Challenge of a lifetime — 30 Days Through Afghanistan

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KABUL T-11 Days Ken and I are about to embark on one of the greatest challenge of our lives. We’re going out on a 30-day mission throughout Afghanistan and I’m personally not sure how it’s going to pan out. At first, the idea was great, go out there and talk with Afghans and the soldiers and find out how this counter insurgency is going. I wanted to get some questions answered, such as how the pending troop build up around the country will be affecting the everyday service members on the ground, and how Gen. McChrystal’s counter-insurgency strategy has changed the playing field since it went into effect into July. Now that our plan has been approved, with surprising enthusiasm, the weight of this is on our shoulders. The basic idea is for Ken and I to race around every regional command in Afghanistan in 30 days. At first, this may seem pretty easy. Afghanistan is just a little bit smaller than Texas, and I’ve driven across Texas in less than a day. It won’t be that simple here, especially during the winter. Between each RC we will be taking helicopters or maybe some fixed wing aircraft. We will face delays and many nights waiting for space available flights that may or may not pick us up. From the main forward operating bases we’ll be taking convoys out to the areas we want to cover. While this mode of transportation is less affected by weather, the risks of improvised explosive devices and ambushes are far greater. Read more of 30 Days Through Afghanistan at http://30days.isaf.nato.int

Enlisted development exchange in Poland

I’m in Poland this week with Chief Master Sgt. Pamela Derrow, the USAFE command chief, who is here to discuss enlisted development issues with Polish air force leaders.

Chief Derrow brought her “A Team” of professional military education leaders with her, to include Chief Master Sgt. David Lawrence, the Kisling NCO Academy commandant, and both an NCO Academy instructor and a former Airman Leadership School commandant.

We were welcomed to Warsaw, Poland’s capital, by about six inches of snow, and it was COLD! Despite the cold, Warsaw is a beautiful, modern city with impressive architecture, a plethora of international cuisine, and Western-style shopping malls.

So far, the trip is going very well. Chief Master Sgt. Grzegorz Janczak, Poland’s Chief Master Sgt of the Air Force, is the host for our visit, and has made us feel very welcome. We’ve met with Polish air force leadership, who seem to be very interested in continuing to develop their enlisted corps, and are receptive to the idea of sending their noncommissioned officers to attend US Air Force professional military education courses. They also expressed an interest in exchanging PME instructors, and would like for us to send mobile training teams to assist them in their development efforts. In general, their military leadership has been very supportive of our efforts here.

Next up on our agenda is a trip to a Polish air force base where professional military education and technical training is conducted.

So far, our brothers in arms have been wonderful hosts, and seem to be genuinely excited to have us here. We’re looking forward to another great day of collaboration and exchange of ideas.

MSgt Gino Mattorano
USAFE Public Affairs

Original Equipment

On Saturday, 12 Dec 09, over 4,000 people descended on the town of Bastogne to participate in the 32d Historic Perimeter Walk and 65th Anniversary of the Battle of the Bulge. During our 16 KM walk through the snow and mud of the towns, fields and woods surrounding Bastogne, my good friend, my 9-year old son and I saw many Bulge reenactors adding to the realism of the day. At one spot in particular a reenactor called to my son, “Hey scout, hey scout, do you know the scout hand shake?” My son is a Bear Scout and wore his hat and scarf during the walk. My son did as the gentleman asked and shook his hand. My friend and I walked over and began to converse with this reenactor. Many of the reenactors are Belgian, but this gentleman was American. We learned he was an active duty Army officer serving in Germany. This officer said he normally portrays an enlisted man; however, several of his soldiers were also participating in the events and wanted him to portray an officer.

IMG_0179During our conversation, this officer told us that all the Bulge reenactors spent the night in the woods. I complimented the officer on how realistic the camp was to include the foxholes. He replied the foxholes came with the territory. “Excuse me?” I asked. The officer reiterated, “…these are the original foxholes dug 65 years ago by the soldiers defending Bastogne.” The officer continued by saying he slept in the foxhole during the previous night and did nothing to disturb it. “This is sacred ground,” he said. As my friend, son and I paused to appreciate the significance of this discovery, we gained a tremendous appreciation for the Bulge veterans and their personal sacrifice during this pivotal battle of WW II. How fortunate we were to see this original equipment dug into the earth that kept the soldiers safe during extremely difficult times.

IMG_0220Later on we came across the closing ceremony at the Boggess Bunker which was the site where in the evening of 26 Dec 44, the 4th Armored Division of General Patton’s 3rd Army met with the 101st Airborne Division thus breaking the encirclement of Bastogne. Luckily for us, there were about a half dozen Battle of the Bulge veterans in attendance at this ceremony. Two of the Bulge veterans laid a wreath at the bunker in remembrance of all the sacrifices made by the veterans of the Battle of the Bulge. Along with the Bulge veterans at this ceremony were the airmen of the 52d Fighter Wing Honor Guard from Spangdahlem Air Base who presented the colors during the ceremony. They proudly represented the Air Force and Department of Defense to our allies and friends.

IMG_0237How fortunate we were to see and experience the 65th anniversary of the Battle of the Bulge. It was an extremely special day for all of us. We are grateful for the Battle of the Bulge veterans and thank them for their sacrifice and service.

LtCol L. Alan Estes
USAFE Deputy Director of Staff
Ramstein AB, Germany

Moving to Hungary

   After 7 years of worldwide traveling and countless exciting experiences in the Air Force, I was once again presented with an opportunity of a lifetime. It came with a phone call from the AMC loadmaster career field manager. He had a simple question for me, “how would I like to move to Hungary for a while?” It seemed like a simple enough question; however, this simple question would lead to a defining decision in my life and career in the Air Force.

   That decision was not a thoughtless one, especially because it was a joint decision between my wife and me. There was very little information as to what exactly was ahead, but we knew that it would include moving to Hungary, to a base with few amenities, living on the local economy, and working to create the first multinational C-17 strategic airlift operation. Though not an easy decision, it was quick for my wife and me. We immediately accepted and prepared ourselves for whatever may come.

   Our first introduction to Pápa, Hungary came with my arrival in October of 2008. I was immediately struck by the town. I knew some of the history of Hungary, but none of it prepared me for my first impressions of the town. It is larger than I expected in scale and available amenities, but smaller in feel. The town could be best described as quaint; dominated with baroque architecture, beautiful churches, small shops, and winding streets. The first notable challenge proved to be the language barrier, but despite the difficulties, the local population was very welcoming and extremely interested in their new guests. With the help of phrase books and our Hungarian translators, we soon began to interact with the community more and more.

   The following months consisted of bedding down our new base and finding housing for the pending permanent change of station. My arrival to Pápa Air Base to begin my work in the Heavy Airlift Wing (HAW) is something I can never forget. Pápa AB has had a long history with the Hungarian Air Force and the evidence of its past is still visible everywhere you look. MiG-21’s and 23’s still sit dormant along the flight line and in hardened aircraft shelters, while the base’s Mil 17 search and rescue helicopter flies overhead. I marveled at how much has changed in the past 20 years, and that I as a member of the US military was arriving at my new Hungarian air base.

   Housing options proved to be a very pleasant surprise. The difficulty came not in finding a suitable home, but selecting your favorite for the available choices. My wife and I decided that we wanted a home that would provide us the truest experience of life in Pápa. With that in mind, we selected an older home in an older area of the town with fewer HAW members. So far, there have been things that have required some getting used to, like our neighbor’s pet homing pigeons and the lack of closets in the house, but they are far outweighed by the phenomenal opportunity to engage with a new culture. Without having to put up with those small inconveniences, my wife and I would never have had the opportunities we have had; like to sit in our back garden and hear firsthand accounts of 75 years of Hungarian history from our neighbors.

   Starting operations at the Heavy Airlift Wing proved to be another new concept for me and my new coworkers. Many of us had stood up C-17 squadrons at USAF bases, but no one had yet started a base from very basic beginnings. My position was an Instructor Loadmaster, but I quickly realized that before we started doing any flying or instructing, there was many things to do. Sitting in our newly renovated offices with a desk, a chair, and four blank walls, we busied ourselves with every detail imaginable. They ranged from ordering pens and paper, to Hungarian national certification processes for aircrew, training, operations, and even our aircraft themselves.

   Our first mission was the delivery of our first airplane in July of 2009. That was followed by a mission the next day back to the US to pick up tens of thousands of pounds of equipment and supplies for our new Wing. I had the good fortune to fly on that mission and have flown numerous interesting and complex missions since then. We have, since July, flown training, troop transport, Trans-Atlantic resupply, and direct combat delivery missions. The missions are challenging for loadmasters. With much less support than in the USAF, many jobs like load planning, cargo preparation and documentation are given to the Loadmaster, often on the spot. It has been a great opportunity for me to brush up on some of the tasks I had used less often up to this point. Every mission has been conducted with a multi-national crew, moving multi-national cargo, supported by our multi-national logistics and C2 squadrons.

   We have had, and continue to discover, numerous challenges in our daily operations. However, each time we have been presented with a problem the members of the HAW have come up with solutions. This experience has definitely provided a type of career experience that I cannot imagine finding elsewhere. The opportunity to work with this group of people from around the world to overcome enormous difficulty in order to do something revolutionary and important to the US and the other eleven member nations of SAC has been one of a lifetime, and my wife and I are extremely grateful to have it.

Tech. Sgt Chris Copan, Training NCOIC

Heavy Airlift Squadron, Papa Air Base, Hungary

Top Officers Address A/TA Convention in Nashville

Happy Halloween from Nashville! Saturday was the final day of the 2010 Airlift/Tanker Association convention and symposium. In the morning, we heard first from Gen Duncan McNabb, commander of U.S. Transportation Command, and then from Gen Norton Schwartz, U.S. Air Force Chief of Staff.

Gen McNabb’s keynote address provided an overview of the role USTRANSCOM plays in implementing the United States’ security strategy. He focused on the U.S.’s logistical excellence and the importance of what the command brings to bear in Afghanistan. “This really is about light over darkness and freedom over tyranny,” he said of the Afghanistan fight. “For all those people in need, you bring them hope — and that is so very, very noble,” he told the audience. “This really is your time… Thanks for what you do for your country. Thanks for raising your hand for freedom.”

The general was joined on the stage by Herb Kelleher, the co-founder and former chairman and CEO of Southwest Airlines. Mr. Kelleher was given an orientation to the Air Force at the McChord AFB Rodeo in 2007, when he was partnered with then-AMC/CC Gen McNabb in the Honorary Commander’s program, an initiative designed to enhance cooperation and understanding between Air Force leaders and their civilian counterparts. The experience sparked a friendship between Mr. Kelleher and Gen McNabb and seems to have made quite an impression on the former airline executive; he spoke glowingly about Air Mobility Command and heaped praise on the Airmen who carry out that mission. He also discussed his leadership philosophy — “take care of your people, and they will take care of the mission.” Mr. Kelleher’s dynamic leadership has yielded results: Southwest is consistently named among the top five Most Admired Corporations in America in Fortune magazine’s annual poll. That publication has also called him perhaps the best CEO in America. “We took care of our own, always, like a band of brothers,” Mr. Kelleher said. “We established a superb culture bound by love and respect, rather than fear.”

In his address, Gen Schwartz also discussed Air Force support of the joint effort downrange. Afghanistan, he said, has provided a crucible for our Air Force where we have contributed in very significant ways. There are many factors that make operating in Afghanistan difficult, including limited infrastructure, harsh geography, and isolated Forward Operating Bases. The air mobility provided by the Air Force is key to overcoming those challenges, he said. “Our Air Force, all of us, are all-in,” the general said. “We are contributing in very substantial ways to today’s fight.”

Gen Schwartz also talked about the importance of the Air Force’s reputation. “This is about trust,” he said. “Trust between you and me, between the Air Force and our teammates, and trust with our customers — the American people. Reputations are hard to earn and easy to lose. So every day we collectively have to strive to maintain our reputation — and that is that we are a trustworthy and reliable partner on the battlefield, that we will do what’s needed.”

The convention continued in afternoon with a closing address by Gen Arthur Lichte, commander of Air Mobility Command, and concluded with an evening awards banquet.

The Gaylord Opryland Hotel and the city of Nashville have been gracious hosts this weekend. Nashville is a charming city that combines southern hospitality with the youthful energy of Vanderbilt University (they say it’s the Ivy of the South) and of course the country music industry. If you haven’t had a chance to visit the city they call Music City, USA, I highly recommend it.

Be sure to check out the Nov 6 issue of the Kaiserslautern-American for my comprehensive story on this weekend’s convention. It’s been a blast.

Capt Tristan Hinderliter
USAFE Public Affairs

A/TA Convention Revisits the Berlin Airlift

Greetings once again from Nashville. Friday was the first full day of the Airlift/Tanker Association convention and symposium. CMSAF James Roy delivered the opening address in the morning, discussing “how we develop the Airmen of the future.” He talked about training, and how he thinks the Air Force can do better, including providing NCOs more opportunities for joint Professional Military Education, as well as the importance of education.

I attended a number of interesting seminars throughout the day. One focused on the multinational Strategic Airlift Capability at Papa, Hungary. Col John Zazworsky, commander of the Heavy Airlift Wing there, brought several members of his staff to discuss challenges and lessons learned from the activation effort and initial operations. The consortium consists of 12 nations that have joined forces with their Hungarian hosts to operate three C-17s from a former Soviet fighter base in western Hungary. There are currently 41 U.S. Air Force Airmen stationed there, working alongside their counterparts from the partner nations.

Maj Gen Ronald Ladnier, 17th Air Force commander, discussed Africa Command and the logistical challenges of operating in the often-austere environment there — including everything from goats on runways, to communicating with locals on a massive continent with more than 2,000 languages and dialects. The objectives of the command are to support the effort of Building Partnership Capacity, improve air safety and security, support humanitarian assistance, and provide crisis response. “Our mission, our goal,” said Gen Ladnier, “is to invest in security and stability to help Africans help themselves.” Gen Ladnier is an entertaining briefer — if you ever get the chance to see him speak, you should.

Berlin Airlift Panel 1Perhaps the most interesting seminar today was a panel discussion revisiting the Berlin Airlift of 1948 – 1949. If anyone is not familiar with it (i.e. never watches The History Channel), the Berlin Airlift was the Western Allies response to the Soviet Union’s blockade of West Berlin, which was under Allied control. Their aim was to force the Western powers to allow the Soviets to start supplying West Berlin with food and fuel, thereby giving the Soviets control over the entire city. The over 4,000 tons per day required by Berlin was an enormous logistical challenge for the Allies, and its ultimate success proved critical to the Allied role in shaping the recovery of post-WWII Germany.

The iconic figure from the operation was Col Gail Halvorsen, dubbed the original “Candy Bomber” for dropping candy attached to parachutes for the children below. His actions caught on with other aircrews, and their efforts gained widespread attention in the press; by the end of the airlift, the crews had dropped 23 tons of chocolate, chewing gum and candy over Berlin.

Now 89 years old, retired Col Halvorsen sat on the panel along with Gen Roger Brady, USAFE commander, retired SMSgt Bill Morrissey, who also participated in the airlift, and author Andrei Cherny, who recently wrote a book on the U.S. role in the operation. Col Halvorsen and SMSgt Morrissey recounted their stories from the famous airlift, and the panel members discussed lessons learned. In light of what the effort represented, Gen Brady talked about the importance of the U.S. maintaining a robust presence in Europe. “Trust among allies must be earned by every generation,” he said. “I’m pretty passionate about this. Just as Col Halvorsen’s generation earned the trust of Europeans — and Germans in particular — our generation must do the same.”

The convention continues Saturday with an address by Air Force Chief of Staff Gen Norton Schwartz and several more seminars, so stay tuned.

Capt Tristan Hinderliter
USAFE Public Affairs

Airlift/Tanker Association Convention Kicks Off in Nashville

I’m in Nashville, Tenn., this weekend for the 41st annual Airlift/Tanker Association convention & symposium. It’s at the Gaylord Opryland Hotel, a sprawling resort complex covering nine acres on the banks of the Cumberland River. Driving into the massive parking lot yesterday afternoon, I was immediately stuck by the sheer size of the place. To put it in perspective, nine acres is the magnitude of nearly seven football fields – all a maze of indoor gardens, rivers, waterfalls, countless shops and restaurants, convention facilities, a 20,000-square-foot fitness center, and 2,800 guest rooms, many with their own indoor balconies overlooking the gardens. All under one roof. This partially explains why I spent nearly an hour yesterday lost in the hotel, wandering between the front desk and my room, clutching a hotel map and no doubt looking very confused.

Gaylord HotelThis weekend I’m joined by about 140 fellow Airmen from the Rheinland-Pfalz A/TA chapter, including many from Ramstein who are arriving today on an 86th Air Wing C-130J. There are approximately 4,500 people expected to attend the convention this weekend, which will feature appearances by top Air Force leadership and commanders from the airlift and tanker communities.

The main activities start tomorrow morning, with an address by CMSgt James Roy, Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force. There are 46 seminars scheduled over the course of two days, including a panel revisiting the Berlin Airlift, which will include Gen Roger Brady, commander of U.S. Air Forces in Europe. Gen Brady will also participate in Mobility Air Forces panel along six other three and four-star generals. On Friday morning, Gen Duncan McNabb, commander of U.S. Transportation Command, will deliver the keynote address. That evening, Gen Arthur Lichte, commander of Air Mobility Command, will give the closing address.

The idea behind the convention is to provide a forum for discussing the history, current state, challenges, and the future of air mobility. It represents a great professional development opportunity, even for Airmen without an airlift/tanker background – in fact, one of the best things about the convention is that it offers Airmen from other disciplines the opportunity to gain insight into the air mobility community and offer diverse perspectives. It is also a tremendous networking venue. I’ve already ran into a handful of people I know from Fairchild and elsewhere.

So, it promises to be an exciting weekend. I’ll blog from the convention the next couple of days, so check out USAFE Live to see what’s going on. In the meantime, I’ll probably be getting lost in the hotel.

Capt Tristan Hinderliter
USAFE Public Affairs

Hogs in Romania

After spending just a few days in Romania, I can say it is one of the most interesting places I have visited thus far during my tour in USAFE. I’m here as the public affairs officer supporting the 81st Fighter Squadron from Spangdahlem Air Base during their combined training with the Romanian Air Force. From talking to people from different shops around Spangdahlem that are also here, I can say things are going smoothly.

The Romanian Air Force has designated a building, hangar and part of the flightline for us and the A-10s, and continues to support us by having some of their personnel interact with our Airmen. So far, pilots have flown more than 60 sorties, with about 10 combined with the Romanian AF’s Super Puma helicopters and MiG-21s for combined search and rescue and air-to-ground training.

Airmen have plenty of time to go out on the town. And operationally, that’s a good thing, because it means there aren’t major issues with the aircraft or equipment they have to fix, and that people are staying out of trouble. In their spare time, Airmen venture to town for dinner, or to Cluj – the nearest large city — for shopping (the malls, I hear, are HUGE! Can’t wait to check them out!).

After living in Germany for more than a year, it doesn’t seem like a foreign country. Unfortunately, familiarity sometimes breeds complacency. Now that I’ve had the chance to immerse myself in Romania, I’m rejuvinated in discovering the new, exciting aspects of being somewhere different, as I strive to provide the best communicative support here as possible. We have a media day next week, where the Romanian press will have the chance to interact with both Romanian and U.S. Airmen, as a way to inform the public about our training. This is exciting, to say the least. The fact that the press here realizes the value of this NATO partnership makes the reality of it come alive. We are here to help, to train, to become better Airmen, better allies, better warfighters. And we hope others see it that way, too.

2nd Lt. Kathleen Polesnak
Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany

Day of German Unity

This Saturday, our host nation friends will celebrate a fairly new national holiday, the Day of German Unity, commemorating the reunification of Germany only 19 short years ago.

I’d like you to pause for a moment to consider the importance of German reunification. The incorporation of the former East German states into the Federal Republic of Germany in 1990 came less than a year after the Berlin Wall was dramatically torn down, by Germans who lived on both sides of it. It helped mark the official end of World War II — and set into motion the rapid end of the Cold War. Aside from the great event it was for our German friends, German reunification and the end of the Cold War created a dramatically improved security and economic situation for the United States and for the rest of the world. More importantly, it brought millions more people freedom — and the ability to enjoy individual rights.

All of this was not achieved easily. The Cold War was a bitter struggle that cost our nations their precious resources, and cost many people their lives. The winning of the Cold War came about because the citizens of the west built strong nations, because the NATO alliance members were strongly committed to its purpose, and because our forces were strong and ready. It also came about because citizens in the eastern bloc bravely rejected their governments.

As you consider the Day of German unity tomorrow, I ask you to celebrate it as a giant leap forward for freedom. Commemorate the courage and the sacrifice of the people who made it happen. Consider that strength and commitment can achieve great things. And never forget that freedom is not free.

Jack B. Egginton
Major General, USAF
USAFE Director of Air and Space Operations

Mil-to-Mil visit to Romania

 

 

  I recently had the pleasure of being part of a three person Maintenance NCO Training Program Traveling Contact Team. 

The team arrived in Bucharest, Romania on Aug. 24, 2009, where we were promptly greeted and transported to our hotel.  As they say, “first impressions are lasting impressions” and our Romanian Air Force hosts left a very professional and lasting impression on our team. 

  They provided excellent support, accommodations and just went completely out of their way to make us welcome in their country.  We as a team were also impressed with how well they communicated in English throughout the trip.

  Day one took us on a two-hour trip north of Bucharest to Boboc Air Base, site of the RoAF Warrant Officer and NCO Military School.  Our team and the RoAF both presented briefings on force structure with emphasis on technical training programs.

  We then enjoyed a great lunch at their base dining facility.  The remaining afternoon was spent touring the classrooms with head instructor briefings from each department.  The instructors were very happy to explain the curriculum and showed great pride in how they molded the future of the RoAF.

  Day two followed the same routine. 

  Our team was picked up at the hotel for a two-hour road trip East to Fetesti Air Base, home of the 86th Fighter Wing.  Here we exchanged much the same briefings as the first day; however more emphasis was placed on organizational structure… breaking down each flight within the three squadrons making up the maintenance group. 

  We were once again provided an excellent lunch at the dining facility featuring local cuisine.  The remainder of the afternoon was spent touring the individual shops within the 86th Maintenance Group.  Again, the warrant officers and NCO’s in charge of the shops showed great pride in their sections and were eager to explain their capabilities.

  On day three we returned to Fetesti Air Base to observe flight line operations.  On arrival, we were greeted by the wing commander and given VIP treatment.  We observed six MiG-21 launch and recoveries to include all servicing operations.   They were well orchestrated and the little MiG was quite impressive considering it was introduced in 1959.

  Our Romanian hosts rolled out the red carpet on day four and provided a guided tour of both the Aviation and Military History Museums.  They followed with a tour of the Palace of Parliament Building, a must see if you ever have an opportunity.  It is the second largest government building in the world, behind only the Pentagon. 

Our final visit was a walking tour of the Old Towne area and Revolution Square in Bucharest.

  Aside from the training aspect of the trip, it was a great opportunity for us to appreciate the Romanian culture, as it was the first time in Romania for all of us. 

One place I would highly recommend is a restaurant in Old Towne area called Caru’ cu Bere, or translated “Wagon of Beer”.  Don’t let the name deceive you, while the beer was good, the food and atmosphere are even better.  Established in 1879, it is rich in history, the décor is breathtaking and they provide traditional Romanian dance and music.

  Overall, the Romanian Air Force impressed us with their strong desire to improve all aspects of their operations.  They are a very proud country and are aspiring to be a strong NATO ally.

 

Senior Master Sgt. Timothy Kellner,

31st Maintenance Group quality assurance superintendent

(this blog originally ran in August but was inadvertently deleted)