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ADMINISTRATIVE ISSUES
ANA Membership Directory -
HARRIS CONNECT - The Fall issue of WINGS OF GOLD (page
31) announced ANA is sponsoring the publication of an ANA
Membership Directory y Harris Connect.
Harris Connect personnel will be
contacting individual members via regular mail, email or
telephone (or a combination) to collect information for
voluntary inclusion in the directory. Please extend your
cooperation to the Harris Connect representative who will be
contacting you soon.
Membership Coordinator - Our
Membership Coordinator, Ann Burton has left for better
pastures; we wish her fair winds and OK 3 wires. Ann has
been relieved by the other very able ladies who are always
standing by to help membership. Remember, the best way to
contact the Membership Office is by email at
anahqtr@aol.com.
Mail Addresses
Summer is coming – it’s the height of
the moving season and Snow Birds are on the move. Many Snow
Bird members have provided us with their dates and seasonal
addresses and we make the changes as those seasons change.
If you are a Snow Bird and have not let us know your
seasonal details, please email me at
svwindmills@erols.com.
Change of Address
PLEASE! If you are making a permanent
move, let us know of your new address. That is the only was
we can be sure we can get mail and WINGS OF GOLD to you.
VP-45 (VP/VPB-205) ASSOCIATION
REUNION
VP-45
(VP/VPB-205) Association reunion will be 24 – 28 September
2008 in Jacksonville, FL at the Crowne Plaza Riverfront
Hotel.
Thanks
to John Fry, CO ANA San Diego -
PACIFIC OCEAN (April
20, 2008) Aircraft assigned to Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 17
perform a fly-by maneuver over the nuclear-powered
aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CV 73) as crew
members and distinguished visitors watch from the flight
deck. George Washington is en route to Yokosuka, Japan,
where she will replace the aircraft carrier USS Kitty
Hawk (CV 63). (US Navy photo by Mass Communication
Specialist 2nd Class Clifford L. H. Davis)
LOST AND FOUND
We
have lost contact with the following members. Every member
is important!! If anyone has information regarding their
situation or whereabouts, please contact me at svwindmills@erols.com
Name Full
Name Last
Known Address
Atwood Mr. Wallace
Atwood Wittmann, AZ
Baxter LT William M.
Baxter, USN Honolulu, HI
Brooks Mrs. Charles L.
Brooks New Orleans, LA
Burns CAPT Richard H.
Burns, USN (Ret) San Diego, CA
Burns CAPT David M.
Burns, USN (Ret) Camden, ME
Burns Capt John A.
Burns, USN (Ret) Warren, ME
Convery LT James J.
Convery, III USN VF-151
Conway
CDR Michael Ray Conway, USN
San Diego
Dundas CDR Geoffrey W.
Dundas, USN Kaneohe, HI
Heron CDR Paul J.
Heron, USN (Ret) Camarillo, CA
Hyland LCDR
Joel Hyland, USN (Ret) Port Orange, FL
Kellett CDR
John Kellett, USN (Ret) Kaneohe Bay, HI
Lanham Dr John
Lanham Muskego, WI
Lasker CDR
Lawrence J. Lasker, USN(Ret) Hawaii
Lutche CDR Michael W.
Lutche, USN Kailua, HI
Lynham CDR Donald M.
Lynham, USN (Ret) Indiana
McDaniel CDR Ronald A.
McDaniel, USN HC-4, FPO
Miller Mr. Marvin
Miller Tampa, FL
Moreschi LTJG John R.
Moreschi, Jr, USN Jacksonville, FL
Niedermair LCDR Joseph
Niedermair, USN New Orleans, LA
Peterson Mr. Bruce
Peterson Zephyrhills,
FL
Phelps Mr. Christopher
Phelps Kapolei, HI
Porter COL Robert B.
Porter, USMC (Ret) Fresno, CA
Shurtleff CAPT W. H.
Shurtleff, USN (Ret) Ewa Beach, HI
Sorensen Ms Mary
Sorensen Tucson, AZ
Tower LCDR Maury Tower
, USN (Ret) Virginia Beach, VA
Weisheit MAJ Bowen P.
Weisheit, USMC (Ret) Bel Air, MD
Wilson
Mr. Michael P.
Wilson Honolulu, HI
STATUS OF
THE NAVY
May 15, 2008
Navy Personnel
Active Duty:
331,384
Officers: 50,961
Enlisted: 276,087
Midshipmen: 4,336
Ready Reserve:
125,734 [As of 08 Apr]
Selected Reserves: 70,060
Individual Ready Reserve: 55,674
Reserves currently mobilized:
4,805 [As of 14 May]
Personnel on deployment:
72,096
Navy Department Civilian Employees:
179,482
 Ships
and Submarines
Deployable Battle Force Ships:
279
Ships Underway (away from homeport):
155 ships (55% of total)
On deployment:
116 ships (41% of total)
Attack submarines underway (away from homeport):
25 submarines (46%)
On deployment:
17 submarines (31%)
Ships Underway
Carriers:
 USS Nimitz
(CVN 68) - Philippine Sea
USS
Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) - Atlantic Ocean
USS
Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) - 5th Fleet
USS George
Washington (CVN 73) - Pacific Ocean
USS J.C.
Stennis (CVN 74) - Pacific Ocean
USS Harry
S. Truman (CVN 75) - 6th Fleet
Amphibious Warfare Ships:
USS Nassau
(LHA 4) - 5th Fleet
USS
Peleliu (LHA 5) - Pacific Ocean
USS Essex
(LHD 2) - Andaman Sea
USS Boxer
(LHD 4) - Pacific Ocean
USS Iwo
Jima (LHD 7) - Atlantic Ocean
Tarawa Expeditionary Strike Group:
USS Tarawa
(LHA 1) - 3rd Fleet
Aircraft (operational):
3700+
====================================
A number of Members have asked for the list of active
carriers:
Commissioned
USS Kitty
Hawk
(CV 63) 29
Apr 1961
USS
Enterprise
(CVN 65) 25
Nov 1961
USS Nimitz
(CVN 68)
3 May 1975
USS Dwight
D. Eisenhower
(CVN 69) 18 Oct 1977
USS Carl
Vinson
(CVN 70) 13 Mar
1982
USS
Theodore Roosevelt
(CVN 71) 25 Oct 1986
USS
Abraham Lincoln
(CVN 72) 11 Nov 1989
USS George
Washington
(CVN 73) 4 July 1992
USS John
C. Stennis
(CVN 74) 9 Dec 1995
USS Harry
S. Truman
(CVN 75) 25 July 1998
USS Ronald
Reagan
(CVN 76) 12 July 2003
George H.W.
Bush (CVN 77) Under
construction
Date: 21-Apr-08
News Release Number: EHD200804211
News Release Copy: PATUXENT RIVER NAVAL AIR STATION, Md. --
Mr. James B. Lackey has been selected as the new Deputy
Assistant Commander for Acquisition in AIR 1.0.
"I am really looking forward to join
the 1.0 organization and work with other competencies and
programs to align our standards, policies and processes,”
said Lackey. "I the AIR-1.0 organization as a key focal
point, in coordination with all competencies and various
external organizations, to help foster and continually
promote successful program execution across NAVAIR.”
Since 2007, Lackey served here as the
PMA-234 Principal Deputy Program Manager for the EA-6B and
Airborne Electronic Attack, under the Program Executive
Office for Tactical Aircraft Programs.
In 2004, he was promoted to serve as
the Deputy Department Head (Deputy Program Manager) for the
P-8A Multi-Mission Maritime Aircraft in PMA-290 Maritime
Surveillance Aircraft Program Office under the Program
Executive Office for Air Anti-Submarine Warfare, Assault and
Special Missions Programs.
In 2003, he was promoted as Level II
IPT Air Vehicle Lead for the E-2D Advanced Hawkeye program
in the PMA-231 E-2C-2 Program Office.
In 2002, he served as an Air Warfare
Action Officer for the Office of the Under Secretary Of
Defense (Acquisition, Technology & Logistics) in the
Pentagon, Arlington, Va. Lackey supported OSD oversight for
systems developmental test and design maturity across
multiple Services for aircraft platforms, air launched
weapons, and electronic warfare systems.
In 1999, he served as the Level II
Weapon Systems Integration Product Team (IPT) Lead in the
PMA-265 FA-18 Program Office. Lackey managed key weapon
systems integration efforts in support of FA-18CD fleet
operations and in preparation for the FA-18EF Initial
Operational Capability milestone.
Lackey began his civil servant career
here in 1987 as a flight test engineer at the Naval Air Test
Center, Patuxent River, Md. In this position, he was
responsible for verification and validation of FA-18CD
design requirements and follow-on test and evaluation
projects. He also served as the FA-18EF Flight Test Team
Lead for the program's first three developmental aircraft.
Lackey received his Bachelor of Science
in Aerospace Engineering in 1986 from Virginia Tech in
Blacksburg, Va. In 1994, he earned a Master of Science in
Engineering Management from Florida Tech in Melbourne, Fla.
In 1990 he graduated from the United States Naval Test Pilot
School (Fixed Wing - Class 95). He is also a graduate of
both the Defense Systems Management College and Naval Air
Systems Command (NAVAIR) Senior Executive Management
Development program.
Lackey was awarded the Meritorious
Civilian Service Award in 2007 for his work on the P-8A
Multi-Mission Maritime Aircraft program.
04212008 USA - CONTRACT LET FOR 137 TRAINERS (APR 21HB)
HAWKER BEECHCRAFT -- The U.S. Air Force has awarded
Hawker Beechcraft two contracts for new military trainer
aircraft, reports the Wichita, Kan.-based
manufacturer. The $550 million follow-on contract
covers 137 T-6A Texan II trainers under the Air Force
and Navy Joint Primary Aircraft Training System (JPATS)
program. The JPATS program covers a total of 768
aircraft through 2016. With the latest contract, the Air
Force and Navy have ordered 571 trainers.
This is not necessarily a Naval
Aviation issue but it is something that will greatly
influence Naval Aviation –
From DOD News:
April 24, 2008
Navy Re-Establishes U.S. Fourth Fleet
Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Gary Roughead announced today
the re-establishment of the U.S. Fourth Fleet and assigned
Rear Adm. Joseph D. Kernan, currently serving as commander,
Naval Special Warfare Command, as its new commander. Fourth
Fleet will be responsible for U.S. Navy ships, aircraft and
submarines operating in the Caribbean, and Central and South
America.
U.S. Fourth Fleet will be dual-hatted with the existing
commander, U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command (NAVSO),
currently located in Mayport, Fla. U.S. Fourth Fleet has
been re-established to address the increased role of
maritime forces in the U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) area
of operations, and to demonstrate U.S. commitment to
regional partners.
"Re-establishing the Fourth Fleet recognizes the immense
importance of maritime security in the southern part of the
Western Hemisphere, and signals our support and interest in
the civil and military maritime services in Central and
South America," said Roughead. "Our maritime strategy raises
the importance of working with international partners as the
basis for global maritime security. This change increases
our emphasis in the region on employing naval forces to
build confidence and trust among nations through collective
maritime security efforts that focus on common threats and
mutual interests. "
Effective July 1, the command will have operational
responsibility for U.S. Navy assets assigned from east and
west coast fleets to operate in the SOUTHCOM area. As a
result, U.S. Fourth Fleet will not involve an increase in
forces assigned in Mayport, Fla. These assets will conduct
varying missions including a range of contingency
operations, counter narcoterrorism, and theater security
cooperation (TSC) activities. TSC includes
military-to-military interaction and bilateral training
opportunities as well as humanitarian assistance and
in-country partnerships.
U.S. Fourth Fleet will retain responsibility as NAVSO, the
Navy component command for SOUTHCOM. Its mission is to
direct U.S. naval forces operating in the Caribbean, and
Central and South American regions and interact with partner
nation navies to shape the maritime environment.
Kernan will be the first Navy SEAL to serve as a numbered
fleet commander.
For more information on U.S. Fourth Fleet and U.S.
Naval Forces Southern Command, including the map of its
area of responsibility, go to
http:www.cusns.navy.mil .
Subject: Belcher assumes command of
Aviation Support Equipment Program Office
Date: 24-Apr-08
News Release Number: EHD200804241
News Release Copy: NAVAL AIR SYSTEMS COMMAND, PATUXENT
RIVER, MD. -- Capt. Mike Belcher has assumed command of the
Aviation Support Equipment program office, PMA260. Capt.
Belcher relieves Capt. George Kilian, who is moving to Capt.
Belcher’s old job as the Program Executive Officer for
Aircraft Carriers as the Director of Aviation.
“PMA 260, the Aviation Support Equipment program office
has a superb legacy for providing and sustaining support
equipment for virtually every platform in the Navy and
Marine Corps inventory. I am very proud and humbled to be
given this opportunity.”
Belcher’s decorations include five Meritorious Service
Medals, four Navy Marine Corps Commendation Medals, the Navy
Marine Corps Achievement Medal and various service related
awards and campaign ribbons.
In May 2004, Belcher reported to Naval Air Systems
Command, Aviation Support Equipment program office (PMA260)
as Deputy Program Manager for the Consolidated Automated
Support System, an ACAT II program.
In April 2002, Belcher reported to USS Theodore Roosevelt
(CVN 71) as the Aircraft Intermediate Maintenance Department
Officer and deployed to the Mediterranean Sea during the
initial phase of “Operation Iraqi Freedom.”
From January 2000 to March 2002, Belcher served on the
staff of the Chief of Naval Operations (OPNAV) as Assistant
Head of Aviation Technical Training. As a Requirements
Officer, he was responsible for policy, programming, and
budgeting for all Navy and Marine Corps Class “A” and “C”
schools as well as introduction of the computer-based
training initiative to the Fleet.
In January 1998, Belcher reported to USS Constellation
(CV 64) where he served as AIMD Production Control Officer,
deploying to the Persian Gulf in 1999 in support of
“Operation Southern Watch.”
From 1985 to 1997, Belcher served in various ground
aviation maintenance officer billets in VF-211, VAW-112,
AIMD, Naval Air Station Miramar Calif., and Helicopter
Anti-Submarine Light Wing, Pacific. During that time, he
deployed on USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63), and made three
deployments on USS Nimitz (CVN 68).
Belcher enlisted in the Navy in August 1979. After
completing Basic Training and Aviation Machinist Mate “A”
School, he was assigned to HT-18 and subsequently HC-16 in
Pensacola, Fla. After graduating from Troy State University,
Ala., he was commissioned an Ensign and was later designated
an Aerospace Maintenance Duty Officer.
Captain
Belcher and his wife, Pai-Jiun, reside in Leonardtown,
Md. with their two children Jennifer and Michael.
CNO Speaks to Naval Aviators at
Maritime Patrol and Reconnaissance Symposium
Release Date: 4252008
By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class (SW) Rebekah
Blowers, Chief of Naval Operations Public Affairs
WASHINGTON
(NNS) -- Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Adm. Gary
Roughead spoke at the Maritime Patrol and Reconnaissance
Symposium on April 25 about the community's part in "A
Cooperative Strategy for 21st Century Seapower."
CNO discussed the vital role of maritime patrol and
reconnaissance to the maritime strategy, emphasizing the
need to work with other navies.
"Yours is a community that gives us that global
presence," said Roughead. "You are there, you are the
strategy and most importantly, you and your shipmates
are the ones that are carrying it out, day in and day
out."
CNO spoke about his three priorities to maintain current
readiness, build tomorrow's Navy and the importance of
Sailors, Navy civilians and their families. He said it
was imperative the Navy is ready for the challenges of
today and tomorrow.
"I can tell you that whenever the Navy has been called
upon, the Navy has flown. The readiness that we put into
place a few years ago with the creation of the Fleet
Response Plan has allowed us to be that way. But we're
also able to do it because we're global and we're
deployed and we are where things are happening.
Maintaining current readiness allows us to do that,"
Roughead said.
He then took a series of questions and answers about
Anti-Submarine Warfare, the 2010 budget and joint forces
capabilities. Roughead concluded the discussion by
expressing his appreciation for the community's efforts.
"Thank you for what you and your folks are doing every
day, day in and day out. You are in unbelievable demand
because of the capability and the competence that you
bring to the fight," CNO said.
Lincoln Tops Carrier Donations to Navy Relief
Release Date: 4292008 3:56:00 PM
By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Arianne Anderson,
USS Abraham Lincoln Public Affairs
AT SEA (NNS) -- USS Abraham Lincoln's (CVN 72)
Commanding Officer Capt. Patrick Hall broadcasted over
the ship's 1MC public address system April 24 that
Lincoln's Sailors had raised the most money of all 11
carriers in the fleet for the annual Navy Marine Corps
Relief Society (NMCRS) fund drive.
"I am pleased to announce that Lincoln is the number one
contributor among all the carriers in the fleet," Hall
said. "I am very proud of all the contributions Lincoln
Sailors made."
According to Lt. j.g. Bryce Klaput, Lincoln's NMCRS fund
drive coordinator, Lincoln raised a total of $159,627
for the fund drive.
The top three contributors by department were Reactor
Department, which contributed a total of $15,571,
closely followed by Operations Department, with $14,048,
and Engineering Department, which contributed just under
$14,000, Klaput said.
"Being able to say Lincoln raised the most money of all
11 carriers goes a long way in instilling pride,
especially a tangible achievement such as this one,"
Klaput said.
He added that Lincoln had a lot of support this year
from the commanding officer to the department and
division representatives.
"I can't say enough about the teamwork that went into
this effort," he said. "I had a great core of people who
truly made this a command achievement. All I did was
point them in the right direction, and they ran with
it."
While recognizing Lincoln's success, the focus should be
on the fact that each and every Sailor and Marine gains
by the contributions, Klaput noted.
"The contributions made will go directly to Sailors and
Marines through emergency aid, education loans, nurse
visits, and financial help," he said. "Each Sailor who
gave can take a small measure of pride in knowing the
next person who takes emergency leave may be benefiting
from their contribution. I'd really like to thank every
one for their help and every one who contributed their
hard-earned money."
FRCSW Lands CNO Aviation Safety Award
Release Date: 512008 5:10:00 PM
By Jim Markle, Fleet Readiness Center Southwest Public
Affairs
NAS NORTH ISLAND, Calif. (NNS) -- In recognition of its
consistent, effective and safe airborne operations,
Fleet Readiness Center Southwest (FRCSW) was chosen by
the Naval Safety Center to receive one of several, Chief
of Naval Operations (CNO) 2007 Aviation Safety Awards.
The award announcement was made in an all-Navy message
released on April 23, which stated, "these award winners
are recognized for their professionalism, commitment to
excellence, solid leadership and competent risk
management which resulted in safe and effective
operations."
Joining FRCSW in the Commander, Naval Air Systems
Command category was the Naval Test Pilot School at
Patuxent River, Md.
As the Commander Naval Air Forces' West Coast premier
aircraft repair and maintenance facility, FRCSW conducts
more than 275 initial test flights annually of Navy and
Marine Corps aircraft including FA-18 Hornet fighters,
E-2C Hawkeye airborne early warning planes, C-2A
Greyhound transports, and CH-53 Super Stallion
helicopters.
Aircraft that have completed repairs or servicing are
transported to the FRCSW flight test area on Naval Air
Station North Island, where a staff of approximately 40
civilian artisans and military personnel put them
through a series of tests to establish safety assurances
and component reliability.
"Before the actual test flight, the pilot will conduct
functional check flight procedures that entail a series
of ground checks. Then, once airborne, the actual flight
checks are performed," said Lt. Benjamin Harrison, FRCSW
aviation safety officer and flight check operations
officer.
A post-flight report details the condition of the
aircraft and any unusual or hazardous occurrences
experienced. The reports are forwarded to the FRCSW
managers and quality assurance departments to analyze
and, if necessary, create recommendations through new
checklists, training, or awareness programs.
The reports also capture data for metric-based analysis
on any repeat failures of an aircraft's systems. The
data can be used to introduce cost-savings or safety
improvement measures.
FRCSW enhanced test line safety procedures in 2006 with
the purchase of a foreign object damage (FOD) sweeper.
FOD is any errant material such as a sheet metal screw,
rocks, or any item that may prove harmful to an aircraft
engine or its components.
In addition to normal FOD, the sweeper picks up micro-FOD
(sand and dust) not only from the aircraft ramp, but
also from the parking lot. The sweeper picks up
approximately 10 times the amount of FOD as a
traditional visual inspection, thereby reducing the
amount of hours spent screening for this material.
"For what we do here, aircraft safety is an ongoing and
continuous process; it's not something you just do once
and be done with," Harrison said.
FRCSW averages more than 550 test flight hours annually.
Lockheed looks to partners
to give F-35 sales a big lift
By BOB
COX
Star-Telegram staff writer
Lockheed Martin officials
are working out a plan to get key allies to place firm,
early orders for hundreds of F-35 Lightning II joint strike
fighters.
Much work remains to be
done, but Lockheed hopes to submit a detailed proposal
outlining cost, order and delivery schedules to government
and military officials by early next year.
The plans calls for a
consortium of the eight countries that have invested in
development of the F-35 to commit to buy 368 fighter jets,
with production beginning as soon as 2012-2013.
U.S. taxpayers and military
services would be major beneficiaries of the consortium
proposal. The sooner foreign countries place orders for
F-35s and production begins to increase, the faster the cost
of the aircraft should come down.
"The importance is
stability," said Dan Crowley, the Lockheed executive vice
president who overs F-35 development and production in Fort
Worth. "Stability of production, stability of cost."
Lockheed and the Pentagon
have been working since mid-2007 to encourage the eight
partner countries to place early orders.
Without foreign orders, the
U.S. military would have to bear the brunt of the high early
costs of buying tools, training workers and working out the
kinks in the production lines.
Pentagon budget documents
show that the Air Force anticipates ordering 42 F-35s in
2013 at an average price of about $91 million, the lowest
cost of the three versions. Navy and Marine Corps planes
would cost much more. Early foreign orders could bring those
costs down significantly.
At the same time, Lockheed
hopes the plan will help persuade the Pentagon to step up
its planned F-35 purchases as the armed services k to
replace older, costly-to-maintain fighter jets now being
heavily used in Iraq and Afghanistan and for other missions.
Tom Burbage, Lockheed's
executive vice president who overs the political and
marketing aspects of the F-35, briefed officials of the
partner countries at a conference last month. He will
present the concept to senior government and military
officials this month.
If they approve, Burbage
said Lockheed and the other contractors will begin extensive
discussions with suppliers to try and project cost and
production schedules so that firm pricing commitments could
be made to the partner countries.
"Nobody has bought into it
yet," said Burbage, adding that Lockheed would have to
invest a great deal of time and effort to pull together
accurate cost data.
Unlike the U.S., which
funds weapons-system purchases on a year-to-year basis, most
of the F-35 partner countries will make multiyear buying
decisions and appropriate the money upfront. Much like
Boeing does with commercial airline buyers, Lockheed and the
U.S. will have to commit to selling F-35s at firm, fixed
prices for the life of a contract.
Burbage said that under
such an arrangement, Lockheed and the other prime
contractors, BAE Systems and Northrop Grumman, will take on
some financial risk, as will the U.S. and foreign
governments.
Great Britain and the
Netherlands are expected to buy three test airplanes between
them, along with 16 for the U.S. government in the 2009
fiscal year.
So far, the U.S. and
Lockheed have been able to keep the partner countries on the
F-35 team despite the best efforts of European fighter-jet
manufacturers.
"They've kept all eight
partner nations in, they've kept them funding it, which is a
major accomplishment," said Richard Aboulafia,
aerospace-industry analyst with the Teal Group.
Burbage just returned from
a 10-day trip to Denmark, Norway and the Netherlands to meet
with government and military leaders. Norway and Denmark
have not yet committed to buy the F-35 and are holding
competitions, mainly with Sweden's Saab Gripen fighter.
Burbage submitted
Lockheed's formal bid to Norwegian officials Monday. In his
remarks, Burbage told Norwegian officials that the F-35
represents a "quantum leap" in combat capabilities at 20
percent lower operational cost than the F-16s and other
aircraft they are now flying.
"We made a strong
proposal," Burbage said. "We're competitive on price, and
we're a much more capable airplane."
Norway is expected to
decide which fighter to purchase by year's end, but Burbage
said a formal decision to order planes is probably several
years away.
Other countries are also
considering how soon to commit to F-35 orders. Italy,
Burbage said, might decide to buy its own test airplane in
2009. Australian government officials have hedged at times
about their commitment and have announced plans to order 24
Boeing FA-18 Super Hornets.
But Burbage said all
indications are that Australia will reaffirm its intent to
purchase F-35s at some point.
Israel, meanwhile, has
adopted military budget plans that call for buying 25 F-35s
around 2012.
As Lockheed and the U.S. k
to firm up foreign support for the F-35, one selling point
has been that partner countries, which won F-35 work by
upgrading their technology and manufacturing capabilities,
are beginning to win additional work from the commercial
aircraft industry.
"All of the benefits [from
other countries' investments] have gone into their local,
high-tech industries," Burbage said, something political
leaders are beginning to notice.
Planned U.S. F-35
spending
Fiscal 2008
Procurement
12 planes $2.65
billion
Research,
development and testing
$3.5 billion
Fiscal 2009
Procurement
16 planes
Research,
development and testing
From AFA OnLine -
Marine Ospreys Back from the
Sandbox: The MV-22s of Marine Medium Lift Squadron 263 have
just returned home from the first combat deployment of the
tiltrotor aircraft to Iraq. And, according to squadron
members who spoke to reporters May 2 in the Pentagon, they
were a lot busier than they thought they would be during the
seven-month deployment. "They put us to work immediately,"
said Lt. Col. Paul Rock, the unit's commander. Flying
missions began Sept. 21, 2007, with the Ospreys performing
mostly general support by flying personnel and equipment
around Al Anbar province out of Al Asad Air Base. They also
flew casualty evacuation missions, raid operations, and aero
scout sorties (armed reconnaissance coupled with a quick
reaction force), he said. The harsh conditions of Iraq's
western desert did not appear to hamper MV-22
operations--despite some issues early on with the aircraft's
slip rings, said Rock, and adding that each aircraft
required 9.5 maintenance hours per flight hour in theater.
(In comparison, a CH-46 requires about 24 maintenance hours
per flight hour.) In total, the squadron flew more than
2,500 individual sorties, with seven of 10 Ospreys
mission-ready on a given day. "We were flying the pudding
out of them," he said. Each Osprey averaged about 62 flight
hours a month over the course of the deployment. Together
they racked up 700 hours in March alone. Rock noted that Air
Force personnel participated in the deployment, both in
pre-deployment training and during the tour itself. One USAF
master sergeant maintainer stayed with the squadron for
about a month to collect lessons for Air Force Special
Operations Command which would like to get its version of
the Osprey, the CV-22, into the fight as soon as this fall.
Taking a Shot at the V-22: There were two reported cases
of MV-22 Osprey tiltrotor aircraft taking hostile fire
during their seven-month tour in Iraq that just
concluded, according to Marine Corps officials. One
attack involved small arms fire, while the second dealt
with a rocket, Lt. Col. Paul Rock, commander of Marine
Medium Lift Squadron 263, told reporters May 2 during a
Pentagon briefing ( above). Both attacks missed. "For
both those instances, we were already moving fast," Rock
said. The Osprey carries a small caliber gun on its rear
ramp, but the gun cannot be effectively employed at the
speeds that the aircraft flies when in "airplane mode"
with its rotors forward, he said. Accordingly, the
Marines and US Special Operations Command, which will
operate the Air Force's CV-22 Osprey variant, are
working on adding a 360-degree gun underneath the
aircraft's belly for improved self-defense lethality.
Lt. Gen. George Trautman, deputy commandant for Marine
Corps aviation, said work on the belly-mounted gun is
progressing. "We've wanted an all-quadrant weapon on
this for a long time," he said. "It's hard to do." The
Cobra attack helicopter is the Marine's only helicopter
with a fixed forward-firing gun today. Trautman said, if
testing goes well, the plan is to deploy CV-22s with the
gun system in the fall.
Enterprise Takes Admiral Flatley Award
Story Number: NNS080514-07
5142008
By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Mark Meredith,
USS Enterprise Public Affairs
ABOARD USS ENTERPRISE (NNS) -- USS Enterprise (CVN 65)
and Carrier Air Wing 1 (CVW-1) were the recipients of
the 2007 Admiral Flatley Memorial Award.
Capt. Ron Horton, Enterprise's commanding officer,
announced to the crew that Big "E" won the award, May 1.
This aviation safety award, given to one aircraft
carrier and associated carrier air wing and one
amphibious assault ship and associated Marine
expeditionary unit annually, covers a one year period.
The award is based on a comprehensive evaluation of
contributions to aviation safety.
During 2007, Big "E" and CVW-1 successfully completed a
strenuous six-month deployment leaving a huge impact in
the Mediterranean Sea and the Persian Gulf while
conducting continuous combat operations and Maritime
Security Operations.
With 24,297 flight hours, 11,502 catapult launches and
192 days embarked with the air wing, the Enterprise and
CVW-1 teams worked as a cohesive team to increase flight
deck safety, resulting in less than $100 in damage
during the entire deployment.
"The crew and air wing took safety very seriously," said
Enterprise Safety Officer, Cmdr. Peter Mehl. "They got
the job done. If you look at both the work-ups and
cruise, we effectively operated at sea for three-fourths
of a year."
Enterprise Air Boss, Capt. Ryman Shoaf noted, "The
professionalism between the flight deck crew and the
CVW-1 aviators and their support teams was the reason we
received this recognition."
Shoaf also praised the crew's consistency and passion
day in and day out during nearly six months of combat
operations.
"Both organizations made monumental strides to complete
all missions; not some of the time, not every other time
but each and every time we were called upon to do so,"
added Shoaf. "Safety was the mission that made all the
other missions possible, especially those that flew
across the beach in support of those on the ground
engaged in combat."
Horton shared those sentiments and said he could not be
more proud of the men and women he serves with aboard
Big "E" and CVW-1.
"We're honored to be recognized with this award," said
Horton. "It is a testament to all the long hours and the
hard work the entire Big "E" CVW-1 team put in. Every
day they focused on safety while getting the job done,
and getting the job done well. The dedication and pride
they displayed this past year is unmatched. And I'm
proud to be part of this team."
Truman Strengthens Friendships, Gives Back to Local Greek
Community
Story Number: NNS080514-15
5142008
By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class (SW) Heather
Weaver, USS Harry S. Truman Public Affairs
RHODES, Greece (NNS) -- More than 100 Sailors from USS
Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) participated in a community
relations (COMREL) project, May 8, in Rhodes to help
beautify the historic Rodini park here.
Rear Adm. Mark Fox, Commander, Carrier Strike Group (CCSG)
10, said participating in events such as this allows
Sailors to create bonds with the local community that
will last for years to come.
"We are pleased to be able to take part in this project
and represent the U.S.," Fox said. "The Sailors are very
excited and bring a lot of young energy here. These
types of interactions are very important because we are
able to show the [Greek] people that what is important
to them is also important to us."
Before Sailors began their work on the park, Daniel
Speckhard, U.S. Ambassador to Greece, and the Mayor of
Rhodes, Chatzis Chatziefthimiou, presented Truman with a
memento of thanks. Speckhard said he appreciated Sailors
taking time from their liberty to help with the park
beautification because it shows our Greek allies that
America shares their same values.
"For us to pay respect to their history as you're doing
here by coming to this park and helping to clean up and,
[you are] showing how important it is to us too. As
citizens from the same world, to protect our culture and
heritage in common to them means a lot and it shows them
that Americans, care about them, care about their
community, care about their history and care about the
beauty of the island."
Fire Controlman 2nd Class Crystal Ditro, one of the
participants, said she enjoys volunteering for COMRELs
because it gives her a chance to the local community in
a different light.
"We worked and interacted with a few of the locals, and
while we were out there, they were showing us pictures
of their wives and children, and we got to do the same
thing for them. We were able to ask each other questions
and communicate. If you were out in town you couldn't
just go up to someone and start asking questions," she
said.
Another volunteer noted COMREL events help develop
international relations.
"This is one of the oldest parks in this area and it's
certainly a place the community spends a lot of its
time," said volunteer Lt. Cmdr. Casey Baker. "You get to
work with a lot of the local workers and some of the
people that are here and it gives you a different
perspective. Like us, they want a nice park where they
can take their families and hang out and have a good
time. So, we can help make it a nice place for people to
bring their families. It shows them that we are their
friends and we hope to keep it that way."
Lt. Cmdr. Steve Smith, a chaplain and event organizer,
explained Sailor participation increases morale and self
esteem.
"It's good for the Sailors," Smith said. "The Sailors
love giving, it really encourages them. If we are mind,
body and soul it's one way they can spiritually give
back; caring for others."
From: Air Force Magazine Online
Thursday May 08, 2008
Greased for Lightnings:
The first group of maintenance crews that will support
F-35 flight test aircraft at Edwards AFB, Calif., and
NAS Patuxent River, Md., has completed classroom
instruction and certification training, Lockheed Martin
announced May 2. These mechanics and technicians, who
came from industry as well as the US and UK militaries,
will now help prepare the two sites for receipt of the
test aircraft, the company said. Approximately 500
certified maintainers will be assigned to the 13 flight
test aircraft that will deploy to Edwards and Patuxent
River over the next five years. AA-1, the first F-35A
test aircraft, has already completed 40 flights to date
at Lockheed Martin's facility in Fort Worth, Tex. It
will deploy temporarily to Edwards in late May or early
June for expanded flight test activities, before
returning to Fort Worth in the summer. The first test
aircraft in the F-35B short takeoffvertical landing
configuration will transfer to Patuxent River by early
2009 for STOVL-mode flight testing. This aircraft is set
to fly for the first time in May or June in Fort Worth.
From: Air Force Magazine Online
Friday May 09, 2008
Roles and Missions: The
Department of Defense has established the parameters for
its forthcoming quadrennial roles and missions review,
two senior Pentagon officials told reporters May 8. In
addition to the stipulation by Congress that the review
address unnecessary duplication of capabilities and
effort across the department's components, DOD has added
six more areas of focus (at least three of which
immediately touch upon the Air Force): unmanned aircraft
systemsintelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance;
intratheater lift (including the joint cargo aircraft);
and the cyber domain. The remaining three are irregular
warfare, internal DOD governance roles and
responsibilities, and supporting interagency roles and
missions capabilities. The officials said the review
will be a leadership-driven process, including
participation by the Secretary of Defense and Chairman
of the Joint Chiefs of Staff to avoid "parochial
stovepipes." The combatant commanders and their staffs
will also be heavily involved, they said. There will be
a team for each of the seven focus areas that will be
led both by a Senate-confirmed senior civilian official
and a three- or four-star general officer. Impasses over
positions will be taken up the leadership chain for
resolution, they said. The officials said DOD views the
review as "an opportunity" to expand jointness, achieve
greater effectiveness, and reduce unnecessary
duplication. But one of the officials acknowledged, when
asked, that DOD likely will come out of the review with
a much better idea of what unnecessary duplication
actually means than it has going in. Congress created
the roles and missions review in the 2008 defense
authorization act, calling for it to take place every
four years as a precursor to the broader quadrennial
defense review. The R&M review is due to Congress no
later than the Pentagon's submission of its Fiscal 2010
budget request in the first week of February 2009. The
officials said DOD anticipates wrapping up the study in
late November. But how it is packaged and delivered to
Congress likely will be the work of the next
Administration, but that is yet to be determined.
From: Air Force Magazine Online
Friday May 09, 2008
JASSM Flights
Successful: The Air Force's Joint Air-to-Surface
Standoff Missile stealthy cruise missile performed well
in a series of 16 flight tests earlier this year to
characterize the weapon system's reliability, Lockheed
Martin, the missile's maker, announced May 5. "The
system's performance in this latest test series was
outstanding," said Randy Bigum, vice president of Strike
Weapons at Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control.
During these tests, the JASSM "demonstrated its
capabilities" across a variety of targets, including
hardened, underground bunkers and air defense systems,
the company said. The success of these flights, which
took place in February, was a prerequisite for the
Office of the Secretary of Defense's decision, announced
May 2, to allow production of the baseline JASSM and
development of variants to continue. The decision came
after a Congressionally mandated review of the JASSM
program that was triggered by cost increases due to
major programmatic changes, but also included a look
into the missile's performance after a string of flight
test failures in the spring of 2007.
CHIEF OF NAVAL OPERATIONS
Diversity Policy
Diversity has
made our Nation and Navy stronger. To derive the most from
that diversity, every individual, military or civilian, must
be encouraged and enabled to reach his or her full
potential. They must be inspired and empowered to attain the
most senior levels of leadership. That empowerment today is
unleashed by involved, thoughtful, proactive, and
enlightened leaders. As leaders, we are all entrusted with
the duty and responsibility to set and live the example by
creating an environment where every individual’s
contribution is valued and respected. Future empowerment is
cultivated by that same leadership and mentorship and an
active commitment to attracting and recruiting the very
best. We will foster an environment that respects the
individual’s worth based on his or her performance
regardless of race, gender, or creed.
As the Chief of Naval Operations, I will
lead diversity initiatives in the Navy. I challenge all who
serve to do the same through leadership, mentorship,
service, and example. Our involved, proactive leadership
will create and enable an environment and a Total Workforce
that values uniqueness, different perspectives, and talent.
Workforce character and professionalism is a priority in our
Navy. Accordingly, we will support a culture of professional
and personal development ensuring our people are trained and
educated to accomplish our mission, with opportunities
available to all in an equal manner.
We must not be locked in time. As
leaders, we must anticipate and embrace the demographic
changes of tomorrow, and build a Navy that always reflects
our Country’s make up. We must lead in ways that will
continue to draw men and women to service to our Country and
to our Navy. Diversity of thoughts, ideas, and competencies
of our people, keeps our Navy strong, and empowers the
protection of the very freedoms and opportunities we enjoy
each and every day. The vast talent, diversity, and
experience of our citizens will continue to be our strength,
and will ensure our Navy’s relevance and our Nation’s
security and prosperity.
As we enhance and empower our diversity,
we will remain a global force for peace, and epitomize the
ideals that make our Navy great and our Nation the best hope
of freedom. We will sustain our force through the fair,
equal, and ethical treatment of every member of the United
States Navy.
G. ROUGHEAD
GW Sailors Transit the Strait of Magellan to Arrive in the
Pacific
Story Number: NNS080515-05
Release Date: 5152008 6:18:00 AM
By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Tanner Lange, USS
George Washington Public Affairs
USS GEORGE WASHINGTON, At Sea (NNS) -- Sailors aboard
USS George Washington (CVN 73) (GW) navigated the Strait
of Magellan, May 9-10, completing the Atlantic Ocean
portion of their Partnership of the Americas (POA) 2008
deployment.
The Strait of Magellan, named after the Portugese
explorer Ferdinand Magellan, is a navigable sea route
immediately south of mainland Chile and is a natural
passage between the Atlantic and Pacific oceans.
Magellan made passage through the strait in 1520 while
searching for a quicker route to the Spice Islands by
sailing west.
During the two-day transit, the Sailors of GW's
navigation department played a major role by maintaining
the ship's course and monitoring water depth through the
570-kilometer passage.
"The past two days have been very important for us,
helping GW make a safe and accurate transit through the
Strait of Magellan," said Senior Chief Quartermaster (SWAW)
David Tokarski. "There are a lot of challenges that can
arise when passing through narrow waters like these and
it takes extra effort to make sure all readings are
reported and plotted accurately to keep the ship
continuing on its designated path."
The Strait of Magellan transit also served as a valuable
training tool for qualifying junior quartermasters in
different aspects of their rate and has provided some
Sailors a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
"As a quartermaster, I look forward to missions and
challenges that enable me to perform my rate at its
highest level," said Quartermaster 3rd Class (SWAW)
Brandon Chandler. "This was an extensive detail in the
time it takes to travel the Strait. I feel like I have
learned a lot and I will never forget this experience."
"It's not just navigation department helping the ship
through the Strait," Tokarski said. "All departments
work together and have important responsibilities to
make the exercise a total team effort. That's why we
call it Team GW."
Since it is not prudent to navigate the strait at night,
GW anchored late in the day May 9 just off the coast of
Punta Arenas, Chile. Punta Arenas is considered the
world's southernmost city, with more than 102,000
residents.
As the ship resumed its transit May 10, hundreds of GW
and embarked Carrier Air Wing 17 Sailors roamed the
flight deck and hangar bay to snap a few photographs of
the snow-capped mountains overlooking parts of the
strait.
"It was cold, but I was able to get some amazing
pictures," said Information Systems Technician Seaman
Armando Clanton of Combat Systems Department's CS3
division. "I never thought I'd be in this part of the
world or anything like this."
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