Do Business and How We Who We Are Rauch Talks About Air Force SEMajGen 2018 Summer Days of Critical THE MOBILITY THE MAGAZINE OF AIR MOBILITY COMMAND |
SUMMER 2018 Flight Safety Information Maintainers with Junior FORUM Sharing Volume 27, No. 2 CONTENTS THE MOBILITY FORUM Summer 2018 AIR MOBILITY COMMAND Gen Carlton Everhart II
DIRECTOR OF SAFETY Col Brandon R. Hileman [email protected]
EDITORS Kim Knight 3 16 30 36 [email protected] Sherrie Schatz FROM THE TOP SEASONAL CONSIDERATIONS Sheree Lewis 3 Air Force SE Maj Gen Rauch 28 Harvey the Horrible [email protected] Talks About Who We Are and How We Do Business BASH PROGRAM GRAPHIC DESIGN 32 C-17 + Whitetail Deer = Changes Elizabeth Bailey FLIGHT SAFETY AMC HERITAGE The Mobility Forum (TMF) is published 5 Sharing Flight Safety Information four times a year by the Director of with Junior Maintainers 34 Secret WWII Mission Fueled the Fight Safety, Air Mobility Command, Scott AFB, IL. The contents are informative and RISK MANAGEMENT not regulatory or directive. Viewpoints 7 You Can’t Make This Stuff Up! REGULAR FEATURES expressed are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the policy of AMC, AMC AIRCRAFT 20 Center Spread: Fireworks Safety USAF, or any DoD agency. 10 C-5M: A Class of Its Own 26 AMC Well Done Award Presented Contributions: Please email articles and SAFETY CULTURE to the 721st Aircraft Maintenance photos to [email protected], Squadron Impoundment Team, fax to (580) 628-2011, or mail to Schatz 12 Critical Days of Summer 2018 Ramstein AB, Germany Publishing, 11950 W. Highland Ave., Blackwell, OK 74631. For questions call 24 The Road Less Traveled 27 Spotlight Award: Petro 91 Crew, 60 (580) 628-4607. The editors reserve AMW, Travis AFB, California the right to make editorial changes to AMC NEWS manuscripts. 9 Rican 68: Honoring Their Memory 37 Mishap-Free Flying Hour Milestones DE denotes digitally enhanced photo. 13 732 AMS Inspection 39 Quickstoppers Diverts Disaster at Joint Base Subscriptions: U.S. 40 A Day in the Life Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska Government Printing Office: 2015-545- 114. For sale by the Superintendent of 15 AMC Safety Operations Flight Documents, U.S. Government Printing Hosts Second Biennial Conference Office. Internet: bookstore.gpo.gov. ON THE COVER Phone: toll free (866) 512-1800; DC 16 A “Rosie the Riveter” Honored Fireworks explode behind a C-130 area (202) 512-1800. Fax: (202) 512- with Lifetime Achievement Hercules during Celebrate America at 2104. Mail: Stop IDCC, Washington, DC Award and C-17 Flight Yokota AB, Japan. 20402-0001. 18 Five Years of Hard Work Wins USAF photo by Yasuo Osakabe AMC RP 91-2. Dist: X Inaugural Spark Tank Innovation ISSN 1067-8999 Cup for AMC Airman
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2 The Mobility Forum FROM THE TOP
Air Force SE Maj Gen Rauch Talks About Who We Are and How We Do Business
BY MS. RITA HESS, STAFF WRITER
Maj Gen John T. Rauch Jr., Commander of the Air Force Safety Center at Kirtland AFB
Like many o accomplish its mission, the have a good plan? Do you have the organizations, Safety Center responsibilities skills necessary?” the Air Force include promoting mishap prevention programs Rauch believes technology and Safety Center Tand policy; overseeing mishap the resulting data will continue to has a mission: investigations; developing safety dominate our future. He cited the Line and risk management education; and Operations Safety Audit, a program maintaining the mishap database. Air Mobility Command implemented, as something others want to emulate, Maj Gen John T. Rauch Jr. serves and says Air Combat Command, Air SAFEGUARD as Commander of the Air Force Force Special Operations Command, Safety Center at Kirtland AFB in and others are looking at latching onto AIRMEN Albuquerque, New Mexico. He is parts of LOSA. also Air Force Chief of Safety in Washington, D.C. Despite a busy “We are also making sure programs schedule, he says safety is his passion. like the Airman Safety Action Program PROTECT are where they need to be so Air “I don’t see safety as a separate Mobility Command can embrace the RESOURCES component of our business, and it opportunity for every Airman to be shouldn’t be a goal. Safety needs to be a sensor. Integrating Military Flight part of our Air Force culture—who we Operations Quality Assurance data are and how we do business.” gathered from airplanes is an area that nobody uses to the extent AMC does.” PRESERVE Over many decades, safety has tended to transition from risk-based Still, Rauch says progress continues, COMBAT management to operational risk as do ideas about ways to provide management. easier access to the magnitude of READINESS data collected to make it more useful. “Just telling Airmen to be safe is not However, he pointed out that the flip necessarily enough,” he explains. side of having so much information “We need to help Airmen manage is the challenge of protecting it. As risks. For example, maybe we present new platforms come on, whether a www.safety.af.mil information in easy to digest ideas. program of record like the K-loader Do you have the right gear? Do you or something entirely different, Rauch
Summer 2018 3 FROM THE TOP
The Air Force safety organization trains today at levels everyone understands, so Airmen know how to evaluate risks and make good decisions on and off duty.”
Maj Gen John T. Rauch Jr., Air Force Chief of Safety and Commander of the Air Force Safety Center, and MSgt Michael Cupp stand ready to greet Air Force Chief of Staff Gen David L. Goldfein at Kirtland AFB, N.M., Oct. 19, 2017. Goldfein met with the Safety Center to learn how they support the nuclear mission and the Air Force nuclear enterprise. USAF photo by SSgt J.D. Strong II
wants to be sure the service collects acquiring them more quickly does not In closing, Rauch says it is and uses information constructively. overshadow the need to ensure those interesting to watch AMC’s efforts products have the tools that we need applied to other areas of the “When the National Transportation built in. He explains that the Air Force service, and he wants to help all Safety Board and others investigate is looking at ways to blend safety and MAJCOMs solve issues for a very a collision, they pull data from a maintenance data efficiently, regardless important reason. multitude of sources. We are on of whether it is data AMC generated or the cusp of utilizing this same came from elsewhere. “Airmen are our most precious technology for our vehicles on the asset. It is painful to lose somebody, flight line that will likely be able to Rauch hopes we continue to learn from both for us as individuals and as an do the same thing we did in aviation our past and describes a few incidents organization. The Air Force safety where we recreate incidents to learn that made safety personal for him. organization trains today at levels from what happened. But we have to everyone understands, so Airmen figure out how to do that smartly. We “We used to learn about systems the know how to evaluate risks and need to develop something like what hard way when a mishap happened,” make good decisions on and off we call a Just Culture, so if you’re he says. “I lost a college friend to the duty. Still,” he concludes, “we have a making an honest mistake, we can all accident in Alaska when an AWACS moral requirement to do the best we learn from it.” flew through a flock of geese. In can to help keep our teammates safe another incident, an airplane collapsed as we execute the mission, and it is Another concern is the push to get during a maintenance procedure and more than just telling them to be safe. products and services faster than injured someone who mentored me in It is looking out for each other, and ever. Rauch hopes our focus on my first operational squadron.” always being a good wingman.”
4 The Mobility Forum FLIGHT SAFETY Sharing Flight Safety Information with Junior Maintainers
BY MR. LALO MAYNES, HQ AMC FLIGHT SAFETY
s a safety professional in the don’t know that, we can’t prevent it It is a challenge to Air Force, one of the biggest from happening again. That is why challenges I’ve had is ensuring privileged safety information is ensure the most Aour Airmen “wrench-turners” protected—to ensure it’s used only by junior members of the receive current and accurate safety people and agencies whose duties mishap information. The information include relevant mishap prevention maintenance community in most aviation mishap reports is responsibilities. I’ve shared with you receive flight safety privileged safety information (PSI) why we have an obligation to protect and must be protected in accordance PSI, now let’s find out what PSI is. information. Airmen with Air Force Instruction 91-204, make up a large number Safety Investigations Reports. In this Privileged Safety Information results article, I’ll discuss what PSI is, why from the deliberative process of of the aviation workforce. it’s protected, the reluctance or fear the investigation. The analysis, Safety professionals can of sharing PSI with maintenance findings, causes, and conclusions are personnel, and why PSI is vital all privileged. The testimony given help reduce maintenance and needs to be shared with our to an investigator, the computer related mishaps maintainers to prevent future mishap generated animations, the simulation occurrences. I’ll also demonstrate how or simulator reenactments in which the by sharing mishap certain Air Force safety officials are investigator analysis is incorporated, experiences with junior authorized to share PSI with Air Force and the diagrams or photographs members on a need-to-know basis in developed by the investigator are all maintainers. accordance with AFI 91-204. considered PSI. This list is general and is mentioned here for the purpose On some evening, at some location, of this article. For more detailed release of PSI within the Air Force is on some particular aircraft, a mishap information, please see AFI 91-204. authorized, but it must be carefully occurred and one engine of the followed. This is where most safety aircraft was damaged. To prevent Privileged Safety Information is used offices fall short in their quest to that same situation from happening only for “officially authorized mishap ensure the “one-striper-wrench-turner” again, we need to know how and prevention purposes.” Sharing PSI is will see this critical information. Most why the event(s) took place that taken very seriously in the Air Force safety offices just won’t do it. Why? developed into a mishap. When Air and we (safety professionals) have a Fear of punishment for improper Force personnel are involved, they are duty to protect its use. In accordance handling of PSI. required to tell the safety investigators with AFI 91-204, we are given strict what happened. That information guidance how to handle its use. As So, PSI is that critical information may be “privileged” and therefore quoted here from paragraph 3.1.1., vital to understanding who, what, CANNOT be used against the person “Violations of the prohibitions in when, where, why, and how the for administrative punishment or any paragraph 3.3.1. of this instruction are mishap took place. It is used only by other punitive action. punishable under Article 92, UCMJ those whose duties include relevant and may be grounds for disciplinary mishap prevention responsibilities. If we do not protect the person’s actions according to civilian per- We safety professionals constantly testimony, people involved in future sonnel regulations, or may lead to provide mishap briefings to members mishaps may not be willing to testify contract action.” of the aviation committee. We openly to investigators about events discuss various topics and provide that led to the mishap. Without the We must follow this instruction, information as “lessons learned” on witness testimony, we may not be able exactly as written, to ensure proper a need-to-know basis and solely for to determine why it occurred. If we handling and use of PSI. Limiting the mishap prevention. Additionally, often
Summer 2018 5 FLIGHT SAFETY
this information is inadequate when (MI). At maintenance training TSgt Alidio A. Ventura, 514th Maintenance “sanitized,” which means removal (MT), all instructors were tasked to Squadron, 514 AMW, monitors the opening of the reverser doors on a C-17 Globemaster III at develop and review the courses we of PSI (or the who, what, when, Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J. where, why, and how) in the mishap taught. Each year, numerous wing USAF photo by MSgt Mark C. Olsen report. However, people whose duties agencies met to concur or make include relevant mishap prevention changes to the course documents. responsibilities need to fully and completely know those details of the When I became the Flight Safety NCO, workplaces, operations and support. mishap to glean “lessons learned.” I contacted the training managers to Potential spot inspection/monitoring Otherwise, our people only get half of ensure I represented wing safety for areas include but are not limited to: the mishap picture. each review. For each course, I gave 7.6.4.2.12. Flight safety information the MI who taught that course a list of use in maintenance training flight.” Humans make mistakes—that includes relevant, current mishaps, which I do humans who fly the aircraft and those in MT offices throughout AMC today. This paragraph suggests that main- who maintain it. Safety professionals tenance personnel should be briefed need to follow guidance in AFI As the FSNCO, I sanitized each mishap on aircraft mishaps; more specifically, 91-204, paragraph 3.7.2. “Chiefs of report. Initially, it was labor intensive flight safety information should be Safety, Safety Investigation Board to ensure all PSI was removed from used in the maintenance training flight (SIB) presidents, Single Investigating each mishap report. However, later so that instructors brief their stu- Officers (SIO) are authorized, when that year, I watched an Airman dents on the potential of maintenance sanitized information is inadequate, servicing liquid oxygen. After he mishaps. Today, Flight Safety and to provide PSI as lessons learned to finished, I asked if he heard about a Maintenance Training staff members Air Force members on a need-to- mishap that occurred at Base X doing are looking at ways to do just that. know basis and solely for mishap the same task he was performing. I prevention. They will ensure members was delighted to hear the junior crew I hope I’ve clearly communicated the are instructed on properly protecting chief say, “Yes sir. My instructor told importance of protecting PSI. The PSI, their responsibilities to prevent me about the mishap. I’ll always Air Force protects those who testify unauthorized release, and that they remember him saying, ‘Don’t let this openly to investigators so they can sign non-disclosure agreements.” happen to you!’ He briefed a different determine the cause of the mishap for mishap for every task; it was like the purpose of mishap prevention. I It is a challenge to ensure the most he cared.” Obviously the MI left an also hope you see that the AFI allows junior members of the maintenance impression on this Airman. for limited release of PSI but must community receive flight safety be strictly followed. If you have any information. Airmen make up a large If you, as a safety professional, need questions on the process, please number of the aviation workforce. another reason to share flight safety contact me. I’ll be happy to help. Safety professionals can help reduce information with maintenance maintenance related mishaps by personnel, look in AFI 91-202, The U.S. It was indeed a great feeling hearing sharing mishap experiences with Air Force Mishap Prevention Program, a junior crew chief tell me about a junior maintainers. paragraph: 7.6.4. mishap that I gave his instructor six months earlier—and knowing he’ll Before becoming a wing flight safety “Flight Safety personnel will inspect, share the same experience with crew NCO, I was a maintenance instructor assess and monitor flight-related chiefs that follow him.
6 The Mobility Forum ASAP | LOSA | MFOQA | CRM/TEM RISK MANAGEMENT You Can’t Make This Stuff Up!
BY MSGT KEVIN CRUZ, AMC OPS RAMS After the plane was s Air Mobility Command After the four-day delay, the crew was double-blocked for the professionals, we nearly ready to depart home station prepare as best we can to pick up their cargo at a CONUS refuel, the loadmaster— Afor upcoming missions, location; however, they still didn’t while accomplishing though we never really know what to have a PPR. expect while on the road. We pump his After Loading our schedulers for information, As mobility aircrew members, we study regulations, and “chair fly” are used to paperwork mistakes and checklist—realized that our missions. We might even read shouldn’t be caught off guard, right? a passenger had tried ASAP reports related to our Mission Though the TACC suggested they Design Series to see what lessons we take off from the CONUS enroute to hide a dog beneath a can learn from other crews who have location and get the PPR enroute, the experience at the same locations. AC refused to depart until the PPR blanket to take it out of issue was resolved. After sitting in the the country. In addition, we try to think of things aircraft for two hours past departure that may happen to us (threats) in time, the crew was informed by TACC order to catch them immediately. that they could not proceed to their as a dirt patch without proper weight But one can’t think of every scenario subsequent enroute stop in Spain’s bearing capacity, specifically stating and must adapt to the threats as Canary Islands. That incomplete that C-17s are restricted from using they come. Hopefully, the threats are paperwork (along with a maintenance the military ramp. The crew complied dispersed across multiple missions issue for a sheared starter) delayed the with the “follow me” truck as far as and not targeted at a single flight. mission another four days. possible, then stopped as close as they Recently, however, AMC Ops RAMS could to the cargo; a good call. The received an ASAP report from a crew Finally, after a total of eight days, the crew then realized that the documents who encountered multiple obstacles crew departed for their destination. were incorrect and a large paved ramp throughout their mission. Thankfully, Approximately two and a half hours north of the restricted ramp was the they were experienced and ready for into the flight, they received a call from actual military ramp. Having different almost anything. TACC stating that their diplomatic information and terminology between clearances and PPR were denied, ground personnel and the Giant The beleaguered mission began despite being previously approved. Report only added to the confusion. delayed by four days. The aircraft Forbidden to land at their destination commander (AC) for the mission (an with the hazardous cargo they had After the plane was double-blocked instructor) had his student call the on board, the crew diverted to Lajes, for the refuel, the loadmaster—while Tanker Airlift Control Center (TACC) Azores, to remedy the problem. accomplishing his After Loading planning cell to point out that (1) checklist—realized that a passenger their prior permission required (PPR) The crew finally arrived at their next had tried to hide a dog beneath a was not complete for the mission, destination in the AOR a few days blanket to take it out of the country. (2) they didn’t have a courier slated later. Upon arrival, they were told to The passenger, when answering the for their mission as outlined in the taxi to the military ramp. The crew loadmaster’s questions, originally Foreign Clearance Guide, and (3) their knew that the Giant Report and airfield claimed the dog to be a service diplomatic clearances were out of date. diagram showed the military ramp dog and provided a commercial
Summer 2018 7 RISK MANAGEMENT
C-17A Globemaster III
Despite the long delays and multiple obstacles encountered, the long- suffering crew didn’t let their guard down. They saw problems and handled them appropriately, completing the mission successfully and safely.
vaccination record. The dog was not Adding to the already chaotic mission, You can’t make this stuff up! on the manifest, did not have a proper the crew chief noticed during the next As aircrew members, you never kennel, and was not cleared through day that the lavatory had been over know what to expect when out customs and agriculture. serviced. As if these unusual events on the road. But with the right were not enough, four passengers had training and attention to detail, Also, a customs agent was on board to deplane due to a passenger suffering you can spot a situation that isn’t manifested as a passenger! The AC from a possible drugging while at a right and handle it appropriately spoke with the troop commander, local bar! while successfully continuing describing how his troop almost cost even the most rigorous mission. the crew a lot of money and almost Despite the long delays and multiple got someone arrested for having the obstacles encountered, the long- To read the entire ASAP submission, dog. The AC finally demanded the suffering crew didn’t let their guard visit the ASAP scoreboard at the dog be removed from the aircraft. A down. They saw problems and AFSAS website at https://afsas.safety. bit embarrassed, the troop ensured handled them properly, completing af.mil. I want to thank the crew for the dog was removed from the aircraft the mission successfully and safely. providing their contact information (it was left with a unit member who After arriving at their home station, so we could reach out to them and was remaining in the country). This the crew submitted ASAP report gather the details needed to help close situation delayed the mission 40 number 5617 so their peers could the loop on this mission. As always, minutes; but again, the crew saw read about what they encountered. personal identity will never leave the something out of the ordinary and Hopefully, the MAF community will Ops RAMS office. Stay vigilant out handled the situation appropriately. watch for similar situations. there, and continue to fly safely!
8 The Mobility Forum • RICAN 68 • Honoring Their Memory
Maj José R. Román Rosado from Manati, Puerto Rico, had 18 years of service. Maj Carlos Pérez Serra from Canóvanas, Puerto Rico, had 23 years of service. 1Lt David Albandoz from Puerto Rico, residing in Madison, Alabama, had 16 years of service. SMSgt Jan Paravisini from Canóvanas, Puerto Rico, had 21 years of service. MSgt Jean Audriffred from Carolina, Puerto Rico, had 16 years of service. MSgt Mario Braña from Bayamón, Puerto Rico, had 17 years of service. MSgt Víctor Colón from Santa Isabel, Puerto Rico, had 22 years of service. MSgt Eric Circuns from Rio Grande, Puerto Rico, had 31 years of service. SrA Roberto Espada from Salinas, Puerto Rico, had 3 years of service.
On May 2, 2018, a WC-130H from the 156th Airlift Wing of the Puerto Rico Air National Guard crashed near Hilton Head Airport in Savannah, Georgia. The mishap took the lives of nine personnel. Air Mobility Command mourns this tragic loss and remembers their sacrifice.
Summer 2018 9 AMC AIRCRAFT
C-5M
A CLASS OF ITS OWN
BY MS. KIM KNIGHT, STAFF WRITER 70 aircraft improvements compared one modernized the engines and to legacy models. One of the biggest mechanics of the airplane, which is a he C-5M Super Galaxy is the is the new GE [General Electric] reliability focus.” C-5Mlargest aircraft in the Air Force engines, which provide over 22 inventory. With a primary percent more thrust, cut the climb Air Mobility Command began mission to transport cargo and time in half, and offer a tenfold the aggressive program to change Tpersonnel, this modernized version increase in engine reliability.” C-5s in 1998. In addition to engines of the legacy C-5 definitely meets and other system upgrades, this expectations—and it does so in style! Mr. Mark McUmber, Headquarters modernization program also AFRC C-5 Program Manager, agreed enhanced aircraft reliability, Col Gerard Malloy, Deputy Director of about the updates. maintained structural and system Air, Space and Information Operations integrity, and increased operational at Air Force Reserve Command “The last few major modifications— capability. A state-of-the-art Headquarter on Robins Air Force Base, the Avionics Modernization Program maintenance diagnostics system can Georgia, says the C-5M is in a class of and the Reliability Enhancement and record and analyze data from more its own and that nothing compares to it. Re-Engineering Program—are the than 7,000 test points, reducing the two biggest in the last 10 years. The maintenance and repair time. “The C-5 has been a stable workhorse first one addressed the C-5 cockpit, for the Air Force for a number of adding more glass and getting rid of Another big difference is that the years,” he said. “It underwent over many gauge indicators. The second Super Galaxy is quieter than the
10 The Mobility Forum AMC AIRCRAFT
A C-5M Super Galaxy aircraft from Travis AFB, The C-5 is the only strategic Calif., prepares to land at Amedee Army Airfield, airlift capable of linking Calif., as part of a week-long readiness exercise. USAF photo by TSgt Liliana Moreno warfighters in all theaters of combat without refueling. It can carry more cargo farther and McUmber estimated the larger C-5 can more reliably than any other carry twice the load size of the C-17. strategic airlift—up to 36 pallets “The primary concept is to use a large of cargo, which can weigh up to aircraft that can accommodate a large load to get it where it’s needed,” he a quarter of a million pounds.” explained. “Some cargo items—NASA rocket motors, for example—require a C-5 because they can’t fit into a C-17. The final deliveries of aircraft with these enhancements should take some of the burden off the C-17.”
Both the nose and aft doors open on the C-5, allowing ground crews to simultaneously load and off-load cargo from both ends. Drive-on ramps at each end enable double rows of vehicles to be transported. It can also take off and land on relatively short runways.
Col Malloy summarized by adding A CLASS OF ITS OWN that the C-5M Super Galaxy equips the AF Reserve and the Total Force C-17 Globemaster III. That is impres- in all theaters of combat without with a more capable and reliable sive, considering the four General refueling,” said Malloy. “It can carry weapon of mass delivery, whether Electric CF6 80C2 L1F (F138) com- more cargo farther and more reliably supporting relief efforts or supplying mercial engines Malloy mentioned than any other strategic airlift—up the warfighter. provide a lot of power in the air. The to 36 pallets of cargo, up to a quarter five sets of landing gear (28 wheels) of a million pounds. It can carry six “This opens a new chapter in rapid provide a smooth landing, too. The Apache attack helicopters or four N2 global response to ensure the Air Force upgrades didn’t overlook function- or N3 Bradly tanks—that’s like six Active Duty and Reserve are equally ality, either. The displays inside the Greyhound buses.” trained and equipped,” he said. “Final cockpit now have state-of-the-art deliveries are scheduled for summer, glass and instrumentation, as well as Indeed, specifications indicate after which there will be 52 in the total improved lighting in the cargo area that with a cargo load of 281,001 inventory, with 16 totally operated by of the aircraft. pounds, it can fly 2,150 nautical AF Reserve.” miles, offload, and fly to a second Perhaps one of the most important base 500 nautical miles away Future modernization efforts include features of the C-5 Super Galaxy is from the original destination—all incorporating advanced weather radar, cargo capacity and range. without aerial refueling. With mission computing, communication aerial refueling factored in, the systems, and air traffic management to “The C-5 is the only strategic airlift aircraft’s range is limited only by meet FAA mandates and survivability capable of linking warfighters crew endurance. in theater.
Summer 2018 11 SAFETY CULTURE CRITICAL DAYS OF SUMMER 2018
BY MSGT CLINTON HAMMONS, HQ AMC OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY
ir Mobility Command’s mishap scenarios used as small group this year’s CDS effort because one Critical Days of Summer discussion topics between supervisors Airman lost due to preventable (CDS) campaign began on and work center personnel. Together, mishaps is one too many. Memorial Day weekend these spark conversations between Aand will continue through Labor Day Airmen and help instill the importance While AMC was fortunate to have weekend. With the summer months of personal risk management. zero fatal mishaps during last year’s bringing warmer weather, they also CDS campaign, the Air Force as a bring more opportunities for Airmen Preventable mishaps lurk around whole wasn’t as fortunate, losing to participate in risky activities. every corner during the summer. It 10 Airmen to mishaps during the is imperative for us to assess the risk CDS. Many of these fatal mishaps The annual CDS campaign of our activities and make sound were motor vehicle accidents, which focuses Airmen on personal risk decisions based on these assessments. are often the result of poor choices management and sound decision- While it may sound easy, when like driving too fast, drinking and making during this time of increased activities are coupled with heightened driving, and/or distracted driving. activity. To help combat these risks, excitement, peer pressure, and alcohol Alcohol was determined to be a AMC continues to promote the or other mind-altering drugs, the factor in at least 4 of the 10 mishaps. annual safety awareness campaign. line between sound decisions and In most of the mishaps, sound poor decisions tends to blur. Because decisions could have prevented This year’s CDS campaign slogan is of this, a culture of personal risk the incident or at least reduced the “Sound Decisions” to remind Airmen management is needed. It’s your injury severity. of the importance of conducting proper life—do you really want to risk it personal risk management assessments unnecessarily? We hope you enjoy this summer. for both on- and off-duty activities. All However, while you are out there too often, personnel overlook minor The goal of the CDS campaign is zero enjoying the weather and various details or simply ignore known risks, fatal mishaps. We are glad to say that activities, remember: if you didn’t which results in injuries or even death. last year, we accomplished it for the conduct a sound risk assessment, AMC is combating this by providing second year in a row and only the then you may not be making a multiple sources of media and third time in AMC’s history. We hope “Sound Decision” and let’s face it… educational information, as well as to have continued success during sound decisions save lives!
12 The Mobility Forum AMC NEWS
732 AMS Inspection Diverts Disaster at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska
BY MS. KIM KNIGHT, STAFF WRITER units running close by, the sound of happened. We identified there were the pin dropping went unnoticed. three covers that had broken lanyards he strategic location of Joint and one unaccounted for pin.” Base Elmendorf-Richardson “C-5M technical data doesn’t require (JBER) in Alaska provides a us to get into the inlet,” said SMSgt Thankfully, the $15 million motor Tdiverse and unique mission Michael Puppe, Aircraft Maintenance was unharmed by the rogue pin. A that sets it apart from any other in Unit Superintendent, 732d AMS. “The specialist was called in and determined Air Mobility Command. Lt Col Paul aircrew came out, did a walk-around the damaged blades could be blended Copper, Commander of the 732d Air check, and proceeded with engine and did not have to be replaced, so the Mobility Squadron (AMS), explained. start procedures. As soon as they severity of the situation was greatly started up, they could hear something reduced. However, the maintenance “Other bases have one mission, aircraft bouncing around and immediately crew took the incident very seriously assigned to a specific location, and shut down.” The loose pin had because JBER endures long winters personnel who deploy—it’s all one banged around and damaged three of with extreme conditions that require team,” he said. “Here, we support the the blades. the use of engine covers often. PACAF base as a tenant and support services such as the Coast Guard “I requested the aircraft be “I talked with Chief Jason Benford, who fly in, as well as various radar impounded to lock it down,” Puppe Maintenance Superintendent, 732d sites across Alaska. We don’t just said. “We immediately pulled out AMS, about how to avoid a repeat have a single mission. Where we are the covers to determine how it had occurrence,” added Puppe. “Some of geographically, we support the state of Alaska and the entire Pacific area. A lot of cargo flows through us going to the Pacific, being the first land mass coming out of Asia and going back to the lower 48 states.”
JBER certainly plays a key role in rapid global mobility for the enroute, which keeps the hardworking Airmen on the flightline engaged. Upon arrival and departure, each aircraft undergoes a lengthy list of inspections by ground and flight crews to ensure a safe flight. Normally, the preflight checks go according to plan—but not always.
For example, while inspecting a C-5M prior to launch, the maintenance crew pulled off each of the four engine covers. In the process, a pin used to attach a cover dropped down into the engine. With An Airman from 732 AMS, Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, attaching engine covers. the noise of the heaters and power Photo by Kim Knight
Summer 2018 13 AMC NEWS
The decision to voluntarily add the inspection to the pre-launch sequence quickly proved a valuable use of time.
the old practices, such as an inlet inspection, have gone away based on educated decisions. We decided to add this to our local operating instruction, as there was no requirement to climb up in the inlet in this case. The Chief and I decided to implement a preflight inlet and exhaust foreign object [F.O.] inspection for all C-17 and C-5M aircraft prior to launch.” Right upper wing trapezoid panel delamination The decision to voluntarily add the inspection to the pre- launch sequence quickly proved a valuable use of time. Shortly after the implementation, while SSgt Daniel Linger, Crew Chief, 732d AMS, was conducting the new inlet and exhaust inspection on a C-17, he noticed an 8.5-inch crack on the nacelle portion of the #1 engine. Another crack was discovered during a sheet metal inspection. The cracks were severe enough that flight was unsafe, so the entire inlet nacelle had to be replaced.
Also, a basic post-flight/pre-flight (BPO/PRE) inspection is required when an aircraft has extended ground time. In this case, the inlet nacelle replacement drove extended ground time and a BPO/PRE inspection was required. During the in-depth inspection of engine intakes and exhausts, TSgt Dominic Castagna, Crew Chief, 732d AMS, discovered two nicked blades in the #2 engine and a bent blade in the #4 engine that required blending. In the #4 engine, Castagna also pinpointed 10 areas of acoustic liner or perforated liner delamination that sheet metal maintenance personnel Engine inlet crack deemed out of limits and required repair. In addition, while conducting the upper wing inspection during the BPO/ PRE, SSgt Jonathan Bice, Hydraulic Systems Craftsman, 732d AMS, identified a right wing trapezoid panel separated from the body of the aircraft, which also required repair.
“If it were not for the 732d implementation of the inlet and exhaust F.O. inspection and SSgt Linger’s keen eye, none of the discrepancies following the #1 engine cracks would have been identified, posing a potential catastrophic foreign object damage mishap,” stated Puppe.
Lt Col Copper’s vision statement, People first: Pride in our Profession is evident in the Airmen at the 732d AMS who go above and beyond in their duties to ensure high standards are met. Whether heading to a remote Alaskan destination, the Pacific, or the lower 48, each aircraft is thoroughly #2 and #4 engine blade damage inspected for a safe flight.
14 The Mobility Forum AMC NEWS
AMC Safety Operations Flight Hosts Second Biennial Conference
BY MSGT NICHOLAS HALL, HQ AMC SAFETY OPERATIONS SUPERINTENDENT
he AMC Safety Operations Flight hosted an enroute safety conference in TDecember 2017. The objective of the conference was to provide an avenue for professional development Standing, left to right: Mr. Chris Flaherty (727 AMS), Ms. Stella Bazzo (724 AMS), MSgt Dustin Hayden and information sharing for AMC (AMC/SEO), TSgt Anthony Fagalde (721 AMXS), TSgt John Fox (726 AMS), Mr. Mike Wahler (AMC/ enroute safety professionals assigned SEO), TSgt Carlton Anthony (721 AMXS), MSgt Ryan Armour (721 APS), TSgt Amy Barnett (725 AMS), to the 521st and 515th Air Mobility MSgt Justin Musall (735 AMS), MSgt Nick Hall (AMC/SEO), Lt Col Michael Ueda (5 EAMS), and Mr. Operations Wings (AMOWs). Joel Tietjens (ASSE). Kneeling, left to right: TSgt Chelsie McCall (730 AMS), TSgt Rachel Johnson (731 AMS), and TSgt Chris Bunn-Toves.
Attendees gained an enhanced strategic perspective, as well as Society of Safety Engineers (ASSE), St. focusing on enroute weapons safety critical thinking and executive-level Louis University College for Public considerations, Interim Safety Board/ communication skills necessary to Health and Social Justice, and the Safety Investigation Board actions and execute the Command’s Enroute Air Force Safety Center to determine responsibilities, mishap prevention Mishap Prevention Program. This availability, cost, and suitability. Safety from the Flight Safety perspective, was accomplished through robust professionals assigned to AMC enroute and command occupational safety enroute safety professional dialog units were also solicited for ideas and updates. The weeklong conference focusing on command/leadership inputs. The group ultimately decided was rounded out by the Influential positions and expectations, mishap on the ASSE Influential Leadership Leadership Skills course; AMCI 91-205, response duties and responsibilities, Skills course because they liked The AMC Enroute Mishap Prevention and executive leadership influence. the focus on strategic thinking and Program; and AMOW safety awards The majority of attendees were 1S0s planning, and influencing executive, guides workshops. Individual inputs (full-time Air Force occupational middle, and line management. for the AMCI and awards guides safety professionals) or their were coalesced and discussed for respective alternates and unit safety The 2017 enroute conference marks implementation in future updates. representatives. Director of Operations the first time the 1S0X1 Career Field Lt Col Michael Ueda from the 5th Manager (CFM) was invited to A group social rounded out the week’s Expeditionary Air Mobility Squadron specifically address enroute safety events. This enabled the hosts and and additional maintenance personnel professionals in one-deep assignments. the attendees to discuss official and attended and responded positively in The attendance and availability of the unofficial business in a more relaxed written feedbacks. CFM had the single biggest impact environment. It also provided network- on attendees, based on verbal and ing opportunities for all. The conference Safety Operations personnel, who also written feedbacks. Representatives was rated a tremendous success, and serve as the wing safety staff for the from respective AMC safety planning is already in progress for the AMOWs, reached out to the American disciplines addressed the attendees, 2019 enroute conference.
Summer 2018 15 AMC NEWS
Elinor Otto visits March ARB, Calif., on Dec. 18, 2017, for a flight aboard a C-17 Globemaster that she helped build. She is welcomed by Gen Carlton D. Everhart II, AMC commander, and Lt Gen Maryanne Miller, Air Force Reserve Command commander. USAF photo by A1C Michelle Ulber Elinor Otto A “Rosie the Riveter” Honored with Lifetime Achievement Award and C-17 Flight BY MS. KIM KNIGHT, STAFF WRITER oday, the “Rosie the Riveter” the men weren’t very happy about us poster is an iconic image women working with them, but they representing thousands of accepted it as we did our jobs.” Twomen who went to work producing munitions and supplies She explained that those starting out during World War II. But in January as a “Rosie” didn’t work on the big 1942, the brightly colored poster was planes at first. a help wanted ad for Ms. Elinor Otto. The poster read, “Men are going off “It took a while for that, but we had big to war, come and do your part.” So, parts that went on all the war planes. Ms. Otto rolled up her sleeves and We didn’t always know what part we went to work building planes at Rohr were working on or what it was going Aviation in Chula Vista, California, on. We just had to keep on schedule, so for 65 cents an hour. the planes could go to combat.”
“They didn’t have time to train us, we Ms. Otto said the working women didn’t go to school—just did on the didn’t realize their role during the war job training with lead men who were was of any importance. When the war experienced building airplanes,” she was over, and the men returned home, said of the early days. “They were very all the assembly women were handed helpful and showed us what to do. We pink slips and they were let go—that appreciated it because we had heard was it.
16 The Mobility Forum AMC NEWS
There was a time when men said women can’t do this or that, but we’ve proved ourselves in every way. It’s just marvelous how women can now do all these things. We’ve come a long way!” – Elinor Otto
people,” she said. “I think I’ve inspired people to keep working.” Indeed, this living legend is a true inspiration who paved the way for women. Her 68 years of hard work and dedication also earned her the well-deserved Lifetime Achievement Medal from the Air Force Association on September 18, 2017. At that time, Gen Carlton Everhart learned that despite having built 279 of the mighty C-17s, Ms. Otto never had an opportunity to fly in one. A special CMSgt Deborah McGuane, 336 ARS, and Elinor Otto look at a Rosie the Riveter “We Can Do It” poster mission was organized in her honor. at March ARB, Calif. CMSgt McGuane was part of the all female KC-135 Stratotanker aircrew that refueled the C-17 Globemaster III Elinor flew in for her first C-17 flight. “The airplane flight … ” she exclaimed. USAF photo by MSgt Eric Harris “I just couldn’t sleep! I was on cloud nine for days! I’m so proud of the honor and privilege. The Air Force has She tried her hand at secretarial work the C-17 because her small but sturdy been so kind to me.” but didn’t care for sitting at a desk, so hands built 279 of them. she quickly found her way back to the Prior to her epic flight, which was aeronautical industry and resumed “We were such a wonderful crew, and orchestrated from March Air Reserve her Rosie the Riveter duties. Over we got a lot of recognition by keeping Base in December 2017, Gen Everhart the course of her 68-year career, she the plane and costs on schedule. And said, “There are people on the other helped build the C-17, KC-135, DC-10, all the pilots love to fly that plane,” side of the world right now whose DC-9, and DC-707, as well as the she added. lives have been destroyed by war or fighters for war. natural disaster. They are receiving Ms. Otto got up at 5 o’clock every lifesaving humanitarian aid, delivered “From building airplanes in 1942 on morning, stopped for a cup of coffee on the wings of one of the many up, the technology changed,” she on the way to work, and had a rivet aircraft that you built. They will explained. “The material became gun in her hand almost daily until probably never know your name or the thicker and more difficult to work she was 95 years old. As the longest way in which you affected their lives, with, but I liked it. One of the planes working Rosie, she is quick to say she but on their behalf and on behalf of the I worked on in the 1950s was the never retired. But the Boeing plant Airmen that are bravely flying those KC-135. I worked on the entire fuselage. where she worked closed in 2014, so aircraft, I am honored to represent I worked on a lot of planes and am she was laid off. them and to say thank you. Thank you thrilled some are still in operation.” for the incredible airplanes you have “People ask me why I worked so long. built. Thank you for the example you When asked which plane was her It was because I enjoyed doing my job, have set. Thank you for the inspiration favorite, she said it was undoubtedly working on airplanes, and being around you have given all of us.”
Summer 2018 17 AMC NEWS
Five Years of Hard Work Wins Inaugural Spark Tank Innovation Cup for AMC Airman
MSgt Bartek Bachleda USAF photo by SrA Robert Gunn
MSgt Bartek Bachleda (right), 22d ARW aircraft boom operator from McConnell AFB, Kan., briefs his idea to the Spark Tank panel during the Air Force Association Air Warfare Symposium in Orlando, Fla., Feb. 22, 2018. USAF photo by Wayne A. Clark
BY MS. KIM KNIGHT, STAFF WRITER
ack in 2012, when MSgt Bartek Bachleda was in charge of scheduling flights for KC-135 instructors and students at Altus AFB, Oklahoma, he noticed it was a regular occurrence for instructor boom B An Airman demonstrates use of the ergonomic boom instructor platform operators to have an ailment(s) which earned them DNIF and pad designed by MSgt Bartek Bachleda. (Duties Not Including Flying) status.
“When primary instructors went DNIF, I’d have to find a As a KC-135 boom operator for nearly 14 years, Bachleda replacement and juggle to make sure every instructor had a explained that it is a small career field of roughly 800 people day with their student to brief, fly, and debrief because each spread out all over the world. There had never been much student sortie requires three consecutive days of availability. medical cross talk so the problems went unnoticed. If it had So, it was very frustrating,” he said. But, what started out as been a larger career field, the large medical expenditure most frustration turned into a quest for answers. likely would have been recognized and corrected long ago.
“I researched what was going on and compiled information Bachleda did not stand idly by; he took it upon himself to from instructor boom operators who had had surgeries find a solution. He determined the source was the non- for back, neck, and knee or shoulder complications. The ergonomic floor design and lack of support of the boom medical expenses for a single squadron totaled $2 million” instructor platform. he continued. “In fiscal year 2014—including Active Duty, Reserve, Guard, and veterans—it was $132 million in medical “We’ve been using a 2D solution for a 3D problem since costs, and that does not include the quality of life issues.” 1956, and it’s simply not working” he added.
18 The Mobility Forum AMC NEWS
“The solutions to current Air Force As an Airman at the 22nd Air Refueling problems are walking in our Air Force Wing, McConnell AFB, Bachleda today. If you have an idea but don’t If you have an submitted his idea at the wing level for know how to proceed, learn and figure Spark Tank, a call for Air Force wide it out. Go out and research or find idea, submit it. No innovative ideas. He won and became people who do know. You don’t have to more excuses.” one of six finalists at the Air Force level. solve all the problems. You just have to At the Air Force Association (AFA) know what the problem is and have a Air Warfare Symposium in Florida rough solution. Talk to the experts who MSgt Bartek Bachleda on February 22, 2018, he presented can help you along the way,” he said. his KC-135 boom instructor platform Gen Carlton D. Everhart II, AMC proposal to Air Force leadership He designed a chin rest for neck/head commander, speak of innovations and won the first-ever Spark Tank support and redesigned the floor panel in the works around AMC and did innovation competition. and then the entire cushion. The panel not miss the opportunity to pitch was easy, but the cushion took almost his platform idea. Right off, he told “When I got up on the stage at a year because it went through five Gen Everhart he could save the Air AFA, I went into the standard brief revisions after being tested by over Force over $100 million a year, which mode. But what I really wanted to 200 operators in flight simulators at grabbed his attention. say was that if you ever had an idea Altus AFB. All the materials used in but were afraid it wasn’t going to the new design are fire retardant, and “Innovation is central to our ability get approved by your supervisor, the cushion can be used as a floatation to apply airpower,” said Everhart. squadron commander, or leadership, device. The weight of the final product “At a time when we are challenged your excuse is no longer valid,” he is the same as the current configuration, with resource constraints, with no rest said. “There’s a SSgt to a full Colonel so the weight and balance aircraft from our adversaries, we need to find on stage presenting their ideas to our calculations do not need to be revised. more effective ways to continue as the AF leadership. If you have an idea, world‘s most dominant Air Force.” submit it. No more excuses.” Once the final design was ironed out, he put together a pricing proposal with an estimated cost of $1.5 million for all KC-135s in the Air Force inventory. The legwork needed to be done, so Bachleda had to build blueprints for everything with correct measurements. Then he drafted instructions for how to take the old platform out of an aircraft and install the new one, which only takes 15 minutes. Another added bonus is that the panels can be made on any KC-135 base because he developed easy-to-follow directions. Not having the panels manufactured commercially saves the Air Force roughly $700,000.
Anything new that goes into an aircraft has to have an Air Force Form 1067, which indicates the modification has been approved by MAJCOM for the platform. Currently, his 1067 has been approved and he’s waiting for final flight testing approval.
At the Airlift Tanker Association Symposium last year, Bachleda heard
Summer 2018 19 Fireworks Safety Fireworks are synonymous with our celebration of Independence Day, yet the thrill of fireworks can also bring pain. On average,250 people go to the emergency room with fireworks-related injuries every day in the weeks around the July 4th holiday.
Body Parts 9% More men than women Eyes Most Injured are injured each year by Fireworks 28% by fireworks. Heads, faces, and ears 12% Trunks and Other 27.7%
8% 33% Arms Hands and fingers 72.3%
18% Legs 40% of injuries More than are caused by illegal 69% fireworks of fireworks injuries are burns. Ti p s for Keeping Your Independence Day Celebration Safe and Fun
Make sure fireworks Always have an adult supervise fireworks are legal in your activities. Parents may not realize that area before buying young children could suffer injuries or using them. from sparklers. Sparklers burn at temperatures of about 2,000 degrees— hot enough to melt some metals.
Avoid buying fireworks that arepackaged Never allow young children to in brown paper because this is often a play with or ignite fireworks. sign that the fireworks were made for professional displays and they could pose a danger to consumers.
Light fireworksone at a time, then move Never try to re-light or pick up back quickly. fireworks that have not ignited fully.
Keep pets indoors and Never point or throw fireworks at away from fireworks. another person.
After fireworks complete their burning, Never carry fireworks in a pocket or shoot douse the spent device with plenty them off from metal or glass containers. of water from a bucket or hose before discarding it to prevent a trash fire.
ALWAYS KEEP WATER HANDY WHEN DEALING WITH FIREWORKS
Source: http://www.cpsc.gov/safety-education/safety-education-centers/fireworks HEALTH AND FITNESS
Honors an Airman
ilitary families recognize 2. Ride a bike that appropriately or properly inflated tires, you the risk of losing a loved fits your body, as this gives may as well be trying to steer one in battle, but few ever you more control. I remember a sled down a steep, icy slope imagine a loved one will a painful bicycle accident that while wearing a blindfold. Mdie while riding a bicycle. Yet that is happened when I was about 14 exactly what happened to a 31-year- years old—a young girl riding 6. Be visible day and night, but old instructor pilot earlier this year in an adult male’s bike ended in a try to avoid riding at dusk, Altus, Oklahoma. crash. Enough said. at dawn, or after dark. Wear appropriate reflective gear, and This young captain—assigned to the 3. Know your bike. Check with ensure your bike has a white 54th Air Refueling Squadron—taught area bike shops or advocacy front light, a red rear light, and others to fly KC-135 tankers. He loved groups for riding classes. People reflectors. Even then, assume his wife, of course, and he loved com- say you never forget how to ride others do not see you—because petitive sports. He even participated a bike, but it is a good idea to you can’t know for sure. in the 2016 Ironman at Coeur d’Alene brush up on your skills if you (Idaho) event. His life ended abruptly have not ridden in a few years. 7. Choose a route with less traffic when a truck struck the bicycle he was and slower speeds, or avoid all riding on Sunday, February 11, 2018. 4. Know the laws and requirements vehicles by using a bike lane or where you will be riding and bike path. Also, avoid riding In his honor, I respectfully submit adhere to them. Drive with the on sidewalks, which is illegal a Top 10 list of bicycle safety tips. flow (in the same direction as in some locales. If you lack a Please take time to read them. More traffic). Obey street signs, signals, bicycling partner, let someone importantly, please adhere to them. and road markings, just like if know where you plan to go and you were driving a car. when you will return. 1. Wear a properly fitting helmet made for bicycling. Sizes vary by 5. Check to see if the bike works 8. Drive defensively by manufacturer and not all are created properly before you begin every anticipating what others may do equal. See the information pro- ride. Without functioning brakes before they do it. The quicker vided by the Bicycle Helmet Safety you spot potential trouble (i.e., Institute at https://helmets.org.1 In irregular surfaces, debris, pets, summary, wear a helmet that fits, wildlife, and parked car doors 1 The Bicycle Helmet Safety Institute is secure the straps, and replace the a non-profit helmet advocacy group in opening), the quicker you can helmet after a bad crash. Washington, D.C. act to avoid it.
22 The Mobility Forum HEALTH AND FITNESS
Top 10 List
STUFF HAPPENS Honors an Airman Sometimes you can do every- thing right and crummy stuff happens anyway—such as a bike BY MS. RITA HESS, STAFF WRITER crash. Similar to any other kind of accident, you have responsi- bilities. You must remain calm, assess the situation, tend to injuries, gather information, and 9. Drive predictably by using hand the roadway and the traffic. Carry notify the appropriate authorities. signals so others know what a fully charged cell phone to use in If one or more people are you are about to do. Alert other case of emergency, but do not use involved, get the following bicyclists about road hazards it (or any other electronic device) information before you leave by pointing to them, and tell while riding. the scene. them your intended maneuver (“Passing on your left” or “Passing I could go on and on, but the bottom • Name, contact information on your right”). line is this: ride smart and ride safe. Do (address, phone number, etc.), and driver’s license number not risk your life or the lives of others from any drivers, bicyclists, or 10. Leave your hands on the with an over-confident attitude that pedestrians involved. handlebars unless signaling a turn “Anyone can ride a bike.” Finally, if or otherwise motioning to fellow you prefer to drive a vehicle instead, • Insurance company name, riders. This means NO texting, respect all bicyclists who share the address, and policy number music, or other distraction that road with you. They have a right to be for each of those people. takes your eyes, ears, or mind off there—same as you. • Descriptions of the vehicle(s) involved, including license plate number. WHAT WAS TRENDING … IN 20162 • Contact information for wit- The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety reveals alarming 2016 trends. nesses not involved in the crash.
• There were 835 bicyclists killed in crashes with motor vehicles, the • A copy of the police report or highest number since 1991. the report number, as well as the name and contact number • Most bicyclist deaths in 2016 (87 percent) were riders age 20 and older. of the responding officer.
• Every year since 1975, more male bicyclists died in crashes with motor Also, use that cell phone (the one vehicles than female. you had in your back pocket) to document damage to all involved • Bicyclist deaths were highest during June (12 percent) and lowest bicycles and/or vehicles. After during February (5 percent). you calm down—but as soon as possible—write down your recol- 2 According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (http://www.iihs.org/iihs/topics/t/ lection of what happened in case pedestrians-and-bicyclists/fatalityfacts/bicycles/2016). you need it later.
Summer 2018 23 SAFETY CULTURE The Road Less Traveled BY MR. MONTE NACE, STAFF WRITER
hen I was young and single, I often dreamed of being a nomad—packing all my belongings into my Wback seat and driving across the country with no firm destination and no definite timeline. The closest I ever got to doing it was a five-day road trip with some friends … no maps, no reservations, just a desire to GO! It was everything I hoped for, and we made some great memories!
I am (much) older now, but the lure of spontaneous travel still piques my interest occasionally. If you share my wanderlust spirit and adventurous desire to experience a vacation rather than plan one, here are five quick tips for a spur-of- the-moment trip.
24 The Mobility Forum SAFETY CULTURE
The magic of discovery can be much more exciting than having every aspect of travel rigidly laid out. 5. Look for roads to … nowhere? We all want to go somewhere on 1. Realistically match your journey to “must see” or “most unusual” area vacation, but don’t focus too narrowly your days off. attractions. Depending on where on a destination. Instead, I encourage you are, you will likely encounter you to just kick back and enjoy the I like time to relax at home for a day at things you might otherwise miss. journey. A few years ago, I drove to the the end of a trip rather than jumping For example, I saw the (allegedly) Grand Canyon with my spouse. It was immediately back into work. If that World’s Largest Hand Dug Well in as spectacular as we expected, but we sounds familiar and you have an Greensburg, Kansas. It cost $45,000 also enjoyed some terrific unplanned end-point in mind, allow more than to build in 1887 and served as the stops along the way. One evening, we enough days to get there and back. For municipal water supply. Nerdy? dined outdoors at sunset in a locally example, don’t try to drive from coast Perhaps. Unusual? Definitely! owned barbecue joint. One morning, to coast in a week—unless, of course, But I never forgot that place—I we watched a young man fly fish in a you have several drivers and enjoy even returned there years later to bubbly Colorado stream—just before seeing the country on the fly. Fewer see how it was rebuilt after an F5 we went into the town’s tourism miles traveled means more time for tornado destroyed most of the town information center and spent several more experiences at each stop. in May 2007. hours listening to a volunteer tell us about local history. HINT: If you have a general HINT: Camping or cabins at state destination in mind, go there and find and national parks are often good HINT: Do not plan every moment of a place to stay. You can use that as a lodging choices, but do not count your trip before you back out of the “home base” of sorts and still take on impromptu availability during driveway. Leave time for impromptu spontaneous day outings—or not! peak season. Don’t forget about excursions that let you wander the B&B options! road less traveled for a couple of 2. Choose travel partners wisely. hours—or days. 4. Bring less clothes and While I think it is usually a good more patience. You’re a wingman, right? America is idea to travel with someone rather your country and mine. We owe it to than alone, this is not the type of trip This kind of vacation is best suited ourselves to get off the interstates and everyone will enjoy. When my friends for those who like life in the slow truly experience the land and its people. and I did it, we got up every morning lane. But since you may not be and decided over coffee what to do. sure where you are headed or what I am not encouraging you to ignore Some days that meant staying another you will find to do there, it can be your safety training, such as having day and night in the area. Other days tempting to pack too much stuff. a properly serviced vehicle, letting we drove until someone yelled STOP! Don’t worry about taking a change someone know where you are, yadda One particular day, we packed up and of clothes for every day you will be yadda yadda. I am simply saying it left a riverside cottage in the morning, gone. Instead, consider stopping in can be refreshing to leave room for drove 20 miles, and saw a sign that Anytown, USA and spending a few flexibility on vacation rather than intrigued us. We pulled in, made a hours in a coin-operated laundry. having your plans etched in stone. The reservation, and unpacked. Yes, really. While your garments are in the magic of discovery can be much more spin cycle, talk with the residents. exciting than having every aspect of HINT: Travel with friends who are Don’t be shy! Make it your goal travel rigidly laid out. willing to slow down and “play it to find a connection to them— by ear” on the trip. Turn off your something you have in common. If you are traveling alone, I hope electronic devices, find a two-lane you return home ready to tackle road, and drive until you decide to HINT: People make this country whatever life throws your way. If you stop. Repeat the process. great. Take a break from the have a travel partner, I promise that hectic, hustle-bustle pace of life this type of trip will bring you some 3. Ask locals for recommendations. and “get there when you get unforgettable moments. there.” Make friends along the I love asking locals where to eat and way. At our core, I suspect we are You’re a wingman, right? Relax! Get stay, as well as asking for tips about more alike than different … out there and wing it!
Summer 2018 25 LL DON E E W ! H H
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AMC Well Done Award Presented to the 721st Aircraft Maintenance Squadron Impoundment Team, Ramstein AB, Germany
MSgt Arthur C. Billings gear hydraulic leak, they noticed a off the area, assessed the situation, significant amount of fuel leaking and devised a recovery plan with MSgt Devin J. O’Donnell from 21 different wing locations. Boeing engineers. TSgt Olivia D. Sandrini SSgt Christopher C. Gary The aircraft was towed into the fuel Swift action and decision-making SSgt Jessica E. Tharp cell hangar for further inspections, by the team prevented additional SSgt Christopher S. Alderman which revealed a stress fracture on strain and damage to the right aft SrA Justin D. Ivey the right forward main landing gear main landing gear; it also prevented trunnion and significant vibration a possible catastrophic aircraft loss. SrA Taylor G. McLean damage to the #1 engine inlet, fan Additionally, the impoundment blades, and v-band support clamp. team worked directly with a C-17 he Commander and Recovery and Modification Services Command Chief Master Even though crew debrief and team to ensure all inspections and Sergeant for Air Mobility propulsion data did not identify temporary repairs were completed, TCommand recognized the any anomalies, the abundance of which facilitated a smooth transition 721st Aircraft Maintenance Squadron various maintenance discrepancies for the aircraft to complete a one-time Impoundment Team during a recent compelled the technicians to impound flight back to a depot repair facility for visit to Ramstein Air Base, Germany. the aircraft and conduct a thorough permanent repairs. While there, the team received the aircraft inspection. AMC Well Done Award in recognition The excellence displayed by of outstanding achievement. The impoundment team’s the impoundment team did not assertiveness and exceptional safety go unnoticed. This incredible It seems that a C-17 aircraft, tail measures enabled a successful accomplishment reflects great credit number 92003292, was in the process aircraft recovery after complete to the members of the impoundment of a quick-turn when technicians failure of the right forward main team, Air Mobility Command, and the discovered a hydraulic leak. landing gear trunnion caused the United States Air Force. While maintenance team members right wing to drop approximately 8 prepared to repair the main landing feet. The team immediately cordoned Well done, team!
26 The Mobility Forum Left to right: 1Lt Joel Stark (Co-pilot), Capt Robert “Craig” Hyatt (Instructor Pilot/Aircraft Commander), SrA Zachariah Ploeger (Boom Operator), SrA Patrick Moore (Flight Engineer), Capt James Leli (Co-pilot), and TSgt Chrisrobertson Sy (Instructor Flight Engineer)
SPOTLIGHT AWARD PETRO 91 Crew, 60 AMW, Travis AFB, California
BY MS. RITA HESS, STAFF WRITER required the pilot flying to use full strength to maintain aircraft control. This quickly resulted in fatigue, so the pilots alternated every three minutes. n 1942, United States forces attacked Japan in the Doolittle Raid—a retaliation for Pearl Harbor that demanded Despite the serious failure, the pilots used extraordinary flexibility among crews and detailed coordination among skill, fighting their exhaustion to coordinate a successful multiple Department of Defense agencies. A more precision approach and landing on a snow-covered runway Irecent complex joint mission was not an act of war but was at Elmendorf AFB, Alaska. The crew then used superior skill, nonetheless dramatic! It demanded superior professionalism, judgment, and airmanship to recover their crippled KC-10 to leadership, and courage from a quick thinking KC-10 crew in a safe landing. challenging conditions. Everyone on board PETRO 91 performed meritoriously. January 18, 2017. During the first-ever United States Marine They maintained composure, calmly managing emergency Corps (USMC) F-35B overseas deployment in response checklists. They communicated with each other, with others to North Korean threats in the Pacific Air Force region, 10 in the formation, and with those on the ground to ensure this aircraft were being moved to Japan. After days of severe potentially life-threatening scenario concluded safely. Their weather delays in Alaska, the crew of a KC-10 (PETRO 91) actions, which exemplify crew resource management (CRM) from the 60th Operations Group at Travis Air Force Base, at its finest, saved lives and an $88 million asset. California, departed in formation but suddenly experienced Please join us in congratulating the following PETRO 91 crew total failure of the horizontal stabilizer, which precluded any from the 60th Operations Group: ability to trim the aircraft. i Capt Robert Hyatt (IP) While Capt James Leli (FP) struggled to maintain aircraft control, Capt Robert Hyatt (IP) and the remaining crew i Capt James Leli (FP) began troubleshooting the problem. They climbed, i 1Lt Joel Stark (FP) negotiated a 3,000’ block to avoid colliding with other aircraft, and began dumping fuel to lighten the load for i TSgt Chrisrobertson Sy (IF) landing. Gradually, the craft descended to a lower altitude i SrA Patrick Moore (FE) to conduct precautionary checks with the aircraft configured for landing. At landing speed, the increased control pressure i SrA Zachariah Ploeger (BO)
Summer 2018 27 SEASONAL CONSIDERATIONS
Harvey the Horrible
BY MS. RITA HESS, STAFF WRITER several days. The storm produced Hurricane Harvey near the coast of Texas at copious rainfall totals over Houston peak intensity late on Aug. 25, 2017. and south Texas from August 25–30. Photo courtesy of NOAA A monster is born. RECORDS ARE BROKEN of Houston observed 40 inches of People who lived through certain People in the area knew they were rain during the event. events in modern American history— at risk of hurricanes, but this storm such as the assassination of President was epic. According to the National i Rivers and creeks overflowed, John F. Kennedy or the terrorist Weather Service, 51.88 inches of rain quickly flooding the region. About attacks on September 11, 2001—will fell at Cedar Bayou, Texas—the highest 70 percent of Harris County (home never forget those moments. Recalling rainfall total for any storm in recorded to Houston) was flooded by at them brings up indelible images. One U.S. history. The estimated 24 trillion least 1.5 feet of water. natural disaster permanently etched gallons of water produced, when in my mind occurred when Hurricane combined with wind and storm surges, Harvey hit the Gulf Coast with ferocity actually cooled the Gulf of Mexico’s 2017 STORM COSTS … during the summer of 2017. surface waters drastically! AND CAUSES? According to NOAA, the United Harvey began life off the West African Indeed, Hurricane Harvey will go States experienced 16 weather coast, thousands of miles from Texas. down as one of the wettest storm and climate disasters in 2017 Then, lumbering toward the United systems in U.S. history. According to with losses exceeding $1 billion States, it gathered fuel from the the National Oceanic and Atmospheric each. The cumulative damage warm Caribbean waters and rapidly Administration (NOAA): of these 16 events is over $306 strengthened as it set sights on the Lone billion, which shatters the Star state. It crossed the Gulf of Mexico i More than 6.7 million people in a previous record. NOAA also and made landfall near Rockport and 29,000 square mile area (the size of notes that 2017 was the third Port Aransas as a Category 4 hurricane West Virginia) received at least 20 warmest year since record with 130 mph winds, causing massive inches of rain in seven days. keeping began in 1895. The damage onshore. average annual temperature for i Houston observed two of its the contiguous U.S. last year The worst was yet to come, however, wettest days ever back-to-back. was 54.6 degrees Fahrenheit, as meteorological conditions August 26 brought 8-plus inches which is 2.6 degrees above the transformed Harvey into a horrible of rain; August 27 brought around 20th-century average. monster and locked him in place for 16 inches of rain. A large area east
28 The Mobility Forum SEASONAL CONSIDERATIONS
i The storm moved slowly east, continuing to break 6 SURVIVAL records. Beaumont, Texas, recorded its wettest day ever on August 29 with over 26 inches of rain, more than STARTER STEPS doubling Beaumont’s previous record. RUN (OR SWIM!) FOR YOUR LIFE 1. Know the terms. When the National Weather Thousands of Texans—including their pets and livestock— Service releases flooding forecasts, know were rescued. Many trudged through potentially the terms used (Areal Flood Advisory, Flood contaminated water from Houston refineries and chemically Warning, Flash Flood Watch, Flash Flood contaminated “Superfund” sites that also flooded. Bacteria Warning) and what to expect. from sewage posed a threat, as did snakes, alligators, fire ants, and other creatures looking for a dry spot. 2. Turn around. Don’t drown. The number one killer during natural disasters in the United Residents in some areas are still struggling, as many lost States is flooding.Never drive into water that everything and had no flood insurance. Yet they did survive has crossed a roadway. Instead, find an alternate … Hurricane Harvey directly or indirectly took the lives of route or wait until the danger has passed. Call at least 88 Texans—most from drowning or falling trees (62). 911 to report water covering a roadway. Another 26 deaths were caused by “unsafe or unhealthy 3. Cover your … belongings. If you live in an area conditions” related to lack of utilities, transportation, or prone to flooding, consider flood insurance. medical care (e.g., medical conditions, electrocution, traffic This is typically not part of homeowners and accidents, flood water-related infections, fires, and burns). renter’s insurance. Visit www.floodsmart.gov for more info. LET’S MOVE FORWARD—SAFELY I hope you found my recollection of Harvey interesting and 4. Make a plan. Regardless of where you live, simultaneously frightening. My 6 Survival Starter Steps you need a plan so you know what to do, provide a handful of important flood preparedness tips, but where to go, and how to reach other family they are exactly as the name implies: starter steps. Perhaps members in the event of a flood, wildfire, most important is #4, which encourages you to develop an tornado, ice storm, or other disaster. Excellent emergency plan. Please, no matter what else you do, create resources for assimilating a plan include your that plan. base’s Readiness personnel, area emergency managers, and online guides such as the one at www.Ready.gov. Use one resource or use them all. Doing something beats doing nothing!
5. Pack an emergency supply kit. Every family is unique, so your kit’s belongings may not match mine. The resources listed in #4 can provide tips for assembling an emergency supply kit— including a “shelter-in-place” kit in case you decide not to evacuate. Either way, make sure you have a way to receive emergency alerts (e.g., phone, radio, television, and/or weather radio) even without power.
6. Know thy neighbor. Accidental heroes saved countless lives in Texas simply because they were willing to check on their neighbors when first responders were blocked by high water or overwhelmed by calls for help. Regardless of where you live, get to know your neighbors. Flooded areas in Port Arthur, Texas, Aug. 31, 2017. Multiple states and agencies nationwide were called to assist citizens impacted by the epic They may need you someday—or vice versa. amount of rainfall in Texas and Louisiana from Hurricane Harvey. U.S. Air National Guard photo by SSgt Daniel J. Martinez
Summer 2018 29 HEALTH AND FITNESS
Keeping Cool in Summer HEAT
BY MS. ARYN KITCHELL, STAFF WRITER
ummer seems like the perfect time to get outside and work on staying fit. Nothing makes me want to stay inside and bundle up more than cold weather. As Ssoon as the sun comes out, however, I want to go outside and appreciate the warm weather. The warmth encourages me to walk and jog more. It is also a good time to get motivated about your physical fitness test (PFT) goals. Any time we go out in the heat, we risk heat- related illnesses if we do not take the right precautions. When we exercise or play sports in hot weather, we increase our risk of heat stress. So what precautions do we need to take?
WHAT ARE HEAT- RELATED ILLNESSES?
The healthy human body stays at approximately 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit. If sweat does not evaporate fast enough, the body can become too hot and suffer from heat stress. Symptoms of heat stress are mostly due to losing too much salt and water. These symptoms can include muscle cramps, headache, and dizziness. Heat stress causes heat-related illnesses, all of which can be dangerous. These illnesses are heat stroke, heat exhaustion, heat cramps, heat rash, rhabdomyolysis, and heat syncope.
30 The Mobility Forum HEALTH AND FITNESS
HEAT STROKE HEAT RASH stress on your body. If humidity is Heat stroke is the most dangerous Heat rash is caused by excessive high, your body temperature can of the heat-related illnesses, as it can sweating and causes a skin irritation be pushed even higher because the cause death or permanent disability that can look like a red cluster of humidity does not allow sweat to without treatment. Heat stress occurs pimples or small blisters. Heat rash evaporate. For exercise during warm- when the sweating mechanism of is usually on the neck, upper chest, weather months, take precautions to the body fails and cannot keep the groin, under the breasts, and in elbow keep yourself safe and healthy. body temperature normal. Body creases. These areas can become temperature then rises rapidly; it can irritated from sweaty clothes, so it is First, be aware of temperatures reach up to 106 degrees or higher important to wear undergarments throughout the day, and avoid within 10 to 15 minutes. Symptoms of that wick away moisture. If you have exercising during the hottest points. heat stroke include confusion, altered heat rash, keep the area dry and avoid Since dehydration is a significant mental status, and slurred speech; going back into the heat or humidity. factor in heat stress, drinking plenty loss of consciousness; hot, dry skin or of water or sports drinks is essential profuse sweating; seizures; and very RHABDOMYOLYSIS to healthy summer exercise. You can high body temperature. If you feel the Rhabdomyolysis is associated with heat use hydration calculators (such as this symptoms of heat stroke, move to a stress and prolonged physical exertion. one from ARNG’s Guard Your Health shaded area and call 911. Since heat This results in the rapid breakdown and website www.guardyourhealth.com/ stroke can cause confusion and altered death of muscle. When muscle dies, health-tools/hydration-calculator) to mental states, it can be hard to treat electrolytes and proteins are released figure out how much water you should yourself; having a trusted workout into the bloodstream; this can cause be drinking. Simply put, drink enough buddy to help you get the treatment irregular heart rhythms, seizures, and water to ensure you never feel thirsty. you need is important. kidney damage. Symptoms of rhab- domyolysis include muscle cramps, Second, exercise all year. If you keep HEAT EXHAUSTION abnormally dark urine, weakness, and up your exercise routine during the Heat exhaustion is caused by losing exercise intolerance. It can also show no cooler seasons, your body will be too much water and salt because symptoms. If you suspect rhabdomy- better able to handle exercise in heat. of extreme sweating. During heat olysis, stop your physical activity and It is also important to wear appropri- exhaustion, the body’s temperature hydrate with water. You should also get ate clothing for the weather. Choose can reach 104 degrees. Symptoms of immediate medical care. lighter colored clothes over dark heat exhaustion are rapid heartbeat; colors during summer since darker heavy sweating; extreme weakness HEAT SYNCOPE colors absorb heat. Natural fibers like or fatigue; dizziness; nausea and Heat syncope is a fainting episode cotton are better than synthetic ones. vomiting; irritability; and fast, shallow or dizziness that usually happens Loose fitting and lightweight clothes breathing. Heat exhaustion can lead when you stand up after sitting allow sweat to evaporate. to heat stroke! If you experience these for a long time. It can also happen symptoms, move to a cool area, drink when you stand a long time or if you Third, take breaks often so your body water, take a cool shower, and consider suddenly stop exercising (such as has the chance to cool down, and stop seeking medical treatment right away. after a long run). Dehydration and exercising if you feel any symptoms lack of acclimatization can cause of these heat-related illnesses. If the HEAT CRAMPS heat syncope. If you experience heat weather outside is too hot, find a place As mentioned previously, sweating syncope, sit or lie down in a cool place indoors where you can work out. lowers the body’s salt and water and slowly drink fluids. levels. Low salt in muscles can cause Heat-related illnesses are painful muscle cramps, pain, or preventable. Drinking water and spasms in the abdomen, arms, or legs. PROTECT YOURSELF avoiding the hottest parts of the day, Heat cramps can also be a symptom WHEN WORKING OUT or staying indoors to train, are your of heat exhaustion. If you experience handiest tools. Keep these tips and heat cramps, you need to drink water Simply being out during especially symptoms in mind as you start to or a sports drink that will replace your hot weather can cause heat stress; train for your PFT or start working lost electrolytes. exercise and activity increase the on your beach body.
Summer 2018 31 BASH PROGRAM Changes
C-17 + Whitetail Deer = CHANGES BY MS. THEODORA MALISON-WEBB, whole. For example, Mueller notes A C-17 Globemaster III, assigned to the 816th STAFF WRITER that multiple cameras were installed Expeditionary AS, sits on the ramp at Al Udeid Airbase, Qatar, before conducting combat airlift by USDA Wildlife Services (WS) at operations, Jan. 8, 2018. ccidents happen when least all entry points of the JB MDL flight USAF photo by TSgt Gregory Brook expected. Such was the case line, and gates were installed along for crewmembers aboard the airfield—to be closed at all times a C-17 performing assault when not in use—in hopes of deterring Alanding zone approaches (ALZ) at deer from entering. Only one deer has forward with depredation, which also Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst (JB breached the fence. benefitted Hunters for the Hungry. MDL), New Jersey. An interesting turn Nearly 1,000 pounds of venison was of events made what should have been Capt John David Webb, KC-10 Flight donated to a local social services a seamless landing anything but! Safety Officer, says the gates will only organization assisting the homeless. render a temporary fix, however, and During first approach, the C-17 struck further measures should be considered Aside from the efforts put forth and landed atop a whitetail deer, outside the airfield. regarding control in the deer population, sending the deer soaring down the McAllister also notes the BASH length of the strip nearly 100 yards— Through the efforts of the 305 AMW program’s focus on bird management. and it wasn’t until the second approach Safety Office and the 87th Air Base In 2017, JB MDL completed an that the crew noticed the carcass and its Wing Commander, WS agents Environmental Assessment (EA) that remnants along the ALZ strip. conducted a deer depredation event authorized them to reseed 500 acres in April 2017, which Webb says was of the inner airfield triangle, while MSgt Nicholas Mueller says the a huge success, noting a substantial transferring the habitat to a separate area incident revealed that a 300’ gap in drop in the deer population. The deer for environmental concerns. the Lakehurst fence was a hazard. population before was estimated at 99 This flight in particular had 305th Air per square mile—five times the normal “The EA took over three years to resolve Mobility Wing (AMW) leadership on carrying capacity—but decreased to and implement,” he notes. “Each year, board—the Vice Wing Commander, 1.2 after. 100 acres will be reseeded, and plots will Operations Group Commander, be reseeded on an alternating basis. This and others. The event also spurred Lt Col Robert McAllister says an will allow us to mow the inner airfield funding and acknowledgement in internal Risk Management Assessment from April to October on a regular basis safety pertaining to the airfield as a had to be conducted in order to move and keep an ideal grass height to help
32 The Mobility Forum BASH PROGRAM
According to a 2016 Federal Aviation Administration report, deer resulted in over 1,100 wildlife strikes to civil aircraft from 1990-2015.
In addition, the samples will help aircraft avoid collisions with migratory gauge the effectiveness of USDA’s birds. We also use our real-time approach on wildlife management observations to recommend limited and deterrence. pattern work at specific times outside the BASH window to see if there’s a “Data analysis helps us identify risk,” trend in the migratory bird patterns Webb explains, “and when risk is that poses a significant risk.” unknown, we are nearly forced to take the most conservative approach, These changes are certainly far from which could be crippling to operations. the last to the BASH program, and the It gives us an accurate picture of the 305 AMW is optimistic for the future. wildlife hazards surrounding both Webb hopes to improve the education airfields, and gives us an avenue by on BASH’s importance among aircrew which we can create a BASH plan in identifying and mitigating wildlife that’s tailored to the airfield.” hazards, in addition to streamlining the process and consolidating regulations CHANGES “Migratory birds are a substantial as appropriate. issue at airports around the country,” deter both large and small bird patterns adds Luna. “Our USDA team is on “Currently, there is BASH guidance in at JB MDL.” the airfield dawn to dusk monitoring three different regulations outside of bird watch conditions and relaying a local BASH plan,” Webb says. “My “USDA and the 305th Flight Safety real-time observations to air traffic goal is to align the BASH plan with the Office work hand-in-hand on controllers and the Flight Safety other three regulations—simplifying enhancing the BASH program here at Office. We have the authority to raise the program at the local level.” JB MDL, and USDA Wildlife Services and lower bird watch conditions on utilizes what we call an integrated a situational basis and alert pilots of McAllister adds that other plans approach to create safer skies for potential bird hazards. This helps include automatic airfield gate closures both wildlife and people,” adds Mr. by summer 2018 and replacement of the Michael Luna, USDA WS Airport McGuire perimeter and inner airfield Wildlife Biologist. “The 305th, USDA fence over the next few years. WS, and the 87th Civil Engineering worked closely together to create new vegetation management practices on the McGuire airfield, which will help us detect mammal species while complying with AF management guidelines.”
Other changes include the creation of TDY BASH kits by the 305 AMW Flight Safety Office for gathering samples on the road for bird and wildlife strikes—something that’s never been done until recently. The kits, which are easily accessible to crew chiefs, will place an even stronger emphasis on the importance of collecting accurate data on changing bird migration patterns.
Summer 2018 33 AMC HERITAGE Secret WWII Mission Fueled
The U.S. oil tanker Pennsylvania the Fight Sun torpedoed by the German submarine U-571 on July 15, 1942. Photo from Library of Congress BY MS. KIM KNIGHT, STAFF WRITER
ars are won and lost by little-known oilfield deep in Sherwood Not all of the men returned home efforts on and off the Forest near Dukes Wood existed. The to their families. Herman Douthit battlefield. During WWII, site, referred to as the unsinkable died after falling from an 87-foot W there were numerous tanker, was the perfect location drilling mast and was buried with unsung top-secret missions going because it provided natural cover full military honors in the American on behind the scenes that shifted from enemy planes flying overhead. Military Cemetery in Cambridge. momentum in the American and Allied But there were other obstacles such He remains the only civilian ever forces’ favor. One in particular that as shortages in manpower and buried there. The men who did return took place under the cover of trees in equipment, so the Brits turned to home went right back to their regular Sherwood Forest was a quest to fuel the America for assistance. Of course, the routines with few people knowing of relentless battle raging across Europe. call was answered and American oil their extraordinary accomplishment. Some say it, in part, won the war. companies, such as Noble Drilling Company, put together the finest There was little known about the top- A common saying in AMC is that bunch of 42 roughnecks for the job. secret mission that fueled the fight until “nobody kicks a** without tanker gas.” a book was published in 1973 titled The The adage is very true and the concept The men embarked for the journey in Secret of Sherwood Forest: Oil Production was no different in the war against 1943 on the troopship H.M.S. Queen in England During World War II. The the Axis powers. But in the days Elizabeth for the one-year secret book eventually made it into the hands before AMC’s flying fortresses and mission with the objective of drilling of Tony Speller, British member of its capability to provide the essential 100 oil producing wells. Upon arrival, Parliament. Speller, like many others, commodity in a moment’s notice to the men’s accommodations were believed the unsung roughnecks any location on the globe, U.S. Naval at the elaborate and ultra-secluded deserved a tribute. Thus, a seven-foot ships transported fuel to our British monastery at Kelham Hall—a nice bronze statue dubbed Oil Patch Warrior allies. However, our lifeline by sea retreat after daily 12-hour shifts. was cast. Noble Drilling Company paid was met with incredible resistance, for the 14 surviving roughnecks to be and enormous oil tankers such as the There were four drilling rigs shipped present at the dedication ceremony held Pennsylvania Sun were slow moving on four different ships, but one of the in May 1991 at England’s Dukes Wood targets that were often torpedoed ships fell prey to a German submarine Oil Museum in Sherwood Forest. by the German U-Boats constantly and another rig had to be hastily patrolling the Atlantic. transported. The British crews already In retrospect, the oil crisis during WWII on location were drilling one well provides insight into the importance By 1942, oil reserves were two million every five weeks, but with the high of fuel and how, in modern conflict, barrels below safe limits. Britain had tech “National 50” rigs that were the outcome depends upon it. Today, to find a solution for the crisis—the brought over, the American crews AMC continues to fuel the fight with a entire war effort depended upon it. were knocking out at least one well fleet of unsinkable tankers strategically It was clear that transporting oil into every week. Oil production went from placed and ready to answer the call. the country by sea wasn’t a viable 300 barrels a day when the Americans In 2017 alone, AMC delivered over option, so it had to be found close arrived to more than 3,000 barrels a 131,000,000 gallons of fuel. Mobility to home. When British Secretary of day by the end of work in March 1944. Airmen accomplish extraordinary feats Petroleum Geoffrey Lloyd called for The “unsinkable tanker” ultimately daily and a testament to their success an emergency meeting with the Oil produced more than 3.5 million barrels is every grey tail in the sky—a well- Control Board, it was discovered that a of oil by the end of the war. deserved tribute.
34 The Mobility Forum THE
T THE MAGAZINE OF AIR MOBILITY COMMAND FORUM Above and Beyond Did you or your wing go above and beyond the call of duty? Share it with us so we can share it with fellow Airmen.
No writing required — The Mobility Forum staff will interview you and do the writing!
Topics can include: • Safety Culture: A “There I was” story or actions that prevented a mishap • Risk Management • Resilience • Humanitarian Response • AMC Heritage Please send topic ideas with contact information to [email protected], or [email protected], or call 580-628-4607 to speak with a member of The Mobility Forum staff.
Summer 2018 35 AMC NEWS
Left to right: SSgt Jonathan Catell, MSgt Christopher Pappas, and TSgt Robert Caldwell See Something, Say Something!
BY SMSGT NATHAN ANAYA, and caused the tower to reroute OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY MANAGER, them one by one. MSgt Pappas, TSgt 101 ARW, BANGOR, MAINE Caldwell, and SSgt Catell expedited the delivery of a military tow bar n January 16, 2018, MSgt Had the KC-135 to the civilian airport so the C-17 Christopher Pappas, TSgt landed in the could be moved and normal airfield Robert Caldwell, and operations could resume. SSgt Jonathan Catell were debris field, it Operforming heavy maintenance on “We later learned that a KC-135 was could have been their KC-135 aircraft 58-0021 while a on approach and heard us radio the C-17 Globemaster III was doing touch disastrous.” tower,” said Caldwell. ”The aircraft and go maneuvers on the airfield. As turned off in the last five minutes the C-17 taxied past and prepared for before touchdown and avoided another takeoff, MSgt Pappas’ years of roll. For safety reasons, MSgt Pappas the runway that was covered in experience and situational awareness had to stay with his aircraft since shredded tires. Had the KC-135 enabled him to see that the C-17 had maintenance was already in progress. landed in the debris field, it could blown two adjacent main landing gear TSgt Caldwell and SSgt Catell sprang have been disastrous.” tires and was dragging portions of the into action and found the closest truck tire behind it. with a radio that could contact the The swift response of these three control tower. They informed the tower Airmen potentially saved multiple “The C-17 was still able to roll and the that the C-17 had a problem with main lives, as well as a C-17 asset at pilot was totally unaware the tires had landing gear. They then proceeded to a value of $218 million. If they been blown,” TSgt Caldwell said. “It follow the aircraft until it stopped to had not stopped the C-17 in time, was clear from our position that the ensure no other debris came off the it would have had catastrophic plane was proceeding back to the end C-17 that could endanger other aircraft landing gear failure at a high of the runway for another takeoff.” at the busy civilian airport. The C-17 speed. Once again, the Airmen of was unable to make it to a parking aircraft 58-0021 have shown they MSgt Pappas directed TSgt Caldwell location and was forced to shut down set the standard in professionalism, and SSgt Catell to stop that aircraft engines in the middle of the Alpha attention to detail, and safety for before it started its high-speed takeoff taxiway, which blocked all other aircraft others to follow.
36 The Mobility Forum MISHAP-FREE FLYING HOUR MILESTONES 10,000 HOURS Lt Col Andrew Sides Lt Col Bruce Bennett CMSgt Thomas Rutt Lt Col Matthew Cain 165 AW, Savannah, GA Lt Col Robert Dodson CMSgt Timothy B. Gaines 182 AW, Peoria, IL Col Daniel McDonough Lt Col Eric Dolan 709 AS, Dover AFB, DE Lt Col Scot Decker Lt Col Peter Labarbera MSgt James M. McKelligan Lt Col Terry Feather Lt Col Scott Livermore 8,500 HOURS Lt Col Jeffery Herrmann Lt Col Patrick Ober Lt Col Gabriel Salazar 326 AS, Dover AFB DE Lt Col Jeffrey Teuscher CMSgt Matthew Weghorst Lt Col Mark A. Jeffrey CMSgt Cyrus Snider SMSgt Terry Jones MSgt Samantha Lanier 7,500 HOURS SMSgt Matthew Stone MSgt Jakob Pogeman MSgt Craig Thurman 121 ARW, Rickenbacker IAP, OH 201 AS, JB Andrews, MD TSgt James Guetschow SMSgt Paul Emler MSgt Shant Paloulian 166 AW, New Castle, DE 310 AS, MacDill AFB, FL 3,500 HOURS CMSgt Jeffrey Springsteen Lt Col Michael Charles 60 AMW, Travis AFB, CA Lt Col Andrew Karas 182 AW, Peoria, IL MSgt Luis Noriega Lt Col Marc Summers Lt Col Douglas Applegren Maj Christopher Marron Lt Col Richard Wainman 121 ARW, Rickenbacker IAP, OH Maj Nicholas Robbins CMSgt Kelly Delaney Lt Col Dennis Bird Maj Jake Allen Maj Patrick Uhes 6,500 HOURS MSgt Dave Sorrell 326 AS, Dover AFB DE 121 ARW, Rickenbacker IAP, OH 166 AW, New Castle, DE Capt Oneff L. Reyes SMSgt Arturo Zavala Lt Col Troy Bockius 709 AS, Dover AFB, DE MSgt Kevin Cartwright Lt Col Jeremy Goodwin Maj Dennis C. Philapavage 166 AW, New Castle, DE Lt Col Daniel Sheridan 2,500 HOURS Col Robert Culcasi Lt Col Eric Young MSgt William Chakwin SMSgt Michael Murphy 121 ARW, Rickenbacker IAP, OH MSgt Todd Flickinger MSgt Sherman Buchanan Maj Dave Lohrer MSgt Christopher Coarse 5,000 HOURS 166 AW, New Castle, DE MSgt Leonard Gill Lt Col Brian Beisheim 121 ARW, Rickenbacker IAP, OH MSgt Jesse Levy Lt Col James Chaikowsky SMSgt Todd Devoe MSgt Andrew Spears Lt Col Robert Damon MSgt William Gilbert TSgt Eric Lauppe Lt Col Julian Jacobson MSgt James Taylor 182 AW, Peoria, IL Lt Col Steven Sheldon 166 AW, New Castle, DE Col William Robertson Lt Col Jason Strickland Col Ronald Wesley Col Timothy Stumbaugh Maj Christopher Esterline
Summer 2018 37 MISHAP-FREE FLYING HOUR MILESTONES
Maj Mark Linzmeier Maj Jason Hurt Lt Col Carol Mitchell Maj Jeremy Meartz Maj Brandon Retherford Lt Col Gregory Pleinis Maj Michael Minner Maj Brian Rezac Lt Col Anthony White Maj Maurice Scales Maj Daniel Stowell Maj James Mailliard Maj Jason Subach SMSgt Matthew Ericson Maj Johnathan Robbins SMSgt Mickey Dixon SMSgt Bethany Hackney MSgt Bobbie Taylor SMSgt Jamie Kohr SMSgt Erik Lane TSgt Benjamin Doyle TSgt Jose Sanchez MSgt Brian Blythe TSgt Christopher Phillips MSgt Lacey Dilbeck TSgt Kate Ruehl 182 AW, Peoria, IL MSgt Justin Kass SSgt Matthew Young Lt Col Jacob Stoecker TSgt Glen Louthan Lt Col Kevin Strauss 709 AS, Dover AFB, DE Lt Col Jason Trevino 310 AS, MacDill AFB, FL Capt Adam G. Bearden Maj Nick Biggs Lt Col Daniel Lindley MSgt Eric R. Darago
A KC-135 Stratotanker descends before landing at McConnell AFB, Kan. USAF photo by A1C Erin McClellan
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
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think we can all agree that of your local stores or order online when to use this tool accepted by Situational Awareness (SA) is key with next-day delivery. No matter major airlines and put it to use in the to being a safe pilot. If you know the price, you’d be making a wise jet. SA RESULTS GUARANTEED! what’s going on around you and investment in a product that will have Ihave a clear big picture, you’ll avoid some major returns in safe outcomes. I have seen VVM in action getting that uncomfortable, rushed throughout my 20 years of military feeling. In fact, with high SA, you Well, today is everyone’s lucky flying and have noted that crews give yourself the power to slow day. Through this special magazine that use this closed-loop system of time down. Flying at that point then offer, AMC Flight Safety is offering communication perform much more becomes a calm, methodical set of a tool that has been proven effective efficiently and much safer than those steps that leads to safe and successful for establishing and maintaining that do not. Why? Because the crews’ mission accomplishment. super-human SA, called Verbalize- SA is through the roof. Start being Verify-Monitor (VVM)— FREE! a stickler about using VVM and So SA seems like a true benefit to every All you have to do is crack open become a witness to—and then an pilot. It’s something that, if it were for your Mission Design Series (MDS)- advocate for—the powers of VVM sale, you would swoop off the shelves appropriate Vol 3 to review how and and high SA.
Maj Daniel D. Kaufman (left) observes 1Lt Patrik J. Mohr (center) pilot a KC- 10 Extender while MSgt Gregory L. Thomas (KC-10 extender flight engineer) monitors the aircraft’s progress during a flight to Joint Base Charleston, S.C. All are with the 76 ARS, 514 AMW. USAF photo by MSgt Mark C. Olsen
U.S. GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE: 2015-545-114. For sale by the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office. Internet: bookstore.gpo.gov Phone: toll free (866) 512-1800; DC area (202) 512-1800 Summer 2018 39 Fax: (202) 512-2104 Mail: Stop IDCC, Washington, DC 20402-0001 A DAY IN THE LIFE
SrA Christian Espada, an individual protective equipment journeyman assigned to the 6th Logistics Readiness Squadron, fits a student with an individual operator tactical vest (IOTV) and helmet during the Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math (STEAM) Day at MacDill AFB, Fla., March 21, 2018. Students were allowed to try on IOTV and mission oriented protective posture gear at STEAM Day.
USAF photo by A1C Scott Warner