Milcom Monitoring Post

Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Apprentice William Blees, Navy Public Affairs Support Element West, Det. Northwest

PORT ANGELES, Wash. (NNS) -- The 65PB1101 coastal command patrol boat (CCB) departed Port Angeles, Wash., to transit to San Diego, Calif., Aug. 5-11.

The boat was manned by a Fleet Integration Team consisting entirely of Navy Reservists.

The CCB underwent developmental testing in the Puget Sound and the Strait of Juan de Fuca from April to August 2013. During testing, the boat encountered wave heights of 4-6 feet.

The 65 foot, 50-ton boat was built in Bremerton and Tacoma, Wash., and expands the capabilities of the Navy with its flexibility.

"This boat helps bridge the gap between the large ship navy and the near-coastal assets," said Senior Enlisted Advisor, Master Chief Petty Officer Joe Manning, assigned to Coastal Riverine Group 1 (CRG-1).

The CCB has increased capability amongst existing Navy Expeditionary Combat Command (NECC) craft including 24-hour mission capability, ergonomic equipment design, both remote and crew-served weapon systems, and a robust communications suite.

"The arrival of the Coastal Command Boat marks a critical milestone for the Coastal Riverine Force in which new technologies are expanding our team's ability to support broader missions and battlespace," said Capt. Chris Peterschmidt, commander of CRG-1. "CRG-1 looks forward to leading the way as we man, train, and equip the craft and crew for deployment early next year."

The boat contains a hydraulic crane and shock mitigating seating for 18 crew members. The boat also features sound-deadening curtains which separate the berthing area from the galley and an electronics space and sound-deadening floor mats which isolate the pilothouse, main cabin and galley from machinery and hull-borne noise.

The CCB shares many design philosophies and technologies of the next generation of NECC boats such as the MK-VI Patrol Boat for coastal operations.

CRG-1 is scheduled to take custody of the CCB and the boat will be placed in service in early September 2013.

In conjunction with the arrival of the CCB and other riverine assets during July and August of 2013, CRG-1 has taken significant steps in establishing the first West Coast riverine capability.

The Coastal Riverine Force is a core Navy capability that provides port and harbor security, high value asset protection and maritime security operations in coastal and inland waterways.

By Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Apprentice Edward Guttierrez III, Navy Public Affairs Support Element, Norfolk

CORAL SEA (NNS) -- Sailors assigned to the Bonhomme Richard Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) in partnership with Marines of the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), conducted a visit, board, search and seizure (VBSS) training evolution aboard USNS Wally Schirra (T-AKE 8) Aug. 13.

"VBSS operations are another way in which we keep sea lanes open and safe for the flow of commercial traffic," said Lt. Bradford Tonder, operations officer for Amphibious Squadron (PHIBRON) 11. "These operations aid in deterring and preventing illegal activity on the high seas."

VBSS operations emerged after the initial Gulf War as a measure to support continued maritime interdiction operations imposed by United Nations resolutions and to deter illegal activity. They are conducted by sending boarding teams to search a vessel of interest via rigid-hull inflatable boat (RHIB) or helicopter. If the vessel is deemed to be conducting illegal activities, the boarding team can secure the vessel and crew if required.

Today's VBSS training covers areas such as tactical team movements, self-defense tactics, boarding tactics, and climbing and repelling techniques.

"In this part of the world, it's one of the biggest things we focus on. There are a lot of cargo ships and they're at high risk of being taken over by pirates. It's our job to be ready to repel that threat," said Cpl. Corey Thomas, infantry squad leader.

The VBSS training exercise was conducted as part of the 31st MEU's certification exercise (CERTEX). Due to the exercise framework, less than 48 hours notice was given to Bonhomme Richard, Denver and the 31st MEU to begin planning the boarding and seizure operation.

"Although we had only 48 hours from notice of the mission to execution... [it] required the same extensive and detailed planning to execute as the VBSS operations Navy ships routinely conduct," said Tonder.

VBSS operations require intricate pre-planning and execution as well as high-level integration between Navy and Marine on-scene leadership. The Marine Corps' elite VBSS force is the Maritime Raid Force (MRF). The MRF is vital to the Blue/Green team and uses the full spectrum of ARG/MEU support resources such as aircraft and small boats in order to successfully execute a particular mission.

"This operation was very successful," said Tonder. "This was the first time this particular Blue/Green team conducted this type of operation together. The team gelled quickly and planned and executed a safe and coordinated mission involving numerous air platforms originating from both Bonhomme Richard and Denver."

Thomas echoed that sentiment saying, "A lot goes into an operation like this, a lot of coordination with different elements. Whether it's the Aviation Combat Element (ACE), the Navy side, or Marine Force Recon team, I think the operation went extremely smoothly. There are always things to improve and tighten up in any mission, but overall I feel like things went extremely well."

Bonhomme Richard is the flagship of the Bonhomme Richard ARG, commanded by Capt. Cathal O'Connor, commodore, Amphibious Squadron (PHIBRON) 11 and reports to the Commander, Amphibious Force 7th Fleet, Rear Adm. Jeffrey A. Harley, headquartered in White Beach, Okinawa, Japan.

A-10 Thunderbolt aircraft, 122nd Fighter Wing, 163rd Fighter Squadron, Indiana Air National Guard, Ft. Wayne, Ind. taxi and take-off as part of RED FLAG-Alaska 13-3, Aug. 12, 2013, Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Kirsten Wicker/Released)

By Mass Communications Specialist Seaman Michael T. Forbes, USS Wasp Public Affairs

AT SEA, ATLANTIC OCEAN (NNS) -- Two F-35B Lightning II jets (BF-01 and BF-05) touched down aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Wasp (LHD 1) Aug. 12, kicking off week of Development Testing II (DT-II) where Wasp Sailors and Integrated Test Force (ITF) team members are testing and further validating the F-35B.

DT-II is the second of three test phases encompassing numerous milestone events including the first night operation at sea as well as the first launch and recovery of the F-35B at sea by a U.K. test pilot. The goal of this testing is to further define F-35B operating parameters aboard amphibious ships such as Wasp.

The F-35 Lightning II is the next generation strike aircraft for the U.S. Marine Corps, Navy, and Air Force, as well as eight international partners. The jet combines advanced stealth with fighter speed and agility, fully fused sensor information, network-enabled operations and advanced sustainment. Wasp is testing the F-35B, which has short takeoff/vertical landing (STOVL) capability, enabling it to operate from a wider range of ships and in support of expeditionary operations.

"It's a significant milestone for the F-35 program," said Capt. Erik Etz, Director, Test & Evaluation F-35 Naval Variants. "We're providing an envelope that will be utilized by Marine Corps and U.K. aviators when they go out and employ the aircraft in a real environment. The ability to operate at night is critical and so certainly the testing we're doing here will provide a significant amount of data so we can clear the envelope and clear the aircraft to operate day and night, when the Marine Corps takes the F-35B to initial operating capability in 2015."

Wasp and the ITF completed a major milestone when Lt. Col. C. R. Clift launched from the flight deck and landed safely, marking the first successful night launch and recovery of the F-35B at sea.

The pilots were pleased with the progress that the first night landings at sea represent. "It all went extremely well," said Clift. "Throughout the night we conducted eight successful launches and landings, so we're on target and quickly gaining experience with F-35B night operations at sea."

Launch and recoveries filled the first, second and third days at sea creating smooth, synchronized daytime operations. Wasp flight deck crew members were trained in advance of DT-II to prepare them for F-35B operations at sea, ensuring all those involved were ready to support DT-II.

"The crew itself has spent quite a bit of time up at Patuxent River working with the F-35B understanding how the aircraft operates," said Capt. Brian Teets, Wasp's commanding officer. "What we've been able to bring is a consistent platform to the F-35B to support their testing. It's the same ship with the same capabilities, providing consistency and stability as a reliable test platform. Employing a consistent test platform allows the team to find ways to optimize this new aircraft in the Marine Air Combat Element."

U.K. Squadron Leader Jim Schofield, a Royal Air Force pilot became the first international pilot to conduct sea-based launch and landing in the F-35B.

"It's exciting to see the integration of this new plane with the amphibious assault ships," said Schofield. "After a year leading up to this evolution, it's awesome to get here and start. And the crew has been especially accommodating and efficient at running these tests smoothly."

The historical milestones were not lost on Wasp crew members, but for most it was "business as usual", focusing on safety and effectiveness during flight operations at sea. Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Handling) 1st Class Ashley Geary gave the signal to launch BF-05 for the first night flight operations.

"It was fun knowing we're making history," said Geary. "We worked with the test team at Patuxent River for a week, learning about the F-35B and its operations. They took our suggestions on flight deck procedures, ensuring we were one team working together towards a successful mission. The launch went well, without a hitch."

The F-35 Lightning II is scheduled to replace 13 different legacy aircraft in the current U.S. defense inventory. Sea trials for the Navy's F-35C aircraft carrier variant are scheduled at the end of 2014.

WASHINGTON (NNS) -- Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus announced today that the next Freedom-variant littoral combat ship (LCS) will be named USS Indianapolis.

USS Indianapolis, designated LCS 17, will be the fourth ship to bear the name. A previous Indianapolis (CA 35) is best known for its role in World War II, where it operated from Pearl Harbor and throughout the Pacific escorting convoys and attacking enemy submarines.

Indianapolis' service ended when it was sunk by a Japanese torpedo minutes after midnight July 30, 1945. Only 317 of the 1,196 sailors serving aboard the ship survived after five days afloat in the Pacific Ocean. Indianapolis earned 10 battle stars for the ship's distinguished World War II service.

"I chose to name this ship Indianapolis because of the legacy this name holds," Mabus said. "When people hear Indianapolis, they will be reminded of the incredible bravery and sense of duty with which our men and women in uniform serve."

LCSs are designed to defeat littoral threats, and provide access and dominance in coastal waters. A fast, agile surface combatant, LCS provides war fighting capabilities and operational flexibility to execute focused missions close to the shore, such as mine warfare, anti-submarine warfare, and surface warfare.

Indianapolis will be built with modular design incorporating mission packages that can be changed out quickly as combat needs demand. These mission packages are supported by detachments that deploy manned and unmanned vehicles, and sensors in support of mine, undersea and surface warfare missions.

Construction of LCS 17 is contingent upon Congressional authorization and appropriation of fiscal year 2014 funding. The ship will be 388 feet long, have a waterline beam length of 58 feet and make speeds in excess of 40 knots. The construction will be led by a Lockheed Martin industry team in Marinette, Wis.

By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Eric Brown, U.S. Fleet Forces Command, Public Affairs

NORFOLK, Va. (NNS) -- After three days of practice, NASA conducted a stationary recovery test of their latest space craft, the Orion, in the well deck of the amphibious transport dock USS Arlington (LPD 24) while berthed at Naval Station Norfolk's Pier 12 on Aug. 15, 2013.

This successful test of the four-man, 16-foot capsule paves the way for future testing of NASA's Orion Program, including a West Coast underway recovery test in January, and the recovery of a low-orbit module following splashdown in the fall of 2014. NASA plans its first unmanned Orion voyage to take place in 2017, and a manned expedition in 2021.

"Arlington is all about ownership and standards, and Arlington is setting the standards for the other ships in our class that will be assisting in the recoveries of Orion space craft." said Arlington Commanding Officer Cmdr. Darren Nelson. "To be able to work with NASA on the next manned space capsule is a dream come true for many Arlington crew members - they are very excited about this unique opportunity."

Arlington Sailors and Marines assisting with the recovery in front of, adjacent to, and above the well deck throughout the week were joined by more than 75 NASA engineers, designers and technicians from Langley Research Center, Kennedy Space Center and Johnson Space Center.

The testing was overseen by NASA Recovery Director Louie Garcia.

"We performed the recovery several times earlier this week, and have gotten proficient at it," he said. "Today we did everything all together, perfecting the operation as if the capsule had left its orbit and splashed down, sending the small boats out to conduct a safety assessment, hook the taglines up and tow it into the well deck. The capsule was floated in over a cradle in the ballasted ship, and then settled into the cradle when the ship was deballasted.

"We have a requirement that we have the crew hatch opened within two hours of splashdown. We are trying to verify if that is a realistic goal, and so far it has been."

The U.S. Navy has worked with NASA with space craft recoveries for programs including Mercury (1959-1963), Gemini (1961-1966) and Apollo (1961-1972). The last recovery done by the U.S. Navy was in 1975.

Arlington's namesake predecessor, the major communications relay ship USS Arlington (AGMR 2) assisted with the recoveries of Apollo 8 in 1968, and 10 and 11 the following year.

"My crew and I are very proud to continue the legacy of Arlington and the NASA space program," Nelson said.
NASA has been planning the Orion recovery tests for more than five years.

The most challenging part of the Orion recovery was in the "choreography" of all the moving parts, Garcia said.

"We have never done this before, and we are working with Arlington, which of course has never done anything like this before either," he explained. "Also, we are working with people we've just met, and learning how to mesh different government organizations together so that their strengths and skills can accomplish the recovery of the capsule."

Arlington, a San-Antonio class warship, has many unique capabilities that make it an ideal partner to support NASA, including the ability to embark helicopters, launch and recover small boats, three dimensional air search radar and advanced medical facilities.

"This is a cost-effective partnership," Nelson noted. "The Navy has the necessary at-sea recovery experience and capabilities and is always willing to work with government and private partners when directed and when it makes the most sense in terms of capability and economy."

The recovery testing aboard Arlington has proven that the U.S. Navy can safely support NASA's requests for operational support without adversely impacting the Department of Defense's primary warfighting mission.

"This is a building block for the United States to conduct manned space flight again," Garcia said.

The ship is named for Arlington County, Va., home of the Pentagon, in honor of the 184 victims and heroes who lost their lives during the terrorist attack there on 9-11.

Arlington is the eighth in Navy's San Antonio class of ships, designed to be the most survivable amphibious vessels ever put to sea. The third in the U.S. fleet to bear the name, Arlington was be commissioned on April 6, 2013. The ship combines 21st century amphibious shipbuilding and warfighting technologies to support current and future

Marine Corps aircraft and landing craft, and will be capable of taking nearly 1,200 Sailors and Marines into harm's way.

A C-130 Hercules from the 182nd Airlift Wing, Illinois Air National Guard, takes off from the Alpena Combat Readiness Training Center, Aug. 13, 2013, as two Airmen from the 127th Wing, Michigan Air National Guard, talk in front of an A-10 Thunderbolt II. The aircraft were both flying at Alpena in support of Operation Northern Strike, a joint military exercise that involved military personnel from more than a dozen different states and was centered around Alpena and the Camp Grayling Maneuvering Training Center, both in northern Michigan. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by MSgt. Denice Rankin/Released)

by TSgt. Dan Heaton, 127th Wing Public Affairs

SELFRIDGE AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, Mich. -- In one of the most comprehensive displays of military might in the modern history of the Great Lakes region, Operation Northern Strike brought together Soldiers, Airmen and other military personnel for two weeks of intense operational training at locations across northern Michigan in August.

The second annual exercise showcased not only the integrated combat capability of the Michigan Air and Army National Guard, but also highlighted the state's primary training facilities at Camp Grayling Joint Maneuver Training Center and the Alpena Combat Readiness Training Center, both located in northern Lower Michigan. Units and personnel from Selfridge Air National Guard Base and the Battle Creek Air National Guard Base also participated in the operation, along with support from Army, Marine Corps, Coast Guard and Air Force units from around the state and Great Lakes region. The exercise also featured an international flavor with a half-dozen combat controllers from Latvia - one of Michigan's two State Partnership for Peace partner nations - and from Canada participating in the exercise. In all, 29 different units from 16 states, plus the two international partners, participated in the exercise.

The exercise allowed the various units of the Michigan National Guard to train on joint operations between air, land and sea units - even including coordination with a U.S. Navy frigate off the Virginia coast, said Col. Michael T. Thomas, 127th Wing commander at Selfridge Air National Guard Base, which provided both A-10 Thunderbolt II attack aircraft and KC-135 Stratotanker refuelers to the exercise.

"The Michigan National Guard continues to develop tools to jointly project air power anywhere in the world," Thomas said. "Our Air National Guard units, facilities and synergies lead the way in becoming the eyes and ears of the warfighter, presenting and processing information for the entire team in unprecedented ways."

During the exercise, 127th Wing personnel launched aircraft from both Selfridge and from Alpena. A variety of Michigan Army National Guard helicopters also utilized the same runways to participate in the exercise. Utilizing the same base infrastructure for the various aircraft from multiple units makes the exercise cost-efficient for the taxpayer, said Col. Bryan Teff, commander of the Alpena CRTC.

"Northern Strike 2013 will establish the framework for future joint multi-dimensional operations at Camp Grayling and the Alpena CRTC allowing for progression in complexity, integration and dept," Teff said. "This event will validate the necessity of joint forces training in sustaining a ready Michigan Army and Air National Guard that has regional focus and global agility."

Units participating in the exercise included infantry, cavalry, field artillery, aviation, special operations elements of the Michigan Army National Guard; Air National Guard and Air Force Joint Terminal Attack Controllers and F-16s Fighting Falcon, C-130 Hercules and B-52 StratroFortress aircraft in addition to the A-10s and KC-135s from Selfridge; Marines from the 2nd Division, and a new player to the exercise, the Coast Guard's ice breaker USCGC Mackinaw and rescue helicopters from Traverse City. In addition to Michigan, National Guard personnel from Illinois, New York, Indiana and Georgia participated in the exercise.

The exercise featured more than 700 air sorties, many of which included "live fire" evolutions at the Grayling Aerial Gunnery Range or personnel extractions during search and rescue operations.

The Michigan Air National Guard is comprised of the 127th Wing at Selfridge Air National Guard Base and the 110th Air Wing at Battle Creek Air National Guard Base. The MI-ANG also operates the Alpena Combat Readiness Training Center and the Grayling Aerial Gunnery Range in northern Michigan.

A formation of F-16 Fighting Falcons assigned to the 100th Fighter Squadron, Dannelly Field, Ala., waits to refuel over the Joint Pacific Alaska Range Complex during RED FLAG-Alaska 13-3 Aug. 19, 2013, Eielson Air Force Base Alaska. The JPARC airspace covers more than 67,000 square miles and is the largest military air-ground training complex in North America. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Miguel Lara III/Released)

By 2nd Lt. Justin Patterson, Washington National Guard

JOINT BASE LEWIS-McCHORD, Wash. - The C-23 Sherpa airplane has served an interesting role in the modern military.

As the only currently used fixed-wing aircraft in the Washington Army National Guard, it has served an integral role in Washington military operations both domestically and overseas.
Those days came to an end Aug. 13, when the last Sherpa in the Washington Army Guard took its final flight away from Gray Army Airfield on Joint Base Lewis McChord.

First Sgt. Mark Logan, Sgt. First Class Stanley Hudson and Staff Sgt. Brian Brazell, all of Headquarters Company, 1-168 General Support Aviation Battalion, have been flight engineers for this aircraft since it was brought to the Washington Guard in 1996.

"These aircraft were originally a [commercial] airline version called the Shorts 330, but they were converted for military use. The Army had 44 of them at one time but now that we're turning them all in, those numbers are dwindling" Logan said..

This Sherpa, a C-23B+ model, has been used for the movement of more than 50 million pounds of cargo, 30 thousand passengers in theater and has been all over the world with the Washington Army Guard.

Serving as a cargo aircraft stateside and overseas, a vessel for Special Operations missions and a platform for paradrops of both personnel and equipment, this Sherpa has served in many different facets in the Washington Army Guard.

In fact, Brazell called the aircraft"the yellow cab of Iraq" for their deployments.

Chief Warrant Officer 4 Wayne Sparks, a pilot for the Sherpa, has been around for some of the more interesting uses of the aircraft, including piloting for military free-fall parachuting operations."I hate seeing the aircraft go," he said."I've enjoyed flying it. I have probably over half of my flight hours in this airframe."

Hudson, one of the original flight engineers on this aircraft in 1996, just wrapped up his 40th year in the Guard and will be retiring in the coming months. He said it was a good time to retire, going"out with a bang - with the plane."

The plane had also served as a"Sherpa Shuttle," moving Guard personnel to and from western and central Washington at scheduled times to shuttle troops for training while simultaneously maintaining flight hours on the aircraft.

After the aircraft fired up its twin engines and took off for the last time on Washington soil, the pilots of the C-23 took a circle around the airfield, coming down low over the airstrip and waved its wings' goodbye, a symbolic gesture of farewell. While the Sherpa is fading out of service with the Washington Guard, it will forever be a part of its legacy.

C-130 Hercules fly during a training mission above Yokota Air Base, Japan, Aug. 19, 2013. Seven C-130s flew in formation practicing airlift tactics and procedures. (U.S. Air Force photo by Osakabe Yasuo)

by Tech. Sgt. Christopher Marasky, 374th Airlift Wing Public Affairs

YOKOTA AIR BASE, Japan -- Twenty-eight powerful T56 turboprop engines sit on the flightline, idling as they prepare to generate over 125,000 horsepower to lift seven C-130 Hercules into the air in a coordinated take off.

That was the sight as Yokota Air Base conducted a large formation training operation Aug. 19, 2013. Seven C-130's took off in the surge formation to practice the 374th Airlift Wing's capability to maintain and launch multiple aircraft at once.

Members of the 374th Maintenance Group and the 374th Operations Group worked together over the weekend to ensure all of the aircraft were ready to fly.

"We are working with the crew chiefs and assisting them with everything they need," said Airman 1st Class Nathan Judd, 374th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron electrical and environmental apprentice. "We make sure everything looks right and works correctly, ensuring all of our systems are top notch."

Judd said working with the other units on the large number of aircraft and in the timeframe provided was a unique and challenging opportunity for young Airmen.

"This has been a great experience for a young Airman," he said. "Normal day to day operations feel like training, but when you get to something like this, it feels real. We have a high pace tempo and turn more aircraft, so it's been a great experience and a lot of fun."

Along with the maintainers and operators, many other units around Yokota had the opportunity to practice and showcase their capabilities during the surge event, including the 374th Operations Support Squadron.

"These events really increase our ops tempo, and we look forward to them every time," said Tech. Sgt. Richard Price, 374th OSS tower watch supervisor. "These surges prevent us from becoming complacent, and they showcase our ability to launch and control multiple aircraft outside of the normal."

While the tower has only a small piece of the overall mission during the surge, they highlighted how every piece has to come together to make the event work according to Price.

"Our part might be small in the big picture, but if the aircraft are late taking off, it will throw off the entire schedule," he said. "So we're a small, but important part of the mission."

One member who got a chance to see how it takes a team to accomplish the mission was Senior Airman Jason Cotton, a 374th Maintenance Operations Squadron aerospace propulsion journeyman, who had the opportunity to fly in one of the C-130's in the formation.

"The flight made me realize that every part of this operation is important," he said. "My shop can build engines all day long, but we aren't the ones who put them on the aircraft, and we don't inspect the plane before the flight. I realize now that it takes more than the props shop to make it go, so I see what it's all about now."

Cotton said the experience also helped him understand the importance of what he does and his role within the mission.

"It showed me how all of the hard work pays off," he said. "The whole thing makes you realize a little bit more how important this job is."

MAFFS 6, a C130J from the 146th Airlift Wing in Port Hueneme, Calif., drops a line of retardant over the trees in the mountains above Palm Springs July 19, 2013. The 146th Airlift Wing was activated July 18 to support CAL Fire and CAL OES on the Mountain fire and other potential wildfire activity throughout the state. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Senior Airman Nicholas Carzis/Released)

SACRAMENTO, Calif. - Nearly a dozen aircraft and crews from the California Air and Army National Guard are battling wildfires across Northern California.

Currently, nine California Army National Guard helicopters and two California Air National Guard airtankers are working in coordination with CAL FIRE and U.S. Forest Service firefighting crews to battle the American, Swedes and Rim fires. In total the aircraft have dropped more than 250,000 gallons of water or retardant since the first crews were activated on Aug. 13.

As of Tuesday, Guard units were also involved in fighting fires in Idaho, Nevada, Oregon and Utah.
"We train for this fight every year," said Maj. Gen. David S. Baldwin, adjutant general of the California National Guard (CNG). "Our ongoing coordination with CAL FIRE and CAL OES ensures that the right people, with the right training, are in the right place when the lives and property of our fellow Californians are on the line."

Three UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters are battling the American Fire, two Black Hawks are dropping on the Rim Fire, and a team of two Black Hawks and one CH-47 Chinook helicopter are flying in support of the Swedes Fire. Meanwhile, one Black Hawk is staged in Redding on call for medevac support throughout Northern California.

Each Black Hawk is equipped with a 660-gallon water bucket, while the Chinook's bucket has a 2,000-gallon capacity. The medevac helicopter is equipped with a specialized crew and a hoist for extracting injured personnel from rugged terrain. The helicopters have completed more than 229 drops, releasing about 111,500 gallons of water since their activation on Aug. 17.

The two C-130J airtankers are fighting the Rim fire. Both aircraft are equipped with the Modular Airborne Firefighting Systems II (MAFFS) and are capable of discharging 3,000 gallons of water or retardant along the leading edge of a fire in less than five seconds, saturating an area one-quarter of a mile long by 100 feet wide.

Since their activation Aug. 13, the airtankers have completed more than 53 drops, releasing about 142,000 gallons of retardant.

As a member of the state's mutual aid system, CNG aircraft and specially trained personnel are routinely used and deployed by the Governor's Office of Emergency Services (OES) to respond to a wide range of emergencies including wildfires, search and rescue missions and other disasters throughout the state." This multi-agency coordination and resource sharing effort provides an efficient and effective way to combat the state's most difficult wildfires.

By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Collin Turner, USS Mount Whitney (LCC 20) Public Affairs Office

THEOULE-SUR-MER, France (NNS) -- U.S. 6th Fleet flagship, USS Mount Whitney (LCC 20), concluded a 4-day port visit to Theoule-sur-Mer, France, after taking part in several events honoring the 69th anniversary of the liberation of Provence, Aug. 17.

"This year is the 69th anniversary, and I was fortunate enough to be in southern France as a lieutenant to recognize the 50th anniversary many years ago," said Capt. Craig Clapperton, Mount Whitney's commanding officer "This has been Mount Whitney's third consecutive year in Theoule-sur-Mer, and the city and the ship have developed a great friendship."

During the visit, Sailors hosted ship tours and an on board reception, took part in wreath-laying ceremonies, marched in a parade, attended a reception at city hall and a participated in a military ceremony at the Rhone American Cemetery.

Sailors also participated in a parade from the pier to the center of the city and attended a formal reception at Theoule-sur-Mer's town hall, hosted by Mayor Daniel Mansanti.

"Meeting the mayor was great," said Information System's Technician 1st Class Danny Suarez. "I never in my life would have imagined being in the French Riviera and having the chance to meet the mayor."

The last event was a full military ceremony at the Rhone American Cemetery and Memorial in Draguignan. Charles Rivkin, United States Ambassador to France and Monaco and Clapperton were the guests of honor.

The event started with the presentation of colors by Mount Whitney's color guard, followed by the playing of the U.S. and French national anthems by the U.S. 6th Fleet band.

"It was fantastic taking part in the remembrance ceremony at the Rhone Cemetery today," said Ship's Serviceman 3rd Class Cequita Edmond, a member of the color guard. "Being able to present our national colors during the event was truly a humbling experience."

Mount Whitney, homeported in Gaeta, Italy, is the U.S. 6th Fleet flagship and operates with a combined crew of U.S. Sailors and civil service mariners. The civil service mariners perform navigation, deck, engineering, laundry and galley service operations, while military personnel aboard support communications, weapons systems and security.

By Petty Officer 1st Class Anthony Walker

NAVAL BASE POINT LOMA, Calif. (NNS) -- Friends and family of Sailors aboard the Los Angeles-class fast attack submarine USS Albuquerque (SSN 706) welcomed home Albuquerque's crew Aug. 21 following a seven-month deployment to the Western Pacific.

The deployment supported the nation's Maritime Strategy, which includes maritime security, forward presence, sea control, and power projection.

During the deployment, Albuquerque executed missions vital to national security and participated in U.S. and multinational naval exercises. The ship visited Yokosuka, Thailand, Sasebo and Saipan while traveling more than 30,000 nautical miles during the course of its deployment.

"I'm tremendously proud of what the crew accomplished over the last seven months," said Cmdr. Chris Cavanaugh, Albuquerque's commanding officer. "We have demonstrated the full range of submarine capabilities and participated in several exercises with our Japanese and Thai allies. We also had several memorable port visits and special events, including the ship's 1,000th dive and 30th birthday."

Albuquerque was commissioned May 21, 1983. Measuring more than 360 feet long and displacing more than 6,900 tons, Albuquerque has a crew of nearly 140 Sailors. Albuquerque is capable of supporting various missions, including anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface ship warfare, strike, surveillance, and reconnaissance.

The amphibious assault ship USS Boxer (LHD 4) transits San Diego Bay as it gets underway. The Boxer Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) is underway off the coast of Southern California completing a certification exercise (CERTEX). CERTEX is the final evaluation of the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (13th MEU) and Boxer ARG prior to deployment. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Ryan Valverde/Released)

SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- The Boxer Amphibious Ready Group (BOXARG) is scheduled to depart Aug. 23 for a deployment to the 5th and 7th Fleet areas of responsibility.

The BOXARG, which includes USS Boxer (LHD 4), USS New Orleans (LPD 18) and USS Harpers Ferry (LSD 49), will focus on maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts. BOXARG is fully capable of amphibious assault and Special Forces operations, humanitarian missions and non-combatant operations.

"We've had a very rigorous training cycle to prepare us to execute any mission when called upon," said Capt. Malcolm Potts, commander, Amphibious Squadron (PHIBRON) 1 and commander of BOXARG. "I am awed and impressed by the ingenuity, creativity, and industriousness of the 4,200 dedicated Sailors and Marines that serve on our ships."

The ships will embark approximately 2,400 Marines from the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU). The MEU is capable of conducting conventional amphibious operations and selected maritime special operations at night or during adverse weather conditions from the sea, by surface or by air.

U.S. 3rd Fleet leads naval forces in the Eastern Pacific from the West Coast of North America to the international date line and provides the realistic, relevant training necessary for an effective global Navy.

by Airman 1st Class Marianique Santos, 36th Wing Public Affairs
ANDERSEN AIR FORCE BASE, Guam -- America's involvement in the Vietnam War continued to escalate in 1965, and on June 18, 27 B-52 Stratofortresses broke the threshold of Guam's airspace toward the open skies of the Pacific to conduct the first Arc Light mission. At the same time, 27 KC-135 Stratotankers departed Japan to rendezvous with the bombers in the Philippines to refuel them for a 4,500 nautical mile round trip.

Ever since its first sortie, the KC-135 has played an important role in extending the reach of the B-52's airpower and lengthening the duration of its hovering capabilities -- capabilities that are crucial to a region surrounded by water.

"The relationship between the KC-135 and B-52 is one that has grown over the years and is now ideally suited to the Pacific Air Forces area of responsibility," said Lt. Col. Harry Dyson, 36th Operation Support Squadron commander.

"Andersen is one of the critical bases here in the Pacific because it's close enough to all our allies and our adversaries, while still being outside of immediate threat range," he continued. "The distances involved in the PACAF region are so great, and the ability to employ from Andersen is achievable because of the KC-135s and B-52s that rotate here regularly."

A B-52 Stratofortress and a KC-97 Stratotanker take a slow dive during an aerial refueling in the 1950s. The B-52 had to slow down, drop its flaps and tires in order for the KC-97 to keep up with its speed and altitude. (Courtesy photo)

The B-52 started flying in 1952, while the first KC-135 was first delivered to the Air Force in 1957. Though the tanker was a little behind on the delivery, it was built to cater to the in-flight capabilities of the B-52's speed and operational altitude. Prior to the delivery of the KC-135s, The Air Force relied on the KC-97 Stratotanker for in-flight refueling, which was less than ideal for the Stratofortress' speed and operational high operational altitude.

As the U.S. Air Force started using the KC-135 more and more, the B-52 and KC-135 tandem was pivotal in historical combat operations stretching from the War in Vietnam to present day conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan.

According to an article written by U.S. Air Force (Ret.) Col. Walter Boyne, a combat veteran, aviation historian and author, during Arc Light, KC-135s were used to keep the bombers in the air during missions that lasted for 12 hour or longer. Though some tankers stayed in the Philippines to be on stand-by for tactical aircraft during the span of Linebacker and Linebacker II, one tanker was always assigned to one bomber during inbound portions.

"That was pretty much the case for every mission," Meyer said. "Even when they started making the G and the H models for the Stratofortress, which actually fly a little bit further, the KC-135s were still important to accomplishing the bomber missions."

By 1972, there were 195 KC-135s stationed in the Asia-Pacific region to support the 155 B-52s on Andersen's ramp and other combat aircraft spread all throughout the region.

After the Vietnam War, the tandem also conducted missions that forwarded or launched from the Pacific. Meyers said that multiple operations required aerial refueling capabilities in order to get the B-52s to their destination and back.

A B-52 Stratofortress tries to connect to a KC-135 Stratotanker in order to execute aerial refueling over the Pacific Ocean, Aug. 10, 2012. The B-52 and KC-135 tandem has been used in pivotal wars, including historical combat operations during the War in Vietnam to present day conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Marianique Santos/Released)

The duo was always ready on Andersen when it was a Strategic Air Command base during the Cold War and continued to be used in the Middle East during operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm.

"During Operation Desert Shield in 1991, the bombers utilized Andersen as a forward base to get to an expeditionary location where they launched for attack," he continued. "Two B-52s launched from here in 1996 for Operation Desert Strike and conducted a 33-hour to drop conventional bombs in Iraq as a warning."

Today, the partnership lives on with the 506th Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron and the expeditionary B-52 bomb squadrons that rotate in and out of Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, to support U.S. Pacific Command's Continuous Bomber Presence and continue a partnership that has proven itself through history.

by Airman 1st Class Soo C. Kim, 374th Airlift Wing Public Affairs

YOKOTA AIR BASE, Japan -- The C-130 Hercules shakes with turbulence as it hits a thermal updraft. The seats are packed with adrenaline-soaked Soldiers fully equipped in gear and parachutes.

"Ten minutes!" A jumpmaster yells out over the aircraft noise. "Ten minutes!" Soldiers reply as they prepare themselves for the aircraft's drop zone entry. When given the order, they hook into the zip-line and line up ready to take the dive.

Time seems to fly by as the aircraft steadies its route. "Five minutes!" is announced and soon after comes the call, "Two minutes!"

The loadmaster opens the troop door, letting in blinding light that shines on the Soldiers' determined faces. Beyond the door is nothing but a free-fall to earth.

The aircraft enters the drop window and a voice announces over the radio, "Green light, green light! Go, go, go!"

The paratroopers leap out the door, their C-9 parachutes rapidly deploying behind them. Olive drab canopies open above them, and the Soldiers steer into the wind toward the landing zone.

From Aug. 21-23, 2013, Army Special Forces paratroopers participated in joint jump training with aircrews from the 36th Airlift Squadron at Yokota Air Base, Japan.

"We conduct airborne operations training in order to maintain proficiencies for any possible future combat airborne operations," said Army Staff Sgt. Adrian Colon, 1st Battalion, 1st Special Forces Group.

During the week, the Soldiers participated in multiple jump sorties aboard three C-130 Hercules assigned to the 374th Airlift Wing.

"We had number of people conducting combat jumps, jumping with their combat equipment and we also had people conducting sustainment jumps, with just their parachute and no equipment," said Army Capt. Robert Shumaker, the Headquarters Support Company commander.

The training began with mission briefings, gear checks and run throughs of multiple jump scenarios on the ground before taking to the air.

"The training was a success," Shumaker said.

According to Army Staff Sgt. Emerson McArthur, lead jumpmaster, this training was a rare opportunity for him and his fellow jumpers.

"Today we had three birds following each other for combat mass attack operations," McArthur said. "Normally we don't get to do that, but the 374th provided the support for us."

Not only was the training beneficial to maintain proficiency for the jumpers, but it was also a step necessary for the jumpers to advance into higher ranks.

"(Today's) jump was required to advance to senior jump master status," McArthur said. "(This type of jump) doesn't happen often and we appreciate the support we received today."

Seville, Spain – Members of the Coast Guard’s acceptance team were on hand to accept delivery of the 15th HC-144A Ocean Sentry. Later this year, the aircraft will become the third of four planned Ocean Sentries operating from Air Station Cape Cod, Mass. U.S. Coast Guard photo.

Blog Editor Note: While running a PC-ALE scan of the COTHEN HF network today, I spotted the Coast Guard's newest HC-144A (CG 2315/N15) sounding in the network. This aircraft is the third of four Ocean Sentry's to be based at CGAS Cape Cod, MA

EADS North America Delivers 15th HC-144A Ocean Sentry to U.S. Coast Guard

The U.S. Coast Guard took delivery of its 15th HC-144A Ocean Sentry maritime patrol aircraft from prime contractor EADS North America. The Ocean Sentry is based on the Airbus Military CN235 tactical airlifter, more than 230 of which are currently in operation by 29 countries.

The latest aircraft delivered on-time and on-budget, will join a fleet of Ocean Sentries performing in a range of different roles from Coast Guard Air Stations in Cape Cod, Mass., Mobile, Ala., and Miami. With the ability to remain airborne for more than ten hours, the Ocean Sentry is performing a wide range of maritime patrol missions for the Coast Guard, including drug and migrant interdiction, disaster response, and search and rescue.

"In today's tight budget environment, the U.S. Coast Guard needs programs that deliver what's been promised," said Sean O'Keefe, EADS North America Chairman and CEO.

"EADS North America and Airbus Military are proud to be working with the USCG to field this capability consistently on schedule and on cost, and will continue to support this mission."

The United States Coast Guard operates fourteen HC-144A Ocean Sentry Maritime Patrol Aircraft and has three additional planes on order scheduled for delivery in 2013 and 2014. The Coast Guard plans for a fleet of 36 Ocean Sentries. The HC-144A achieved initial operational capability with the Coast Guard in 2008.

Ran a HF rig on the CBP/CG COTHEN network yesterday afternoon, evening and overnight. Below are the results of that monitor session.

PC-ALE Scan STARTED Aug-24-2013 15:13 Eastern Standard Time

Intercepts By Frequency (kHz)
Modes included ANDVT/USB Clear Voice/ALE

5732.0 07Z 706 J09 N10
5841.0 J09
5909.5 K09 P31
7527.0 702 D48 F05 J02 K82 N15 PAC
8912.0 J09 J21 LNT N05 N10 OFR OPB Z15
10242.0 706 F05 N03 N10
11494.0 702 706 J21 LNT N03 N10 OPB
12222.0 J02 J09 L06 LNT N03 N05 Z14
13312.0 D48 J21 LNT N10 N15 OFR Z15
13907.0 702 D48 J21 N03 N10
14582.0 D45 D48
18594.0 19E D08 D48 EST J42 T5Q
19131.0 D48
20890.0 D48
24838.5 D48

Stations Monitored
07Z USCG District 7 Miami, FL (Voice call Miami Ops)
19E Unknown
702 USCG CG 1702 HC-130H CGAS Sacramento CA
706 USCG CG 1706 HC-130H CGAS Clearwater FL
A47 CBP 82-23747 UH-60A El Paso AU TX
D08 CBP N808MR Bombardier Q400
D45 CBP N145CS Buno 155299 "Blue Eagle" Jacksonville AMB FL
D48 CBP N148CS/Buno No. 154575 P-3B AEW&C Corpus Christi AMB TX
EST CBP AMOC Regional Communications Node Eastern US
F05 USCG CG 2105 HU-25D CGAS Corpus Chriisti (NAS Corpus Christi) TX
J02 USCG CG 6002 MH-60J CGAS Cape Cod (Otis ANGB) MA
J09 USCG CG 6009 MH-60J CGAS Cape Cod (Otis ANGB) MA
J21 USCG CG 6021 MH-60J Unknown
J42 USCG CG 6042 MH-60J CGAS Cape Cod (Otis ANGB) MA
K09 USCG CG 6509 MH-65C CGAS Detroit MI
K82 USCG CG 6582 MH-65C CGAS Borinquen PR
L06 USCG CG 6606 MH-65C CGAS Miami (Opa Locka Executive) FL
LNT USCG CAMSLANT Chesapeake VA (NMN)
N03 USCG CG 2303 HC-144A CGAS Cape Cod (Otis ANGB) MA
N05 USCG CG 2305 HC-144A ATC Mobile, AL
N15 USCG CG 2315 HC-144A CGAS Cape Cod (Otis ANGB) MA
N10 USCG CG 2310 HC-144A CGAS Miami (Opa Locka Executive) FL
OFR USCG USCGC Cushing WPB-1321 (NOFR) my first log of this cutter
OPB CBP OPBAT Services Center Nassau, Bahamas Voice Call Panther
P31 USCG CGAS Remote Command Console Detroit, MI
PAC USCG CAMSPAC Point Reyes, CA (NMC)
T5Q Unknown Trigraph
Z14 USCG Sector Remote Communications Consoles St. Petersburg FL
Z15 USCG Sector Remote Communications Consoles San Juan PR

8895 kHz is a very interesting Russian Air Force CW frequency. The W beacons have been around for years and now UDXF monitors have found that these beacons may be related to Russian AF Tupolev TU-95MS Bear aircraft activity.

Update: A regular contributor to the MilcomMP Ron Perron in Maryland sends along the following regarding the Russian Bear Net.

Whenever the 8895 kHz marker is active in CW, I usually hear the TU-95s in USB voice on 8909.0 kHz. The use their bort numbers as call signs and send the same type of 3-figure formatted reports.

In the past they also have used 5833.0 (night), 8131.0, 11223.0 & 11370.0 kHz.

Ground controller callsigns I've noted are:
AKUSTIK- assocw/Russian Strategic Forces
SYMPATIA- assoc/RussianStrategic Forces
NABOR- assocw/Russian Strategic Forces
SHPORA- assocw/Russian Strategic Forces
GAZELLE- assocw/Russian Strategic Forces
SHLAGATA-assocw/Russian Strategic Forces
MASKA-assocw/Russian Strategic Forces
PROCELKA-assocw/Russian Strategic Forces
SAKSOFON-assoc/Russian Strategic Forces
OCHITSKA- assoc/RussianStrategic Forces?poss Moscow
MIDYALKA-assoc/Russian Strategic Forces
NEZYANKA-assoc/Russian Strategic Forces
KANSEK-assoc/Russian Strategic Forces
Original article Posted 13 Aug 2013:

Recent activity monitored on this frequency listed below is courtesy of the Numbers and Oddities newsletter 190 July 2013, courtesy of Ary Boender and other UDXF reports from several monitors.

“Bear net” on 8895 kHz, 25-07, 1800-2100 UTC:
“W” markers at 1800, 1820, 1900, 1920, 1940, 2040, 2100 UTC.
Z7NG DE TV6P QSA 3 K. (TV6P) OK K
Z7NG DE TV6P QSA 1 QSV K
Z7NG DE TV6P VVV VVV
TV6P QRV K
TV6P R 547 ??? ??? 069 K
Z7NG DE TV6P QRV K
(TV6P) RPT K @
Z7NG DE TV6P R = 474 286 812 550 K
SHNE DE TV6P. TV6P QRV. TV6P R = 883 671 284 610 613
FEQ6 DE TV6P. TV6P QRV. TV6P R = 989 549 500 210. TV6P R = 989 549 500 910

Russian Air Force “Bear net” on 8895 kHz:
23-07: "W" markers at 1940-1942, 2000-2002, 2040-2042, 2100-2102 UTC
26-07: “W”markers at 0240, 0300, 0340, 0400, 0420 UTC
30-07: "W"-markers at 0600, 0620, 0640, 0800 UTC
30-07: "W"-marker followed by a short voice call. Location over the Mediterranean Sea, between Sardinia and Alger.
05-08: "W" markers at 1800-1802, 1820-1822, 1840-1842, 1900-1902, 1920-1922, 1940-1942, 2000-2002, 2020-2022, 2040-2042, 2100-2102 UTC
12-08: "W" markers at 1820-1822, 1840-1842, 1900-1902, 1920-1922, 1940-1942, 2000-2002 UTC

Looks like an interesting real world net to check from time to time.

USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) departs Newport News Shipyard August 25, in Newport News, Va. The air craft carrier is underway for the first time in four years, conducting Sea Trials, following Refueling Complex Overhaul (RCOH). (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Cory Asato/Released)

Coastal Command Patrol Boat Arrives in San Diego

Bonhomme Richard ARG, 31st MEU Conduct VBSS Exercise

A-10s thunder over Alaska

Navy/Marine Corps Team: Testing F-35B Lightning II Aircraft Aboard USS Wasp

Navy Names Littoral Combat Ship Indianapolis

USS Arlington Hosts NASA Space Craft Recovery Tests

Operation Northern Strike Highlights Michigan Capabilities

Fighting Falcons over Alaskan skies

Washington Army National Guard's Sherpa takes final flight from base

Airmen accomplish airlift surge

California National Guard air resources battle wildfires

6th Fleet Flagship Mount Whitney Departs France

Submarine USS Albuquerque Returns from Deployment

Boxer Amphibious Ready Group to Depart for Deployment

Stratotanker, Stratofortress tandem continue half a century of Asia-Pacific partnership

Airlifters enable jump week

US Coast Guard Takes Delivery of 15th HC-144A Ocean Sentry Aircraft

Milcom Blog Logs - COTHEN 24 Aug 2013

Russian Air Force 8895 KHz CW - W Markers Update 25 Aug 2013

Roosey Underway after 4 years in Yards