs a break from time to time. Ythat comes with it. How you react to Exercise—whether it’s PT, cardio, Recharging your batteries by that stress impacts your physical and strength training, or organized relaxing and unwinding for a few emotional health, as well as your job sports—will always take the edge days will give you the boost you performance. off. But you can also make small need to face the daily grind and changes in your life to help combat avoid burnout. So how do you manage work- stress. Set aside time after work to do related stress? a favorite activity or hobby. Lighten Finally, remember why you do what up your mood by finding things you do. Understand your role in First, figure out what is stressing you that make you laugh. Eat better by your squadron, your wing, and the out and how you are responding filling half your plate with whole Air Force. You are the best of the best to those stressors. Is it people or fruits and veggies. And make sure and you need to remind yourself of problems that are challenging your you’re getting seven to eight hours that. Post what motivates you—your mind? Are you blowing up or of sleep so your brain can work out goals, quotes, photos, whatever— bottling frustration inside? Do you unresolved issues. in your workspace or on your relieve the tension with unhealthy smartphone so you don’t forget. habits like snacking, drinking alcohol Learn to say no and to delegate at night, or not getting enough sleep? duties, or at least rack and stack your If you don’t know how to relax or priorities. If you make a written or the stress is overwhelming, talk to Learn to develop healthy responses mental list at the beginning of each your commander. Asking for help is to stress. Stretch. Take a short walk workday of the tasks that need to a sign of strength, not weakness.
36 The Mobility Forum MISHAP-FREE FF lying lying HourHour MILESTONES
UNIT AWARD UNIT AWARD
130th Airlift Wing 158th Airlift Squadron, McLaughlin ANG Base Savannah, Georgia Charleston, West Virginia 46 Years 53 Years—196,441 Hours 174,500 Hours
12,500 HOURS
130 AW, Charleston, WV MSgt Richard A. Lockard
Sgt Richard Lockard served with the 130th Airlift WMiing from August 11, 1983 until Mhis retirement on October 1, 2016. He began his career as a Life Support Journeyman, served as a C-130 Loadmaster, and culminated his career as a C-130 Evaluator Flight Engineer. He participated in Operations Desert Storm, Provide Promise, Enduring Freedom, and Iraqi Freedom, logging over 971 Combat and 527 Combat Support hours. He also flew in numerous worldwide airlift operations, including Operations Coronet Oak, Joint Forge, Joint Guard, Joint Endeavor, Joint Enterprise, and Exercise Flintlock. Ever the professional, Rich was often the crewmembers. In his 33-year career, he accomplished first call for crewmembers who found themselves over 12,940 safe flying hours. He was an invaluable solving complex systems or performance challenges. asset to the 130th Airlift Wing, the Air National He constantly improved his knowledge of the C-130 Guard, and the United States Air Force, and he will and maintained a positive attitude that earned him be present in the spirit of our academic discussions unanimous admiration and respect from his fellow for years to come.
Winter 2016-2017 37 MISHAP-FREE FLYING HOUR MILESTONES
8,500 HOURS 3,500 HOURS TSgt Paul A. Fennell 78 ARS, JB McGuire-Dix- PAG, JB Andrews, MD TSgt Kyle A. Klinger Lakehurst, NJ Maj Brett Ellis 96 AS, Minneapolis ARS, MN SMSgt Al Crosby Maj Anthony Fattizzi Lt Col Martin E. Schulting MSgt Ramon Cruz III MSgt John Gilbert Capt Kevin A. Eklund 130 AW, Charleston, WV MSgt Elisa Villnave Capt Charles L. Francis MSgt Paul A. Dolin 78 ARS, JB McGuire-Dix- 130 AW, Charleston, WV Lakehurst, NJ Maj Matthew D. Bethel 7,500 HOURS Lt Col Corey T. Brown Maj Kyle P. Heinemann PAG, JB Andrews, MD Maj Brian J. Huster Maj Frank B. Preston Lt Col Scott Benton Maj Justin D. Simms Maj Daniel J. Searles Lt Col TJ Cook Maj Brad D. Tobias Maj Joseph R. Shamess CMSgt Aaron Luethe Maj Adam N. Waite Maj Robert A. Sloan Capt Matthew M. Natale Maj Christopher J. Splees 6,500 HOURS Capt Kyle J. Sanford Capt Justin S. Ensor PAG, JB Andrews, MD TSgt Ryan P. McFadden Capt Jeremy W. Mullins SMSgt Robert Nation 96 AS, Minneapolis ARS, MN MSgt James M. Harper 78 ARS, JB McGuire-Dix- Lt Col Peter J. Parbel Lakehurst, NJ MSgt Chad A. Minkel 156 AS, Charlotte, NC SMSgt Victor Guzman 130 AW, Charleston, WV Lt Col James P. Bodolosky 96 AS, Minneapolis ARS, MN Lt Col Charles P. Berry Maj Jason D. Bondurant SMSgt Thomas L. Kim Lt Col Ralph S. Coleman Maj Joseph P. Wilson 130 AW, Charleston, WV Lt Col Bryan W. Preece 179 AW, Mansfield, OH Lt Col Kevin M. Meagher Maj Darin T. Urban Lt Col Jeffrey R. Capretto MSgt Patrick T. Morrison Maj Aaron R. Lewis 5,000 HOURS TSgt Kenneth W. Payne Capt John A. Oscar PAG, JB Andrews, MD 305 AMW, JB McGuire-Dix- MSgt Thomas H. Buffington Lt Col Warren Austin Lakehurst, NJ 305 AMW, JB McGuire-Dix- Lt Col Brent Graham Lt Col Chad Annunziata Lakehurst, NJ Lt Col Alexander Miravite Jr. Lt Col Michael Marlatt Lt Col Marcus Cunningham CMSgt Charles Gardner TSgt Zachary Roeder Lt Col Michele Lobianco TSgt Emerson Battle SSgt Nicholas Cook Lt Col Scott McKeever 96 AS, Minneapolis ARS, MN SSgt Bradley Edwards Maj Sarah Clapp SMSgt Shannon R. Moerke 375 AW, Scott AFB, IL Maj Scott Clemmons SMSgt William D. Rudgers Lt Col Lisa D. Rauk Capt Zachary Alexander 130 AW, Charleston, WV TSgt Matthew M. McKinney Lt Col Curtis E. Garrett Capt Samuel Bexton Maj Todd J. Perry 2,500 HOURS Capt Matthew Bolado SMSgt David W. Grose PAG, JB Andrews, MD Capt Adam Ferek MSgt Patrick D. Dreyfus MSgt Kristina Conover 375 AW, Scott AFB, IL 305 AMW, JB McGuire-Dix- MSgt Dawn Jones Col William C. Buschur Lakehurst, NJ TSgt Brett Bobek Maj Yuri A. Batten CMSgt Terry Topouzoglou 78 ARS, JB McGuire-Dix- Maj Angela K. Vesce 375 AW, Scott AFB, IL Lakehurst, NJ Maj Matthew W. Zayatz Maj Joshua A. Pugliese Maj William G. Thomas TSgt Katrina N. Graham
SUBMITTING MISHAP-FREE FLYING HOUR MILESTONES To submit mishap-free flying hour milestones, send your request to: [email protected] HQ AMC/SEE, 618.229.0927 (DSN 779) Please submit as shown in the listings above (first name, last name, sorted alphabetically within rank).
38 The Mobility Forum QUICKSTOPPERS
By CAPT LEE RINELLA, Broadening Our LOSA Focus HQ AMC Flight Safety
he Air Force Line Operations Safety Audit (LOSA) cargo generation, loading, and inspection from arrival to Program is a non-punitive, unobtrusive observation aircraft on-load. The observers will write up the threats Tprogram that collects safety-related flight data that the aerial porters experienced, errors that were during normal operations in order to assess safety margins made, and how the aerial porters managed those errors. and improvement measures. The observations will be gathered anonymously by our AMC contractor and will be scrubbed to remove any Since beginning the Program in 2011, the focus of LOSA identifying information about the observer, aerial porters, has been on AMC aircraft. Past observations centered and the port. on aircrew members across AMC’s fleet. This has led to numerous implemented recommendations that addressed This is a natural step forward in mishap prevention as developing safety problems. AMC will continue the aerial porters are responsible for all management and aircraft LOSAs, but it is time to expand the program. movement of cargo across AMC and around the world. They are critical assets and teammates with our mobility For the first time, a LOSA will be conducted on the 2T2X1 fleet, and their safe operations are essential to AMC (Air Transportation Specialists) career field, scheduled providing unrivaled global reach for America. for early 2017. Highly trained and experienced aerial porters will conduct observations across four ports. With This is an exciting step forward for the expansion of a the Shift Crew’s permission, the observers will watch the proven proactive safety program.
Airmen from Team Dover and Joint Base McGuire- Dix-Lakehurst, N.J., load a C-17 Globemaster III from the 6th Airlift Squadron, 305th Air Mobility Wing, with approximately 70,000 pounds of humanitarian relief supplies at Dover Air Force Base, Del.
photo by A1C williAm JohnSon
U.S. GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE: 2015-545-114. For sale by the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office. Fall 2016 Internet: bookstore.gpo.gov Phone: toll free (866) 512-1800; DC area (202) 512-1800 39 Fax: (202) 512-2104 Mail: Stop IDCC, Washington, DC 20402-0001 A DAY IN THE LIFE
Eddie Paul Bearb runs through his pre-flight checklist with Capt Patrick Dixon in the cockpit of a C-17 at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii. The 9-year- old, an acute lymphoblastic leukemia patient, was granted his wish by a non-profit organization to live a day as a 15th Wing 535th Airlift Squadron member.
USAF photo by 2 Lt KAitLin DADDonA