PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID TULLAHOMA TN Vol. 68, No. 7 Arnold AFB, Tenn. PERMIT NO. 29 April 5, 2021 Full speed ahead: Mach 18 now available to test customers at AEDC Tunnel 9 By Bradley Hicks AEDC Public Affairs

WHITE OAK, Md. – Test customers in need of serious speed are lining up to take advantage of an unprecedented capability now available at Arnold Engineering Development Complex Hy- pervelocity Wind Tunnel 9 in White Oak, Md. Calibration of the Mach 18 system was com- pleted at Tunnel 9 in July 2020, less than two months after the mid-May initiation of the pro- cess. Performed to ensure the system would op- erate as expected, the calibration documented the flow properties and uniformity for four -differ ent test conditions based on Reynolds number, which expresses the relationship between inertial and viscous effects. The system checked out, opening the door for Team AEDC members at AEDC Hypervelocity Wind Tunnel 9 in White Oak, Md., conduct the initial shakeout of Tunnel 9 to begin offering Mach 18 testing to the Mach 18 system from the facility control room in 2019. Calibration of the Mach 18 system was completed at customers. It wasn’t long before Tunnel 9 had its Tunnel 9 in July 2020. The system checked out, allowing Tunnel 9 to begin offering Mach 18 testing to custom- ers. The first customer runs at Mach 18 occurred in August 2020.(Courtesy photo) (This is image was altered by See MACH 18, page 3 obscuring badges for security purposes.) U.S. Space Force official gets first-hand look at Arnold AFB

By Bradley Hicks Development Complex is home AEDC Public Affairs to a talented workforce with unique skills and to exquisite Gen. David D. Thompson, ground test facilities that have vice chief of space operations supported systems development for the U.S. Space Force, re- across the Department of De- cently visited the Arnold En- fense for decades,” Thompson gineering Development Com- said. “As the U.S. Space Force plex headquarters at Arnold Air develops space systems to oper- Force Base, Tenn., to gauge how ate in a newly-contested envi- AEDC space test and evalua- ronment, we need to evolve how tion capabilities can support the we test and evaluate our capabil- newest branch of the nation’s ities to ensure their survivability military. and effectiveness in the face of On Feb. 5, Thompson spent attack. the day at Arnold AFB meeting “One of the key aspects of with AEDC leadership, touring the agility we need in develop- test and evaluation capabilities ing and fielding space capabili- across the installation and con- ties more rapidly is the ability versing with base personnel. He to validate and refine models gleaned from his various stops in physical data quickly. Arnold Gen. David Thompson, second from right, vice chief of space operations, U.S. Space Force, and discussions that AEDC has the facilities and expertise al- poses a question to Jonathan Carroll, right, capability manager for the Arnold Engineering technical staff prowess and test ready in place to help with that. Development Complex Hypervelocity Flyout, Impact and Lethality Ground Test and Evaluation, facilities could be leveraged to Our visit was built around trying about the capability as they tour Range G at , , headquarters of AEDC, enhance the Space Force mis- to identify those opportunities Feb. 5. Also pictured are, from left, Col. , Space Force director of Test and Evalua- sion. tion; and Lt. Col. David Zesinger, executive officer to the vice commander of the Space Force. “The Arnold Engineering See SPACE FORCE, page 4 (U.S. Air Force photo by Jill Pickett) Lamb named 2020 AFMC Outstanding Quality Assurance Program Coordinator

By Jill Pickett government employees that per- of the pandemic for my job is AEDC Public Affairs form surveillance on government some of the training and docu- contractors are properly trained mentation needed in the system Stacey Lamb, the Arnold En- for the task. She also acts as the I have always done one-on-one,” gineering Development Com- administrator for the surveillance Lamb said. “I just had to find a plex Quality Assurance Program program that tracks surveillance way to work the one-on-one by coordinator (QAPC) and Small reports, training and reviews. getting them to call my cell and Business specialist at Arnold “Stacey truly enjoys her share their desktop so that I could Air Force Base, has once again job working with multifunc- walk them through needed steps. distinguished herself among tional teams to ensure AEDC I feel like I am still able to pro- her peers, earning the Air Force is in compliance with its con- vide the same level of training Material Command Award for tract oversight requirements,” as in the past by adjusting to the Outstanding QAPC for a second said Rebecca Gardner, chief of change and everyone being pa- time. the Test Range and Specialized tient as we’ve worked through Lamb earned the award the Contracting Division for AEDC the challenges.” first time for her work in fiscal and Lamb’s supervisor. “She Lamb said the success she’s year 2018. has developed new processes achieved is only possible because “I was so honored to have within the QA program to ensure of equally dedicated co-workers. even received this award the Contracting Officer Represen- “I do think I win these awards first time; so the second time…,” tatives are thoroughly trained because of the great team I work Lamb said. “I’m really shocked and that their documentation is with,” she said. “The team that and a lit bit speechless because I inspected each year. Stacey is I have makes me glad to go out work with some really great QA- very proactive and reaches out to of my way to do everything PCs from other bases.” CORs frequently to ensure any one-on-one and give more per- Lamb has been in the field of issues are mitigated early.” sonal attention to each person Stacey Lamb, the Arnold Engineering Development Complex government contracting for more As it did for so many, the I train and work with because Quality Assurance Program coordinator (QAPC) and Small COVID-19 pandemic forced they do the same for me Business specialist at Arnold Air Force Base, poses for a than 15 years, previously work- photo with AEDC Commander Col. Jeffrey Geraghty after the ing with the Department of Vet- Lamb to make changes to when I need them.” AEDC annual awards ceremony Feb. 24 at Arnold Lakeside erans Affairs. As a QAPC, she complete her tasks. Complex at Arnold AFB. (U.S. Air Force photo by Jill Pickett) is responsible for ensuring all “The most challenging aspect

National Welding Month: April is Distracted Driving Cop Corner: Welders play vital role Awareness Month Installation Access Control in AEDC mission and Gate Hours …Page 2 …Page 5 …Page 5 2 • April 5, 2021 v Arnold Air Force Base

Col. Jeffrey Geraghty Commander Jason Austin Chief, Public Affairs

Richard Tighe General Manager, National Aerospace Solutions High Mach Staff: Kathy Jacobsen, NAS Executive Editor

Jill Pickett NAS Editor Dustin Williams, right, a pipefitter, holds a flange in place as fellow pipefitter Billy Joe Emberton places tack welds March 4 at the High Mach is published by Model Shop at Arnold Air Force Base. April is National Welding Month. (U.S. Air Force photo by Jill Pickett) Lakeway Publishers, Inc. a pri- vate firm in no way connected with the U.S. Air Force, Arnold Air Force Base, Arnold Engi- neering Development Complex (AEDC) or National Aerospace Solutions (NAS), under exclu- National Welding Month: Welders sive written contract with NAS at Arnold AFB, Tenn., 37389. Everything advertised in this publication will be made available for purchase, use play vital role in AEDC mission or patronage without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital sta- By Deidre Moon to perform various types of weld- tus, physical handicap, political AEDC Public Affairs ing, including Tungsten Inert affiliation or any other non- merit factor of the purchaser, Gas, or TIG, a method of welding user or patron. Welding is the process of us- in which the arc is maintained by The High Mach office is ing high heat to fuse metal to- a tungsten electrode and shielded located at 100 Kindel Drive, gether. At Arnold Air Force Base, from the access of air by an in- Suite A236, Arnold AFB, Tenn. 37389-1236. Editorial content the headquarters for Arnold Engi- ert gas. They also conduct Metal is edited and prepared by NAS. neering Development Complex, Inert Gas welding, or MIG, a Deadline for copy is Wednes- there are boilermakers, pipefitters, method in which the filler metal day at close of business one ironworkers, sheet metal workers supplies the electric current to week before publication. and machinists in the Model and maintain the arc. Like TIG, in This commercial enterprise newspaper is an allowable Machine Shop who specialize in MIG welding, the arc is shielded NAS contractor publication the skill of welding. from the access of air by an inert for personnel at Arnold AFB. In recognition of the folks who gas, usually argon. The content of High Mach possess this ability, the American “Stick welding” is another does not necessarily reflect the views of the Air Force, Arnold Welding Society, or AWS, cel- form of welding performed here. AFB, AEDC or NAS. The ap- ebrates National Welding Month This method is a manual arc pearance of advertising in this each April to bring awareness to welding process that uses a con- publication does not constitute the industry and its available ca- sumable electrode covered with a endorsement of the products reer paths. According to the AWS flux to lay the weld. or services advertised by the Department of Defense, the website, welding careers play an The welders carry out these Department of the Air Force, integral role in keeping people processes on different types of Arnold AFB, AEDC, NAS or safe and advancing the quality of metals, including aluminum, Lakeway Publishers, Inc. life across the globe. stainless steel and carbon steel. For general information about High Mach, call (931) Warner Holt, manager Like many skilled laborers, 454-5655 or visit www. of Manufacturing Services for one doesn’t become a welder arnold.af.mil. AEDC, agrees that the welders overnight. Welders typically Use High Mach to mar- at Arnold have an important job, complete an apprenticeship pro- ket your products and ensuring that not only test is sup- gram, classroom instruction and services. Contact Joe at ported, but supporting operations fieldwork before taking on a job 931-455-4545 or jmartin@ A weld completed by an Arnold Air Force Base craftsman secures tullahomanews.com by building new infrastructure or welding fulltime. repairing existing infrastructure, Each welder in the Model a flange to a pipe elbow the Model Shop at Arnold Air Force Base, March 4. (U.S. Air Force photo by Jill Pickett) among other tasks. Shop is required to first pass a “Whenever our customers in welder certification test as a con- “A code on the timecard sys- called upon to make the neces- the mission areas across the base dition of employment. As part of tem tracks what and when each sary alterations. need items fabricated to facilitate the test, the welder is required to employee welds. This data is The welders fabricate as much testing, whether the item is large perform a weld joining a couple used to verify that the welder as possible in the Machine Shop or small, they will typically reach of test pieces together. Once the has performed a certain welding based off of the plans provided. out to us at the Model Shop first weld is complete the weld is ex- process. We call that informa- But, if needed, Model Shop weld- about getting it done because amined by our non-destructive tion the Welder Continuity Re- ers do go out into the test facilities Core Values they know we can get it done in testing inspectors to determine if port.” to make final positional welds and • Integrity first a timely manner and at a competi- the weld meets all applicable re- Some of the ways that Model modifications to the product. • Service before self tive cost,” Holt said. quirements. Shop welders support testing at Reid said base operations • Excellence in all The 40 welders in the Model “Through the duration of their Arnold is through the fabrica- could not be accomplished with- we do Shop are spread across different employment, welders have to tion of piping, meshes and other out the welders’ essential work. craft sets, but all support testing maintain certification,” said Brad items used in test cells across “You can’t maintain and build and general operations at Arnold. Reid, Manufacturing Services dep- base. The products needed de- this place without our welders,” This number does not include uty manager. “Certifications are pend on the type of test and the he said. “So in addition to Na- those in maintenance and op- based on the material to be welded facility in which it is conducted. tional Welding Month, we like to Vision erations crews scattered around and what welding technique will The pipe used for one test may recognize our welders and all our “NAS delivers the best the base who are also capable of be used. Maintaining the certifica- not work for a subsequent test skilled craftsmen year round for aerospace testing welding, as required. tion consists of performing weld- within the same facility, mean- all the hard work they put in sup- capabilities today and in The welders on base are able ing while you are here. ing the welders are regularly porting the AEDC mission.” the future.” Values • Ethics. We are uncompromising in our Action Line integrity, honesty, and fairness. Smoking Policy • Safety & Health. We are relentless in Team AEDC, keeping people safe from harm, and 1. The following revised Arnold AFB smoking policy is effective immediately and applies to all individuals on I believe in free and open communications we provide a safe and healthy work Arnold AFB. with our Team AEDC employees, and that’s why environment. we have the Action Line available. People can • Security. We are disciplined and vigilant 2. Traditional Tobacco products (e.g. cigars and cigarettes): in protecting sensitive AEDC information a. Smoking is permitted solely in Designated Tobacco Areas (DTAs) identified by designated signage. If no use the Action Line to clear up rumors, ask ques- and ensuring system integrity to support signage exists, smoking is not permitted in that area. It is the responsibility of all smokers to keep DTAs tions, suggest ideas on improvements, enter national security and our customers. clean of cigarette butts. complaints or get other issues off their chests. • Excellence. We thrive on challenge, b. Tobacco use on the Arnold AFB Golf Course is permitted, but discouraged based on the health hazards The Action Line has been expanded to in- accomplishment, and mission success. • Quality. We are passionate about doing of tobacco use and secondhand smoke. No smoking is permitted within 50 feet of golf course buildings clude an option for your ideas, comments, or our work right the first time. except in the approved DTA. suggestions on the AcqDemo personnel sys- • People. We have a mission-focused, c. Smoking in government-owned/leased vehicles is strictly prohibited. Personnel are allowed to smoke in their tem. Simply call the normal x6000 commander’s inclusive workforce who have a diverse personal vehicles at any time; however, at no time will personnel discard cigarette butts outside their vehicle. action line. You will then be prompted to select skill set, are committed to success, option 1 for the Commander’s Action Line or Op- demonstrate innovation and have a can d. For government employees, the fact that a person smokes has no bearing on the number of breaks they do attitude. may take. Breaks should be taken in accordance with the current supervisory and personnel policies that tion 2 for the AcqDemo line. They can access the • Culture. Our team is proud of our diver- afford all employees the same break opportunities consistent with good work practices and accomplish- Action Line via the AEDC intranet home page sity, inclusiveness, and collaborative work ment of the mission. and by calling 931-454-6000. environment. We are proud of what we do Although the Action Line is always available, and how we do it. 3. Smokeless Tobacco products (e.g. snuff and dip): • Relationships. We build positive, long- Smokeless tobacco products are not to be restricted to DTAs. Smokeless tobacco use will be permitted in all the best and fastest way to get things resolved term business relationships through trust, workplace areas (inside and out) subject to reasonable safety and sanitary conditions. Specifically, containers is by using your chain of command or by con- respect, and collaboration. of tobacco waste product, including sealed containers, must not be left unattended or disposed of in trash tacting the organization directly involved. I en- • Innovation. We overcome challenges courage everyone to go that route first, then if through creativity, perseverance, technol- receptacles. Users of smokeless tobacco must flush tobacco waste down the toilet. ogy, and flexibility. We actively seek to 4. Electronic Cigarettes (also known as “e-cigs”): the situation isn’t made right, give us a chance. continually improve. Pursuant to Air Force Instruction (AFI) 40-102, Tobacco Free Living, e-cigs are considered to be equivalent to • Sustainability. We plan and act for the tobacco products; however, e-cigs are not restricted to DTAs and are allowed to be used outdoors at a minimum Col. Jeffrey Geraghty long term benefit of our communities and distance of 25 feet from building entry/egress points. (This policy is dated July 27, 2016) AEDC Commander our environment. April 5, 2021 • 3

MACH 18 from page 1

Rob Hale, left, Parth Kathrotiya, center, and Zack Russo of AEDC Hypervelocity Wind Tunnel 9 in White Oak, Md., pose in 2019 with the Mach 18 nozzle. (U.S. Air Force photo by A.J. Spicer) (This image has been altered by obscuring badges for security purposes.) first patron. The first customer runs at the design of a new high Mach Num- Mach 18 occurred in August 2020. ber wind tunnel nozzle. The long-awaited capability, which With Mach 18 looking more fea- allows for testing at speeds never be- sible than ever, Tunnel 9 received fore realized in an AEDC facility, has additional funding from the Hyper- been in high demand since the calibra- sonic Test Capability Improvement tion was completed. Project, an OSD investment program “Every customer this fiscal year has that aims to improve capabilities for a portion of their test matrix that is us- hypersonic weapon systems develop- ing Mach 18,” said John Lafferty, Tun- ment. nel 9 technical director. “They have The nozzle design and fabrication, been waiting for this.” the successful incorporation of the Prior to the calibration of Mach 18, new nozzle throat material, and the the maximum speed offered at Tunnel diagnostic demonstration all occurred 9, or at any AEDC facility, was Mach within the three-year timeframe and 14. Customers needing results at high- were completed within budget and er Mach simulations would be required on-schedule. to extrapolate the Mach 14 test condi- “Successfully completing this tions to the higher Mach numbers. project required the coordination of With Mach 18 now accessible, cus- multiple, separate, highly-technical tomers no longer have to do this. efforts,” said Nicholas Fredrick, Tun- “This allows them to build their nel 9 chief engineer. aero database with more confidence at An initial calibration using the the high end of Mach numbers,” Laf- final Mach 18 hardware occurred in ferty said. April 2019. By the middle of that Lafferty added that Mach 18 not year, there had been several test en- only benefits test customers, but is also tries at Tunnel 9 to demonstrate the ties into the National Defense Strat- feasibility of the Mach 18 capabil- egy since the capability better aligns ity. These tests helped determine with the maximum Mach numbers for whether the new nozzle throat mate- hypersonic reentry systems and boost rial could survive and remain shape- glide concepts. stable at both Mach 14 and Mach 18 The Mach 18 capability is the re- nozzle supply conditions and validate sult of years of research, significant re- the Mach 18 nozzle with the new Team AEDC members at AEDC Hypervelocity Wind Tunnel 9 in White Oak, Md., con- source investments and technological nozzle throats at the design condi- duct the initial shakeout of the Mach 18 system from the facility control room in 2019. advancements. Calls for testing at such tion. Calibration of the Mach 18 system was completed at Tunnel 9 in July 2020. The sys- speeds date back several decades. Dur- More work followed, leading up tem checked out, allowing Tunnel 9 to begin offering Mach 18 testing to customers. ing the late 1980s and into the 1990s, to the full-calibration completed last The first customer runs at Mach 18 occurred in August 2020. (Courtesy photo) (This the National Aerospace Plane Program year. is image was altered by obscuring badges for security purposes.) was seeking data above Mach 14. Be- “Initial testing of the new Mach lieving the technology was ready, those 18 capability revealed deficiencies involved in this project provided fund- in the high-press, high-temperature ing to Tunnel 9 to develop Mach 18. nozzle throat section design,” Fred- However, the nozzle design methodol- rick said. “Data from the first entry ogy and diagnostics that would be used was analyzed by AEDC engineers to examine the physics of the flow and subcontractors and design revi- were immature. Because the flow qual- sions were analyzed and subsequently ity of the nozzle was poor, the design implemented prior to the start of the was scrapped. second test entry.” By the time higher Mach Number Throughout the process of bring- hypersonics again became a priority in ing Mach 18 to fruition, Tunnel 9 per- the mid-2000s, computer-based mod- sonnel gained knowledge that could eling and simulation and diagnostic be used to enhance other capabilities, technologies had greatly advanced. A Lafferty said. team was assembled at Tunnel 9 and “This development has forced us to a program aimed at achieving these better understand our system and the higher Mach Numbers was designed. resulting flow physics,” he said. “Our Initial risk reduction efforts began understanding of the flow physics is in 2014 and focused on the develop- much improved and, thus, the resultant ment of a trio of state-of-the-art efforts: flow quality is outstanding. The poten- a new material for the nozzle, new laser tial exists to apply the lessons learned diagnostics to verify the understanding to a new Mach 14 nozzle with im- of flow physics, and a new nozzle con- proved flow quality that will provide tour based on this understanding. This lower uncertainties for our customers.” three-year effort leveraged a pair of The full calibration brought Mach Small Business Innovation Research 18 to full operating capability. programs and investment funds from Lafferty said it is very gratifying to AEDC to achieve its goals. see the efforts that went into the devel- Following the risk reduction effort, opment of Mach 18 pay off. Lafferty convinced the Office of the “I always felt it was possible to Secretary of Defense to construct the build the full-scale leg of Tunnel 9 that new capability for $6.5 million. The provided Mach 18. However, the devil Tunnel 9 team then set out in 2017 to is in the details, and it was a huge chal- achieve Mach 18. Their goal was to ac- lenge. complish this in three years. “But the most satisfying thing is With the help of AEDC counter- that customers are using it, and not just parts in middle , the Tunnel one or two. The first four customers 9 team was able to incorporate their following the calibration all are using new understanding of flow physics into it. We never anticipated that.” 4 • April 5, 2021

SPACE FORCE from page 1 and learn from the organic, integrated ap- experts will help inform the evolutionary proach Arnold brings to test.” path we need for space test, sharing lessons The U.S. Space Force was established learned over decades of flight test.” on Dec. 20, 2019, with the enactment of the AEDC has a long history of support- Fiscal Year 2020 National Defense Authori- ing programs across the U.S. military, and zation Act. The new branch was established Thompson said he foresees a similarly within the Department of the Air Force. strong working relationship between the The mission of the Space Force is to or- Space Force and AEDC. ganize, train and equip space forces in order “The U.S. Space Force looks forward to protect U.S. and allied interests in space to building on the relationship we already and to provide space capabilities to the joint have with the Arnold Engineering Devel- force. Its responsibilities include developing opment Complex team to develop a robust Guardians, as its members will be known; space test enterprise,” he said. “We look acquiring military space systems; maturing forward to strengthening that relationship the military doctrine for space power; and by expanding the talent pool and invest- organizing space forces to present to com- ing in the infrastructure so that the devel- batant commands. opment of credible, cutting-edge, combat In order to achieve the necessary space effects can benefit the Air Force and Space Gen. David Thompson, right, vice chief of space operations, U.S. Space Force, test enterprise, the Space Force is establish- Force alike. The test capabilities at AEDC looks at the 7V Space Environmental Chamber as John Claybrook, capability ing the National Space Test and Training are vital to building capability and secu- manager for the Arnold Engineering Development Complex Space Asset Resil- Range Complex to create and pull data from rity while adding resiliency into our archi- ience Ground Test and Evaluation, briefs him about the capability at Arnold Air on-orbit and ground testing to inform digital tecture to secure the nation’s interests in Force Base, headquarters of AEDC, Feb. 5. (U.S. Air Force photo by Jill Pickett) engineering models used to design and de- space.” (This image was altered by obscuring badges for security purposes.) liver space systems quickly. AEDC Commander Col. Jeffrey Ger- Col. Nick Hague, Space Force director aghty said Thompson’s visit signifies the of Test and Evaluation who joined Thomp- vital role AEDC know-how and facilities son on the visit, said AEDC assets can help are set to play in the development of the accomplish this. Space Force. “Arnold has unique ground test capabili- “Gen. Thompson’s visit definitely ties and, more importantly, the skilled work- speaks to the importance of AEDC facili- force required to execute and analyze those ties in the development of the U.S. Space data to improve testing models,” Hague Force and our national defense,” Geraghty said. “The AEDC has a long history of sup- said. “We have a long history of partnering porting space research, development and with space capability providers, and now testing. And with the creation of the Space that space is a warfighting domain, we are Force, we are moving toward integrating eager to apply to space our decades of ex- test activities across government agencies perience in providing the superiority of our to deliver a unity-of-effort approach for the warfighting systems.” national security space enterprise.” AEDC and the Space Force are already Thompson said partnerships of all types well on the way to forging such a relation- will be essential to the Space Force objec- ship. During his visit, Thompson admin- tives of providing space capabilities as part istered the Space Force Oath of Office to of military operations, protecting U.S. and 2nd Lt. Michael Hareld, making Hareld the partner interests in space, deterring hostile first full-time member of the Space Force Gen. David Thompson, vice chief of space operations, U.S. Space Force, looks behavior and promoting stability in the do- at Arnold AFB. at samples tested in the Arnold Engineering Development Complex Space main. Several transfers have been completed Threat Assessment Testbed as Savannah Langer, a space test engineer, briefs “Collaboration between the Space Force or are pending with the AEDC’s 704th Test him on the Space Asset Resilience capability at Arnold Air Force Base, head- and AEDC, along with the rest of the Air Group at , New quarters of AEDC, Feb. 5. (U.S. Air Force photo by Jill Pickett) Force Test Center, is essential to testing and Mexico. Those selected for Space Force Test Squadron, Detachment 1; 1st Lt. Jere- “Collaborating with the Space Force fielding systems that enable space forces to transfers within the 704th TG and the units my Swaw, 746th Test Squadron; and 1st Lt. will ensure they have access to the exper- do that,” Thompson said. “The AFTC is the within the Test Group are: Lt. Col. Michael Nicholas O’Gorman, 746th Test Squadron. tise and experience of our workforce and gold standard for tests of this type, with the Christensen, 704th TG Headquarters; Capt. Geraghty said the partnership that we can help shape the culture and ca- intellectual capital, a culture of innovation Erin Alt, 746th Test Squadron; Capt. An- would prove to be beneficial to both pabilities of a new branch of service to en- and a deep understanding of how to rapidly thony Alt, 704th Test Support Squadron; AEDC and the latest addition to the sure space warfighting capability second to develop combat-capable systems. These 2nd Lt. Christopher Kessel, 586th Flight country’s Armed Forces. none,” he said. April 5, 2021 • 5 Around Arnold April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month

By AEDC Safety cil tells us even though traf- Distractions fall into three studied cell-phone impact for them because their attention - fic has dropped significantly groups, and here are some more than five years. Using during a cell phone call - was What do the National Safe- since the start of the CO- activities that qualify under high-fidelity simulators while elsewhere. ty Council, National High- VID-19 pandemic, our roads each: controlling the circumstances, The easiest way to avoid an way Traffic Safety Adminis- have only gotten more dan- • Visual - taking your eyes scientific evidence has been accident is to prevent distrac- tration, Governors Highway gerous. off the road, whether for obtained that cell phone con- tions. Keep these tips in mind: Safety Association and the On a typical day, more than texting, using a GPS, versations disrupt driving per- • Turn off your phone. American Psychological As- 700 people are still injured in adjusting climate control formance. Getting messages, calls and Human attention has a lim- sociation have in common? distracted driving crashes. or radio, etc. notifications while driving They all tell us that distracted According to the National ited capacity, and studies sug- can be very distracting. • Manual - taking your hands driving causes accidents. Highway Traffic Safety Ad- gest that talking on the phone Even if you don’t act upon off the wheel whether for The definition of distract- ministration, driver distrac- causes a kind of “inatten- those alerts, you’ll still be texting, eating, grooming, ed driving is: Any activity tion caused approximately 10 tion blindness” to the driving wondering what it is about smoking, tending to a that takes away from focus- percent of all fatal crashes or scene. In one study, reactions and be tempted to take a child or pet etc. ing on safe driving, whether approximately 3,142 fatali- to imperative events, such as look. braking for a traffic light or it’s texting, speaking on the ties in 2019. Every time we • Cognitive - taking your a decelerating vehicle, were • Stop to answer. If you phone or to someone in the use the cell phone while be- mind off of driving whether significantly slower than when must pick up the phone or car, grooming, eating, drink- hind the wheel, we not only texting, interacting with not talking on a cell phone. answer an urgent message, ing, or tinkering with the risk our own lives but also passengers, getting lost Sometimes, drivers were so pull over. sound, navigation or enter- the lives of others. Twenty- in ideas, problems or impaired that they were in- • Use your passengers. If tainment systems. five states, including Tennes- projects, or drowsiness volved in a traffic accident. you’re traveling with other What may surprise you is see, prohibit using hand-held etc. Listening to the radio or books people, ask one of them that the organizations all also phones at all while driving Texting involves all three on tape did not impair driving to read the messages or tell us that a phone conversa- Sleep deprivation is an- groups, making it the most performance, suggesting that answer the phone for you. tion, even the hands free kind, other major contributor to dangerous and the number listening per se is not enough • Nothing is worth an can cause loss of attentive- accidents. The Centers for one contributor for distracted to interfere. ness of up to 30 percent. Be- Disease Control and Preven- driver accidents. That is why, According to Strayer’s lab- accident. Not even the cause we’ve made cell phones tion estimate that 35 percent according to the Governors oratory research, cell phone best or worst of news. such an important part of our of adults sleep less than 7 Highway Safety Association, drivers were also more likely Everything can wait. We everyday lives, using them to hours each night. The average 46 states and D.C. have com- to miss traffic signals and promise. make calls, text, work, play, adult requires approximately pletely banned texting and signs. A special eye-tracking So keep in mind whether send emails, establish face to 8 hours. That results in many driving. Taking your eyes off device measured where, ex- you are driving a vehicle, face conversations, as GPS drowsy drivers. The num- the road, even for a split sec- actly, drivers looked while working or walking some- devices, as music devices and ber of fatalities involving a ond, could be fatal. driving. Even when drivers where, get your nose up out of so much more, the dangers drowsy driver was about 697 David Strayer, Ph.D., of the directed their gaze at objects the phone and concentrate on have grown exponentially. people or 1.9 percent of total Applied Cognition Laboratory on the road (during simula- the task at hand. The National Safety Coun- fatalities in 2019. at the University of has tions), they still didn’t “see” Take care of each other. Cop Corner: Installation Access Control and Gate Hours

By Officer Bill Hernandez nel who access the base. and not on the terrorism watch tial is expired or reported lost Gate Hours – The Main Arnold DAF Civilian Police When your credential is list. Once both of these que- or stolen. You will then likely Gate and Arnold Village Gate scanned, several things hap- ries report back positively, be directed to the Visitor Cen- are open 24/7. Gate Two, also Have you ever wondered pen nearly simultaneously. DBIDS sends a photograph to ter for reissuance. The people known as the Commercial Ve- what actually happens when The DBIDS system is queried the guard’s handheld device who attempt to enter with an hicle Gate, is open 5:30 a.m. the security guard scans your to make sure the credential is so they can compare the photo active warrant are detained and to 4 p.m. on weekdays, with credential at the gate? The valid and hasn’t been reported against the credential and the turned over to local law en- commercial vehicle processing DBIDS (Defense Biometrics lost or stolen; and the name person presenting it. forcement for processing. being conducted from 7 a.m. to Identification System) is part and personal information as- What happens if something This continual vetting and 2 p.m. Gate Two is normally of a large, DOD-wide network sociated with the credential isn’t right? Your first indication validation process is in effect closed on weekends and fed- designed to contribute to your is presented to the National that something has gone wrong at all gates, and it has proven eral holidays. security by detecting not only Crime Information Center to will typically be the guard con- very effective in making Ar- Please refer to AAFB phony credentials, but by also make sure the person is not fiscating your credential. That nold Air Force Base a safer IDP 31-101 for additional continually vetting the person- wanted by any police agency usually happens if the creden- place to work and live. information. AEDC Advocates “Support Victims, Build Trust, Engage Communities” 2021 National Crime Victims’ Rights Week

By Leslie McGowan Justice Statistics, 1.2 million people Council, please contact the VWAP co- crime at AEDC. For additional ideas on Arnold AFB Legal Office were victims of violent crime in 2019, ordinator at 931-454-4657. The VWAP how to support victims of crime, which is a significant decrease from council meets annually for training, visit the Office for Victims of Crime The 40th anniversary of Na- the year before. Now is the time to re- to collaborate and assist victims of website at www.ovc.gov. tional Crime Victims’ Rights Week double our efforts so that victimiza- (NCVRW) will be observed April 18- tion continues to decline and fewer 24. NCVRW is a time to honor crime and fewer Americans become victims victims and our nation’s progress in of crime. advancing their rights. It is a time to The OVC leads communities renew our commitment to serving all throughout the country in their an- victims of crime, to acknowledge the nual observances of NCVRW by pro- achievements in victim services and moting victims’ rights and honoring allied professions, to honor those who crime victims and those who advo- have gone above and beyond in their cate on their behalf. Trust is collec- service to others and to remember tive as well as individual, so we are crime victims and survivors. honoring both the individual victims “If victims are to trust that the in our community and the groups en- criminal justice system will work for gaged in building networks of under- them, we must meet them where they standing and support. are – physically, culturally and emo- Let’s commemorate this important tionally,” said Joye E. Frost, director, week by getting to know our cowork- Office for Victims of Crime (OVC), ers and neighbors. Take the time to U.S. Department of Justice. “When listen, explore and value differences. we take the time to focus on the victim We must work together to end vio- in the aftermath of crime – to address lence by confronting and refusing to their needs for safety and justice – we tolerate or engage in activities that can begin to build trust and restore the single out certain populations as “less hope of those victims and their com- than.” Let’s empower our community munities. We all play a role in helping by reaching out and creating relation- victims as they rebuild their lives.” ships, recognizing that we all have a This year’s theme – Support Vic- role to play. The community cannot tims, Build Trust, Engage Communi- heal until we begin building trust and ties – celebrates the contributions we restoring hope to those devastated by can make toward building trust in our crime. Together, we can stop the vio- community’s capacity to support the lence. healing journeys of crime victims. For additional information about The faces of crime victims are this year’s National Crime Victims’ those of our family, friends, neighbors Rights Week and the opportunity to and community members. According recognize the Arnold Engineering to the most recent National Crime Vic- Development Complex Victim Wit- timization Survey from the Bureau of ness Assistance Program (VWAP) 6 • April 5, 2021 AFMC releases results of diversity survey

By Marisa Alia-Novobilski and/or ethnicity in their organi- the awareness gap of these ses- Air Force Materiel Command zation. While some respondents sions was largest among enlisted believe promotion and hiring service members and wage grade WRIGHT-PATTERSON actions are biased against blacks civilians, with 26 percent and 39 AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio – and females, others feel opportu- percent, respectively, indicat- The Air Force Materiel Com- nities are limited based on a per- ing that they did not know these mand has released the results of ceived “reverse racism” that fa- were occurring. its initial command-wide diver- vor minorities. Some comments “This awareness gap shows sity and inclusion (D&I) sur- also showed a misperception that we have to do a much better job vey, identifying areas of focus there are “hiring quotas” based in spreading the word and getting and improvement for initiatives on race and ethnicity. feedback from these vital mem- across the command. “Concerns raised by the sur- bers of our team,” said Bunch. “The survey shows that while The Air Force Materiel Command has released the results of vey indicate that many of the ini- The information gathered we are opening minds to many its initial command-wide diversity and inclusion (D&I) sur- tiatives the command is currently from the survey will be used to vey, identifying areas of focus and improvement for initiatives blind spots that would have pre- working, to include centralized adjust some of the command’s across the command. (U.S. Air Force graphic) viously gone unnoticed, we still hiring for entry level civilian po- on-going activities, to include have a lot of work to do, as we Participants provided over 3,500 said Keith Tickle, AFMC Diver- sitions, diverse hiring panels for modifying the command’s com- continue our efforts to become comments in response to the sity, Equity and Inclusion Officer. supervisor as well as GS-14 and munication strategy to target a more diverse and inclusive open-ended portion of the survey. “In order for real change to oc- up selections, tracking of civilian those who may not be tracking AFMC,” said Gen. Arnold W. Survey responses revealed cur, we need to make sure that we discipline, reorganizing installa- the on-going efforts and to en- Bunch, Jr., AFMC Commander. that while AFMC Airmen be- have the buy-in and participation tion EO offices, and our recently courage increased engagement “It is imperative that we get this lieve the command is committed of everyone in the command, and launched civilian supervisor by first line supervisors. AFMC right. We need to have an envi- to D&I, there is a lack of wide- to do this, they need to be better course are good first steps toward D&I leads are also in the process ronment where every Airman spread awareness of what steps aware.” tackling the things AFMC mili- of developing additional targeted feels accepted, valued and has are being taken to address climate The survey revealed that ap- tary and civilian Airmen believe action plans to address the short- the opportunity to achieve their and equity issues in many areas. proximately three-fourths of re- need fixing,” said Bill Snodgrass, comings identified through the full potential. These results will In particular, results indicate a spondents noticed an increased AFMC’s Director of Manpower, assessment. Future surveys will help guide our continued ef- disparity in awareness of D&I ini- commitment to D&I throughout Personnel and Services. be conducted to help gauge prog- forts.” tiatives and positive climate per- AFMC in the past year. In addi- Though 73 percent of survey ress towards diversity and inclu- The intent of the survey was ceptions among differing super- tion, 95 percent of respondents respondents indicate that AFMC sion goals. to establish a baseline for D&I visory levels, with those at lower believe their performance evalu- organizations encourage the use “We are committed to being a perceptions across AFMC, with ranks/grades viewing command ations were not impacted by race of the Equal Opportunity pro- more diverse, inclusive AFMC. future assessments planned to efforts less favorably. In general, or ethnicity. Over 88 percent gram to report and address com- This is crucial to becoming the monitor progress towards fur- AFMC’s wage grade civilians of those taking the survey also plaints of discrimination, only AFMC we need, and delivering thering AFMC diversity, equity, also expressed greater frustration shared that in the past year their 69 percent believe they can use what our nation and service ex- and inclusion. More than 14,000 with the current D&I climate than immediate supervisor took appro- the program without fear of re- pect,” said Bunch. “It will take military and civilian Airmen re- others taking the survey. priate action in response to inci- prisal. the commitment and efforts of us sponded to this survey, which ran “We need to readdress the dents of racial discrimination. Another takeaway from all to be successful.” from Nov. 30 through Dec. 21, way we are communicating and One area highlighted as need- the survey is that on average, For up-to-date information on 2020, with responses represen- informing our workforce about ing further focus was civilian hir- 76 percent of respondents indi- AFMC diversity and inclusion tative of personnel at all AFMC ongoing D&I efforts and ensure ing practices where 20 percent of cated they were aware that D&I efforts, visit https://www.afmc. centers and installations, and that information reaches Airmen all civilians stated that they be- sensing sessions had been held af.mil/About-Us/Featured-Top- military and civilian pay plans. at all levels of the organization,” lieved hiring is impacted by race across the command. However, ics/Diversity/. Virtual ceremony recognizes AFMC’s ‘best of the best’

By Michele Ruff Force Base, Ohio. Her team en- Air Force Materiel Command sures 24/7 classified and unclas- sified network capabilities to five WRIGHT-PATTERSON major commands with 30,000 AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio – The personnel. In 2020, Graw com- Air Force Materiel Command an- pleted a deployment to Al Udeid nounced its 2020 Annual Excel- , Qatar and an associate lence Awards recipients during a degree in information systems virtual ceremony, March 26. technology. She was also a distin- “I like to think of this an- guished graduate of the Airman nual ceremony as our Academy Leadership School. Awards, because you are all su- NON-COMMISSIONED perstars,” said Patricia Young, OFFICER OF THE YEAR: AFMC Executive Director, ad- Tech. Sgt. Mathew M. Footit is dressing the virtual attendees. the Flight Chief for Environmen- “You have been selected from a tal Management. He leads a team portfolio of over 87,000 Airmen. responsible for Occupational You are all winners!” Health, Emergency Response Due to the pandemic, this and Environmental Management, year’s awards ceremonies were achieving compliance with mini- split into separate events held on mal mission impact for a selec- the Microsoft Commercial Vir- tively-manned test organization tual Remove live application. servicing two installations, eight Families, coworkers and friends geographically separate units and Air Force Materiel Command announced the 2020 Annual Excellence Awards recipients during were invited to log in to view the 70 remote sites. Footit was also a virtual ceremony, March 26. (U.S. Air Force graphic) unique ceremony. the 2019 Lacrosse “A special shout out to the Coach of the Year, a 2020 dis- of the Year for the 552nd Air Con- Force’s major prototyping pro- Nurse Specialists Clinical Nurse families of these outstanding tinguished graduate of the NCO trol and the 2019 First Ser- grams, including the adaptive Specialist of the Year, American nominees. Thank you for your Academy and the 2020 USAF geant of the Year for the 72nd Air turbine engine, hypersonic strike, Nurse Credentialing Center Cer- service. Our Airmen can only Bioenvironmental Engineering Base Wing. and directed energy weapons. tified Medical-Surgical Nurse be successful because of your NCO of the Year. COMPANY GRADE OF- CIVILIAN CATEGORY of the Year, 96th Medical Group support,” said Gen. Arnold W. SENIOR NON-COMMIS- FICER OF THE YEAR: Capt. I OF THE YEAR: Aaliyah M. Nursing Service Award for Ex- Bunch, Jr., AFMC Commander, SIONED OFFICER OF THE Joseph S. Haggberg is the Flight Patten is a Financial Analyst Spe- cellence and the 96th Inpatient who hosted the event. YEAR: Senior Master Sgt. Da- Commander of the Sensors and cialist for the Centralized Asset Squadron Civilian of the Year. Nine Airmen were chosen vid N. Briden is the headquarters Defensive Systems Test Flight, Management Weapon System CIVILIAN CATEGORY from 59 nominees representing operations manager for the Air 46th Test Squadron, 96th Cyber- Sustainment division at Head- III OF THE YEAR: Daniel M. the total AFMC workforce at Force Installation Contracting space Test Group, Eglin Air Force quarters Air Force Materiel Com- Sanders is the Operations Group centers, wings and the command Center, Wright-Patterson AFB, Base, Florida. He leads a team of mand, Wright-Patterson Air Force Logistics Management Lead for headquarters. Nominees were se- Ohio. He oversees contingency 50 military, civilian, and contrac- Base, Ohio. Patten is responsible a unique national test facility lected in nine categories: Airman, operations, battle staff duties and tor personnel who perform devel- for managing the operations and supporting separate geographic Non-commissioned Officer, -Se functional area manager actions opmental testing for a variety of maintenance sustainment ex- locations, organizations, and nior Non-commissioned officer, and provides guidance for eight aircraft and cross-service surviv- ecution budget of $504.4 million. both U.S. and foreign national First sergeant, Company Grade major commands. He has de- ability and sensor technology. Patten earned a bachelor of sci- customers. He provides overall Officer, Field Grade Officer, Ci- ployed in support of Operation Haggberg holds a master’s degree ence in business finance and will logistics planning, programming, vilian Category I, Civilian Cate- Enduring Freedom, Iraqi Free- in science and engineering man- complete her masters of business and systems support requirements gory II and Civilian Category III. dom and Libyan operation and agement. He recently completed administration in May. She won for projects and larger DOD pro- The event was appropriately also provided contracting support a master’s of science in flight test the AFMC Headquarters Civilian grams, modifying and adapting themed, “Growing through Chal- for U.S. Northern Command dur- engineering where he flew 25 dif- Category I of the year in 2020. support requirements to fit situ- lenges, Breaking through Barri- ing hurricane relief efforts. ferent aircraft and studied flying CIVILIAN CATEGORY III ations and fulfil mission objec- ers, Powering the Warfighter … FIRST SERGEANT OF qualities, mission systems, and OF THE YEAR: Kathy M. Wil- tives. Sanders enlisted in the Air Together.” THE YEAR: Master Sgt. Mary performance. liams is an Adult Health Clinical Force in 1985, starting his career “Our ceremony looks a lot dif- K. Cramer is the First Sergeant for FIELD GRADE OFFICER Nurse Specialist and Master Cli- as a Tactical Aircraft Maintenance ferent than usual, but something the 72nd Force Support Squad- OF THE YEAR: Lt. Col. Brett nician at , Specialist. Upon his retirement that doesn’t change is the num- ron, 72nd Comptroller Squadron, J. Cooper serves as the Materiel Florida. As a medical-surgical from active duty, Sanders began ber of outstanding performers 72nd Logistics Readiness Squad- Leader, Reentry Systems in the expert on the Multi-Service In- his career as a Department of we have.” said Chief Master Sgt. ron, 72nd Operations Support Ground Based Strategic Deter- patient Flight she oversees the the Air Force civilian at Hill Air Stanley C. Cadell, AFMC com- Squadron and the 72nd Air Base rent Systems Directorate, Hill Air nurse residency program, is a key Force Base, Utah. mand chief. “Congratulations to Wing Staff Agencies at , Utah. He is responsi- consultant for three Department Congratulations to these out- all.” Force Base, Florida. She oversees ble for development, deployment, of Defense working groups and standing Airmen. Winners in the The 2020 winners are: the health, morale and welfare of and sustainment of the reentry chairs two medical group com- Airman, Non-commissioned Of- more than 1,200 Airmen. Cra- system for the next-generation mittees. An Air Force retiree, she ficer, Senior Non-Commissioned AIRMAN OF THE YEAR: mer has deployed three times to intercontinental ballistic missile sets benchmarks in clinical prac- Officer and First Sergeant catego- Senior Airman Valerie M. Graw bases throughout Southwest Asia. system. An engineer, Cooper has tice, ensuring national standards ries will represent AFMC in the is a Cyber Operations Controller She was the 2017 Commandant served in numerous acquisition of practice are met or exceeded. Outstand- assigned to the 88th Communica- Award Winner and distinguished positions in space, intelligence, She received numerous awards in ing Airmen of the Year and First tions Squadron Cyber Operations graduate at the First Sergeant and nuclear programs. While at 2020 at Eglin AFB including the Sergeant of the Year competitions Center, Wright-Patterson Air Academy, the 2018 First Sergeant Air Staff, he managed the Air National Association of Clinical held later this year. April 5, 2021 • 7 8 • April 5, 2021 Defense, industry leaders talk digital transformation, ABMS at New Horizons

By K. Houston Waters Horizons was ‘Fireside 66th Air Base Group Chats,’ where PEOs are able Public Affairs to connect directly with their stakeholders. Responding to a HANSCOM AIR FORCE question about the Advanced BASE, Mass. – Defense and Battle Management System, industry leaders discussed Lauren Knausenberger, the ways their organizations are Air Force’s chief information using digital transformation officer, shared her thoughts. to meet the Air Force Chief “The whole premise of of Staff’s call to “Accelerate ABMS is having sensors all Change or Lose” during two over the world that are able days of virtual presentations to pull in data, which we can March 17 and 18. fuse in real time to make re- The first week of New ally good decisions with ma- Horizons 2021, sponsored chine-driven insights,” she by AFCEA’s Lexington-Con- said. “But all of that has to be cord chapter, featured guest powered by rock-solid infra- speakers, briefings, and panel structure that connects every- discussions covering a wide thing and allows the data to range of topics, from cloud flow into the cloud, where we and edge computing, to digi- can work all of our algorithms tal engineering and manage- and manage the fleet.” ment, agile software and open Randall Walden, program architecture development, and executive officer, Air Force Joint All-Domain Command Rapid Capabilities Office, and Control collaboration. also spoke at length about The keynote speaker of Maj. Gen. Michael Schmidt, program executive officer, Command, Control, Communications, ABMS and how his director- this year’s event was Adm. Intelligence, and Networks, headquartered here, speaks to defense and industry leaders dur- ate is collaborating with the Chas Richard, commander, ing a virtual presentation to AFCEA Lexington-Concord Chapter’s New Horizons 2021 March Army and Navy on JADC2. U.S. Strategic Command. 17. Schmidt provided an overview of his $12 billion portfolio, discussed the impact of the Other sessions included When discussing the im- pandemic on the expansion of IT infrastructure, and provided critical program updates. (U.S. a panel of former Electronic portance of artificial intelli- Air Force photo by Mark Herlihy) Systems Center commanders gence and machine learning to provided an overview of his Air Force and Department of “Our job is to connect ev- and an industry discussion the concept of strategic deter- $12 billion portfolio, dis- Defense don’t have to con- ery Airmen and Guardian with titled “Feedback: Embracing rence, Richard said the United cussed the impact of the pan- tinually develop new DevSec- the data they need to complete the Digital .” States military must “catch up demic on the expansion of IT Ops platforms.” their mission, and with each New Horizons virtual with industry, pace our adver- infrastructure, and provided Col. Bobby King, Enter- other so they can commu- presentations will continue saries and incorporate the lat- critical program updates. prise IT and Cyberspace Infra- nicate and collaborate,” he March 23-25, with briefings est tools.” “We’re really excited structure Division, along with said. “This is super exciting from Steven Wert, program During the event, Maj. about what’s going on in Plat- other senior materiel leaders because 700,000 Airmen and executive officer, Digital, and Gen. Michael Schmidt, pro- form One,” he said. “We’re from C3I&N, also presented. Guardians rely on our Enter- Col. Amanda Kato, program gram executive officer, Com- building and outfitting the King discussed his division’s prise IT systems and services executive officer, Nuclear mand, Control, Communica- DevSecOps platform for all to role in implementing new ca- that we deliver 24/7, 365 days Command, Control and Com- tions, Intelligence, and Net- use, with the security require- pabilities for improving the a year around the world.” munications, both headquar- works, headquartered here, ments and tools built in so the Air Force’s IT infrastructure. New to this year’s New tered here. CMSAF part of AETC virtual panel of mentors May 25; registration now open

By Air Education and Training Command

JOINT BASE SAN AN- TONIO-RANDOLPH, (AFNS) – Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force JoAnne Bass, along with other senior enlist- ed leaders, will share her per- sonal perspective on mentor- ing and the impact it has made on her personal life and career as part of a virtual panel May 25. Registration for “From Good to Great through Per- sonal Perspectives: A Panel of Mentors” is now open. Spon- sored by Air Education and Training Command, the panel also features Chief Master Sgt. Erik C. Thompson, command chief of AETC, alongside Chief Master Sgts. Keith Cas- tille and Stefan Blazier from Headquarters, Air Force A1D. “Mentorship is impera- tive to the growth of all Air- men,” said Quency L. Henson, AETC’s mentoring council lead. “No matter your rank, position, or location, this event is for you so that our Total Force can better understand the benefits of mentoring and mentorship.” The event will be interac- tive and participants will have the opportunity to ask panel- ists questions live during the event. To register for the event and get the ZoomGov link, Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force JoAnne Bass, along with other senior enlisted leaders, will conduct a virtual panel on mentor- email HQAETC.A1DF.Civ- ship May 25. Registration for the event, “From Good to Great through Personal Perspectives: A Panel of Mentors” is now open [email protected]. Regis- through May 21, 2021 and is limited to 1,000 people. (U.S. Air Force graphic) tration closes May 21 and is leadership mentoring sympo- utilize the Air Force mentoring mentors based on preferences, ister through MyVector. limited to 1,000 people. sium held in late January, Hen- tool, MyVector, when formally chat with their mentor online, Additionally on MyVec- The panel is the second son said. selecting a mentor. On MyVec- and complete a mentoring tor, mentees can find a tool mentorship event AETC’s Henson said for Total Force tor, mentees will be able to, in plan. for self-development linked to Mentoring Council has hosted Airmen interested in finding a real-time, invite participants For those interested in be- the Air Force’s foundational this year, following a two-day mentor, they are encouraged to to serve as mentors, select ing a mentor, you can also reg- competencies. April 5, 2021 • 9 AFWERX crowns 2021 Spark Tank winner at Virtual Aerospace Warfare Symposium

By Air Force Research Laboratory ing Spark Tank participation across the Public Affairs Department of the Air Force, Brou men- tioned that “The numbers this year were WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR impressive. We saw that over 19,000 Air- FORCE BASE, Ohio (AFRL) – Master men and Guardians viewed the over 300 Sgt. Justin Bauer from the 355th Fighter ideas on the Airman Powered by Innova- Wing at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, tion platform. They provided almost 1,000 was awarded the prestigious AF- feedback comments on the ideas and, most WERX Spark Tank trophy after his inno- importantly, cast over 14,000 votes for their vative method for C-130 wheel repair was favorite idea, giving it the best chance at selected as the Spark Tank 2021 winner competing for the stage today.” This year’s February 26. Spark Tank event took place during the Vir- The Spark Tank event allows Airmen tual Aerospace Warfare Symposium pro- to offer improvements and solutions to the vided by the Air Force Association. problems they face in everyday operations. The AFWERX Spark Tank event was These incredible Airmen find, and often comprised of five teams of Airmen present- times, create innovative inventions that al- ing their ideas to a panel of nine celebrity leviate issues they experience while work- judges. The panel of judges was made up of ing across myriad of Air Force Specialty civilian professionals and investors with ex- Master Sgt. Justin Bauer from the at Davis-Monthan Air Codes and mission sets. perience in government service and leading Force Base, Arizona was awarded the prestigious AFWERX Spark Tank trophy after his innovative method for C-130 wheel repair was selected as the Spark William “Brou” Gautier, Spark Tank technology industries. Additionally, the Sec- Tank 2021 winner February 26. (Courtesy photo) Capability Lead, emphasized that with retary of the Air Force, the Chief of Staff of the Spark Tank event, “We celebrate risk- the Air Force, the Chief of Space Operations a follow-up from leadership to propel their mation regarding AFWERX and the Spark takers and idea-makers from across the de- (U.S. Space Force), the Chief Master Ser- ideas into reality and begin impacting the Tank event please visit afwerx.af.mil. partment; Airmen and Guardian intrapre- geant of the Air Force and the Chief Master Air Force on a large scale. All Spark Tank Semi-Finalists and Fi- neurs who refuse to accept the status quo Sergeant of the Space Force also sat on the AFWERX would like to extend a gra- nalists have received “go-do’s” by senior and who have created solutions to make it judge’s panel. cious thank you to three celebrity judges, leadership to make their ideas a reality in easier for us to bring the very best to the Although all teams provided outstand- Meagan Metzger, chief executive officer, the Air Force and Space Force. This means fight.” ing improvements to critical operational Dcode; Matt Booty, head of Xbox Game that once the stage lights dim, and the Spark This year, Airmen created everything processes, Bauer was crowned Spark Tank’s Studios and Brittany Davis, general partner, Tank competition is over, our innovators get from ear plugs that allow maintainers to 2021 winner. In addition to the title of Spark Backstage Capital. Their focused question- hard at work continuing to refine and test their communicate effectively in loud environ- Tank 2021 winner, Bauer is awarded one ing on funding and the long-term impact of ideas with our Spark Tank team connecting ments on the flight line while preserving year’s possession of the Spark Tank trophy. ideas in the Air Force helped ensure that all them to the people necessary to support vali- their hearing, to augmented reality head- All teams shared the incredible opportunity ideas were evaluated to the highest degree. dation, refinement, and further investment sets that enhance the mission debrief pro- to present their innovative ideas to Air Force Their participation proved invaluable in the decisions and identifying resources, like the cess for Air Force Aviators. When discuss- senior leadership. All finalists will receive production of the Spark Tank event. right color of money and “investor” available In 2020, Chief of Staff of the Air Force to assist. The best of these ideas, when ready, Gen. Charles Q. Brown Jr. stated that his will be piloted in an appropriate Air and or vision for the force is to “accelerate change Space Force setting and then scaled up to or lose.” The AFWERX Spark Tank event be leveraged across military bases globally. allows Airmen to personally embody that This process is designed to help the entire vision. Events such as Spark Tank provide Department of the Air Force, through inno- Airmen with the opportunity to voice their vation, experimentation, and a collaborative solutions to key enablers and potentially approach with our service and industry team- improve the way the mission is accom- mates, to be more flexible and ready for the plished in the Air Force. For more infor- future high-end fight. CMSAF part of AETC virtual panel of mentors May 25; registration now open 10 • April 5, 2021 Arnold AFB Milestones 40 YEARS 10 YEARS NEW HIRES Josh Frederik, TMAS Kevin Schoenen, AF Brian Roebuck, TOS Tommy Lowe, TOS Tyler Arbuckle, TOS James Garner, TOS Mitchell Simpson, TOS Johsua Bare, TOS Timothy Gossett, AF Donald Sproul, TOS 35 YEARS 5 YEARS Jamie Bell, AF Larry Guyear, TOS Ryan Walls, TOS Ellen Neal, TOS Roger Braden, TOS Bailee Brown, TOS Terrell Hand, TMAS Jeremy Walton, TOS Zachary Hedrick, TOS Garry Burnett, TOS Amber Harris, TOS Joshua Wiggs, TOS Brett Wiest, TMAS 25 YEARS Calvin Tsurui, TOS Gary Campbell, TOS Jonathan Hill, TOS Gina Bragg, TOS Holly Wilder, AF William Carmichael, TOS Russell Layne, TOS RETIREMENTS Allen Wilson, TOS Brian Cash, TOS Floyd McClintock, TOS 20 YEARS Troy Davis, TOS Alexandra Wolfe, AF Kenneth Bloom, TOS Kelly Hollowell, TOS Emily Cashdollar, TOS Paul Murdock, TOS John McFadden, TOS Chandler Cleek, TOS Allen Nunemaker, TOS PROMOTIONS 15 YEARS Bonnie Sherrell, TOS Elizabeth Cole, TOS Zachary Odom, TOS Michael Knauf, AF, promoted Nathan Campbell, TOS David Smith, TOS Andrew Crabtree, TOS Mitchell Parson, TOS to lieutenant Clayton Crawford, TOS Anthony Crowson, TMAS Priya Patel, AF Jeffery Law, TOS Anthony Fabiszak, TMAS Christopher Privett, TOS Thomas Wade, TOS Jean Frantz, TMAS Charles Robinson, TOS

“Wise Guy” sits on the flight line at Tinker Air Force Base, Okla., after undergoing programmed depot maintenance that allows it to return to the active fleet. (U.S. Air Force photo by Paul Shirk) B-52 ‘Wise Guy’ re-enters arsenal By Public Affairs 2020 to undergo programmed depot OC-ALC Commander Brig. Gen. Jeff Logistics Complex at , maintenance at the OC-ALC. PDM is the King lauded the efforts of Team Tinker to Utah. Once at City Air Logistics TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. final part of a three-phase process to regen- bring Wise Guy back to life. Complex, the 76th Commodities Mainte- – Nearly a year after arriving at the Okla- erate the aircraft and deliver rapid, effective, “Organizations from across the B-52 nance Group repaired and manufactured homa City Air Logistics Complex, the sec- affordable combat power back to active ser- enterprise worked as one team with the parts, the 76th Propulsion Maintenance ond B-52H “Stratofortress” to be vice. goal of restoring readiness,” the general Group overhauled engines and manufac- resurrected from the Arizona desert has left During PDM, Wise Guy presented the said. “Using Art of the Possible, and fight- tured parts, the 565th Aircraft Maintenance to rejoin the Air Force fleet. team with two main challenges: electri- ing through a global pandemic, they made Squadron completed the structural repairs, “Wise Guy” departed Tinker Air Force cal wiring projects and main landing gear it happen. I cannot express how proud I am and the 10th Flight Test Squadron ensured Base on March 10, 2021, to return to the 5th structural defects. Leaders said the motiva- of the work they accomplished, and I can’t that the aircraft was safe to fly. Bomb Wing at Minot AFB, North Dakota, tion and dedication of everyone involved wait to see photos of Wise Guy in the hands In addition to the production side, the where it re-entered service. to overcome those challenges ensured the of our combat aircrews flying operational 76th Aircraft Maintenance Group Business The aircraft arrived at Tinker in April regeneration program was successful. missions again.” Offices and the 76th Maintenance Support The operation was truly a team effort. Group ensured the team had the resources Air Force Life Cycle Management Center it needed, while the 76th Software Main- provided engineering and logistics sup- tenance Group provided the required soft- port, the 76th Expeditionary Depot Main- ware updates. tenance Flight traveled to Arizona to pre- Wise Guy joins Ghost Rider, which was pare the aircraft for flight after its years in the first B-52 to be regenerated in 2015, storage, and meticulous restoration by the and brings the number of B-52 309th Aerospace Maintenance and Regen- mandated by Congress to full strength at eration Group assigned to the Ogden Air 76 total aircraft.

Lt. Col. Steven Miracle, 10th Flight Test Squadron commander, looks at the nose art of the B-52H Stratofortress “Wise Guy,” during his preflight checks at Tinker Air Force Base, Okla. March 9. (U.S. Air Force photo by Paul Shirk) April 5, 2021 • 11 AFRL Directed Energy Industry Days — rolling out new rapid contracting vehicle

By Jeanne Daily munities an overview of the DETER Air Force Research Laboratory ARA structure and its unique acquisi- tion authorities, said Lisa Pendragon, an , AFRL contracting officer who is helping N.M. (AFRL) - The Air Force Research lead Industry Days. “Dr. Kelly Hammett, Laboratory Directed Energy Directorate director of AFRL’s Directed Energy Di- will host a Virtual Briefing for Industry to rectorate, will kick the event off with an introduce the new Directed Energy Tech- informative look at the Directed Energy nology Experimentation Research (DE- mission, and through breakout sessions, TER), Advanced Research Announce- attendees will be able to communicate ment (ARA) April 13 – 14 from 10 a.m. directly with experts to help determine to noon Mountain Standard Time each if their projects fit into Directed Energy day. needs.” “We are looking forward to hosting “We invite any company or institu- our first briefing for industry days,” said tion interested in engaging with AFRL in Marcella Cantu, DETER Program Man- advancing Directed Energy for national ager. “DETER is an innovative acquisi- security to join us as we roll out this excit- tion tool that will offer industry and aca- ing and game-changing, new contracting demia a new rapid and agile contracting process,” Cantu said. “Contact us at afrl. vehicle to work with Directed Energy in [email protected] for additional infor- nine topic areas. Day one is designed for mation.” industry and day two for academia.” Visit the government Solicitation and Cantu explained the event will sup- Guide link for more information and reg- port the directorate in its mission to equip istration. the joint warfighter with next-generation https://beta.sam.gov/opp/6a7b An Air Force Research Laboratory Directed Energy Directorate laser physicist technologies, advanced directed energy 9ae46a114b8cb46d15c8242edac8/ analyzes the output beam from one of the directorate’s advanced laser sources. concepts and weapon system options view?keywords =Deter&sort=- AFRL scientists investigate novel laser sources that are easily maintained, en- across all operational domains as AFRL relevance&in dex=opp&is_active vironmentally friendly, and capable of high power levels. Benefits of directed works to ensure the nation’s defense. =true& page=1 energy for the warfighter include speed of light delivery, long-range engagement, “Our goal is to provide these com- Registration is due by April 7. low collateral damage and deep magazine. (Courtesy photo)

Desert test mission Tom Hill and Capt. Nic Arosemena of the 586th Flight Test Squadron fly a T-38 Talon above the White Sands test range, , Feb. 19. The T-38 per- formed a “safety chase” flight, supporting a test mission with an F-16 from EglinAFB, Florida. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Tristan McIntire) 12 • April 5, 2021