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BULLHORN #14
4 September 2007 

ANAers!! 

Summer vacations are drawing to a close – the children are headed back to school – and all are buckling down to work again.  We hope everyone has had the opportunity to relax, be with family, and enjoy some of this wonderful country in which we are blessed to live. 

Work at ANA continues, as does some wonderful work in our squadrons, as our President, VADM Dunn, will soon cover in his next HOWGOZIT.   

We are still working the issue of members who are “snow birds” – if you are one who spends some of summer and winter in different places, please let me know the time periods and what addresses at which you can receive snail mail so I can put that information in our membership database. 

I have attached a number of news articles. 

Every member get a member!!!! 

Best regards, 

Dutch Rauch
Secretary/Treasurer
Association of Naval Aviation
1446 Waggaman Circle
McLean, VA 22101
703-893-3955

**********

Executive Director and Editor, WINGS OF GOLD = Zip at goldwings@verizon.net

**********

www.anahq.org 
General Membership:
2550 Huntington Ave, Suite 202
Alexandria, VA 22303
703-960-6806
Ann at anahqtr@aol.com

********** 

“…to educate and encourage an interest among the general public as to the importance of Naval Aviation in the defense of the United States and its allies….”

 
Stennis, CVW-9 Return to San Diego
Story Number: NNS070827-25
Release Date: 8/27/2007 5:59:00 PM

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class (SW) Christopher Gethings, USS John C. Stennis Public Affairs

SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- The John C. Stennis Carrier Strike Group (JCSSG) returned to San Diego Aug. 27, marking the successful end of deployment for Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 9 and the guided-missile cruiser USS Antietam (CG 54).

While deployed, JCSSG supported Operations Enduring Freedom (OEF) and Iraqi Freedom (OIF), maritime security operations, coalition operations in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations (AOO), Expeditionary Strike Force training and most recently, Exercise Valiant Shield 2007.

JCSSG departed San Diego Jan. 20 and entered the 5th Fleet’s AOO one month later, where the strike group spent five months supporting OEF and OIF.

“The performance of the John C. Stennis Strike Group has been magnificent,” said Commander, Carrier Strike Group 3 Rear Adm. Kevin M. Quinn. “I couldn’t be more proud of them. Contributing to security and stability in the Middle East, as well as the Pacific is one of the most important missions of the United States Navy.”

Stennis, CVW-9 and the strike group supported combat operations over Afghanistan from the North Arabian Sea, and over Iraq from the Persian Gulf while in 5th Fleet. During OIF and OEF, CVW-9 flew approximately 8,000 sorties providing more than 22,000 flight hours, dropped more than 160 bombs and expended more than 11,000 rounds of ammunition during 82 strafing runs.

“The operations we did for our troops in Afghanistan and Iraq, we did those in support of troops on the ground, troops in contact with enemy forces, and our aircraft came in and provided the support they needed, which in some cases was the difference between life and death for our troops,” added Quinn. “Through [CVW-9’s] precision bombing and their precision strafing in support of troops on the ground, they helped achieve our national objectives in that area and more importantly, they helped save the lives of our troops who were in direct contact with the enemy in Afghanistan.”

While supporting combat operations, CVW-9 conducted a variety of missions, including close-air support for troops in combat on the ground, command and control operations as well as surface search and surveillance, ensuring the safe operation of the strike group at sea.

“The missions we sent into Afghanistan and Iraq and the strong presence we established in the Persian Gulf made a very significant difference in providing security and stability to the entire region,” said Stennis’ Commanding Officer, Capt. Brad Johanson.

As a Combined Forces Air Component Command asset, CVW-9 integrated closely with multinational coalition forces to prevent and counter attacks. The carrier-based aircraft provided close air-power support and delivered ordnance on enemy positions designated by ground forces.

“CVW-9 provided a variety of efforts both kinetic and non-kinetic,” said Capt. Sterling Gilliam, commander, CVW-9. “We were tasked with close-air support, reconnaissance and other tactical missions while operating in support of OEF and OIF.”

Along with five months of combat operations in 5th Fleet, JCSSG also participated in a number of exercises during its deployment, such as a unique humanitarian relief exercise in the Persian Gulf, dual-carrier exercises with USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) and Expeditionary Strike Force training with USS Nimitz (CVN 68) and USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6) while simultaneously providing close-air support to coalition ground forces in support of OEF and OIF.

“The support for the troops on the ground and in combat is by far the most significant thing we did,” Gilliam said. “But what I really am proud of, is that from the moment we pushed away from the pier, we took an aggressive operational mindset to make sure that we were combat ready and kept it until our mission was complete.”

Antietam served as the air defense commander for Stennis during JCSSG’s deployment.

“Antietam performed outstandingly across the board,” said Quinn. “She was right there with us in the North Arabian Sea when we were conducting strike operations into Afghanistan, literally saving the lives of our troops on the ground. She was with us when we transited the Straits of Hormuz and went up to the North Persian Gulf to conduct operations in support of our troops on the ground in Iraq. She also participated in several multinational exercises to develop the capabilities of those regional navies.”

After successfully completing operations in the 5th Fleet AOO July 11, JCSSG sailed to the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility where Sailors and Marines enjoyed port visits in Singapore and Hong Kong and participated in more than 20 community relations projects.

Following the visit to Hong Kong, JCSSG participated in exercise Valiant Shield 2007 off the coast of Guam from Aug. 7 to Aug. 14. The joint military exercise brought together more than 30 ships including the Kitty Hawk and Nimitz Carrier Strike Groups, 280 aircraft and more than 20,000 service members from the Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps and Coast Guard. Valiant Shield tested the military’s ability to rapidly bring together joint forces in response to any regional contingency, demonstrating the United States’ commitment to ensuring peace and stability throughout the Asian-Pacific region.

Next on Stennis’ plate is a docked, planned, incremental availability period where it will go through about six months of maintenance and upgrades.

CVW-9 will also go through some changes before embarking Stennis again: Sea Control Squadron (VS) 31 will disestablish, Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 147 will transition from the F/A-18C Hornet to the F/A-18E Super Hornet, Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron (HS) 8 will become Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 8, transitioning from the SH-60 Seahawk to the H-60S Knight Hawk, and CVW-9 will welcome Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron 71, who fly the MH-60R helicopters.

Gilliam said the rest of the squadrons will take their lessons learned from this deployment and begin preparing for when CVW-9 embarks Stennis again next year during work-ups.

JCSSG includes the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74), embarked CVW-9, Destroyer Squadron 21, the guided-missile cruiser Antietam, the guided-missile destroyers USS O’Kane (DDG 77), USS Preble (DDG 88) and USS Paul Hamilton (DDG 60) and the fast combat support ship USNS Bridge (T-AOE 10). More than 6,500 Sailors and Marines are assigned to JCSSG.

The squadrons of CVW-9 include: the “Black Knights” of VFA-154, “Blue Diamonds” of VFA-146, “Argonauts” of VFA-147, “Death Rattlers” of Marine Strike Fighter Squadron 323, “Yellow Jackets” of Electronic Attack Squadron 138, “Golden Hawks” of Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron 112, “Top Cats” of VS-31, “Eightballers” of HS-8 and “Providers” of Fleet Logistics Support Squadron 30. 

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USS George Washington Gets Underway for Sea Trials
Story Number: NNS070827-24
Release Date: 8/27/2007 5:46:00 PM

By Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Tanner Lange, USS George Washington Public Affairs

PORTSMOUTH, Va. (NNS) -- USS George Washington (GW) (CVN 73) left Norfolk Naval Shipyard on Aug. 27 and headed for sea trials.

Sea trials, which are expected to be completed later this week, are traditionally the final hurdle for a shipyard maintenance availability and are designed to assess GW’s material readiness and ability to rejoin the fleet as a fully operational unit.

Once complete, GW will return to the U.S. 2nd Fleet to commence final operational preparations to relieve USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) as the Navy’s forward-deployed aircraft carrier in Japan in 2008. The $300 million, 11-month Planned Incremental Availability plus Docking is expected to be completed on time and within budget.

”Sea trials are really the culmination of a lot of hard work. Norfolk Naval Shipyard and GW Sailors really came together as a team to produce an outstanding availability,” said GW Commanding Officer, Capt. Dave Dykhoff.

The availability was specifically designed to prepare the ship to become the Navy’s forward deployed aircraft carrier with numerous system upgrades. One specific accomplishment included the removal and replacement of the entire main mast and all associated radar and combat systems.

“The capstone mast upgrade improves the ship’s defensive capabilities and the reliability of associated systems,” said Combat Systems Officer, Cmdr. Mark Loose.

While the scheduled trials are expected to tax every Sailor and system on the ship to ensure full capability, the transition from shipyard to sea is a welcome one.

“Everyone involved is extremely proud to clear this hurdle and get these tests underway,” said Dykhoff. “Our transition to Japan is very important to our nation’s security, and we have worked very hard to keep that transition on track.”

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  From the Early Bird: 
 Shreveport (LA) Times
 August 26, 2007 
 Barksdale Bombers Expand B-52's Capabilities 
 Recreation of historic 1938 mission points to future 
 By John Andrew Prime 

 Three Barksdale Air Force Base B-52s used a modern twist to a historic  mission almost 70 years old to add a dramatic new capability to the  bomber's long list of tricks.  Flying almost 10 hours and putting about 3,500 miles under their wings  Friday, the trio of veteran bombers pinpointed a specific ship several  hundred miles east of Bermuda then spent two hours gathering images  and information about it.  In May 1938, three B-17 bombers from what was then the 2nd Bomb Group  intercepted the Italian cruise liner Rex several hundred miles east of  New York City.  Friday's mission, called Rex Redux, quickly found the target, said the  Military Sealift Command's USNS 2nd Lt. John P. Bobo. The B-52s then  electronically shipped intelligence gathered by a targeting pod,  called LITENING, to planners on land, who in a war or emergency could  have directed the bombers to take further action.  The three B-52s represented the range of cooperation involved in  transforming LITENING into a cyber-age weapon married to the veteran,  versatile and long-range B-52.  The mission leader was Lt. Col. Robert Nordberg, of the Air Force Reserve's 93rd Bomb Squadron, which pioneered the use of LITENING on  the B-52. With him was fellow reservist Lt. Col. Bill "Sleepy" Floyd, one of the foremost developers of the system.

 A second airplane was commanded by Lt. Col. Ricardo Beruvides, of the  49th Test Squadron. The third was under the command of Lt. Col. James Noetzel, of the 2nd Bomb Wing's 96th Bomb Squadron. The flight  marked the active-duty Air Force's first such use of LITENING. "It was a first-rate mission," an exultant Col. Robert Wheeler, new head of the 2nd Bomb Wing, said during a briefing that followed the  bombers' return just after 6 p.m. "But this is just a first step." Hints of future uses for the capabilities proved in Friday's mission  could come from "targets of opportunity" tasks the bombers were given  on their leg home. They were sent to give reports on selected targets,  from a dam on a lake to an airport parking ramp, exactly the targets  terrorists might wish to destroy or that could be damaged in natural  disasters. 

 The impetus for the mission came from the highest echelons of the Air  Force. Gen. T. Michael Moseley, the service's chief of staff,  suggested the Rex mission of 1938 as a model for a demonstration of  the new capabilities of the LITENING/B-52 team. The May 1938 mission caused some furor with other branches of the  military, which saw the air strike capability as an assault on  entrenched and historic means of defending the nation. 

 "The airmen generated a great deal of heat over the mission,"   Moseley wrote of his troops at Barksdale. "But the image was forever  burned in the minds of folks." 

Follow-up email traffic regarding the article above
The USAF acquired 84 AGM-84-series Harpoon missiles in August 1984 that had been originally sold to Iran. Since then, there have been several exercises in which B-52s have launched Harpoons at surface ship targets (I watched a video of one, where the immobile hulk of a former Navy 174-ft. fuel lighter was well and truly squashed), at least one of them fairly recently. I've never seen anything about them getting additional Harpoons, however, and the existing ones must be due for overhaul or retirement (like most of the USN's, alas). 

Iran, however, is still doing nicely off USN spares, thanks to DoD surplus sales; Jane's Defence Weekly this week has an interesting article about the return to service of a large number of Iranian Air Force F-14As, thanks to the ingenuity of Iranian technicians and the ready availability of spare parts on the world market. We have met the enemy and he is us.

 On Aug 28, 2007

  The original "mission" was typical Air Corps grandstanding. 

 They knew the ship's course, and since she was broadcasting more or  less continuously even Army pilots could find her.  Normally they couldn't find anything at sea out of sight of land, even  when given Lat/Long (I trust they don't plan to recreate the anti-ship track record of the  B-17 when called upon to do the real thing, not a stunt. I would have

 thought a more  timely recreation, in tune with the joint and  air-ground era we live in, would be the use of USN tacair to provide  close air support to the Army in its Louisiana Maneuvers a couple of  years lately.)

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Nimitz Strike Group Wraps up Hong Kong Visit
Story Number: NNS070828-26
Release Date: 8/28/2007 4:39:00 PM

By Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Matthew J. Lanese, USS Nimitz Public Affairs

USS NIMITZ, At Sea (NNS) -- USS Nimitz (CVN 68) departed Hong Kong Aug. 24 after a four-day port visit. The stop was the ship’s third port visit since departing its homeport of San Diego for a regularly scheduled deployment April 2.

Nimitz, along with embarked Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 11, was joined by the five other ships in the Nimitz Carrier Strike Group (CSG) - the guided-missile destroyers USS John Paul Jones (DDG 53), USS Chafee (DDG 90), USS Pinckney (DDG 91) and USS Higgins (DDG 76); and the guided-missile cruiser USS Princeton (CG 59).

The crew of more than 5,000 Sailors and Marines served as American ambassadors during their visit, participating in community relations projects, meeting local citizens, experiencing local customs and traditions and enjoying the many recreational activities offered in Hong Kong.

“The [community relations] projects were a great success for the volunteers and the organizations we assisted,” said Lt. Cmdr. David Bynum, a chaplain aboard Nimitz. “We had opportunities to do hundreds of hours of volunteer work that would have taken these sites days or weeks to accomplish.”

Commanded by Capt. Mike Manazir, Nimitz arrived in the U.S. 5th Fleet (C5F) area of operations in May. While operating in C5F, CVW-11 flew more than 2,600 sorties and 7,332 hours in support of ground forces participating in Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom before leaving the Persian Gulf in late July.

Nimitz and embarked CVW-11 are now operating as a part of the U.S. 7th Fleet (C7F). Operating in the Western Pacific and Indian Ocean, C7F is the largest of the forward-deployed U.S. fleets covering 52 million square miles, with approximately 50 ships, 120 aircraft and more than 22,000 Sailors and Marines assigned at any given time.

CVW-11’s squadrons include “Tophatters” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 14, “Black Aces” of VFA-41, “Sunliners” of VFA-81, “Wallbangers” of Airborne Early Warning Squadron 117, “Red Devils” of Marine Corps Strike Fighter Squadron 232, “Black Ravens” of Electronic Warfare Squadron 135, “Providers” of Carrier Logistics Support Squadron 30 and the “Indians” of Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron 6.

Commanded by Rear Adm. Terry Blake, the Nimitz CSG also includes embarked Destroyer Squadron 23; Helicopter Anti-submarine Squadron Light (HSL) 49 “Scorpions,” HSL-37 “Easy Riders,” and Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit 11, Det. 3.

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Status of the Navy 27AUG07

Navy Personnel

Active Duty:   339,579

Officers:   52,152

Enlisted:   282,992

Midshipmen:   4,435

Ready Reserve:   113,828 [As of 18 June]

Selected Reserves: 56,850

Individual Ready Reserve: 56,978

Reserves currently mobilized:   5,238 [As of 27 Aug]

Personnel on deployment:   66,076

Navy Department Civilian Employees:   176,659

Ships and Submarines

Deployable Battle Force Ships: 277

Ships Underway (away from homeport): 148 ships (53% of total)

On deployment: 120 ships (43% of total)

Attack submarines underway (away from homeport): 30 submarines (55%)

On deployment: 23 submarines (42%)

Ships Underway

Carriers:

USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) - South China Sea

USS Enterprise (CVN 65) - Persian Gulf

USS Nimitz (CVN 68) - South China Sea

USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) - Pacific Ocean

Amphibious Warfare Ships:

USS Nassau (LHA 4) _ Atlantic Ocean

USS Peleliu (LHA 5) - Pacific Ocean

USS Wasp (LHD 1) - Atlantic Ocean

USS Kearsarge (LHD 3) - Mediterranean Sea

USS Boxer (LHD 4) - Pacific Ocean

USS Bohomme Richard (LHD 6) - Persian Gulf

Aircraft (operational): 4000+

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Aug. 27 airpower summary: Stratotankers help fuel the fleet

8/28/2007 - SOUTHWEST ASIA (AFPN) -- Coalition airpower supported coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations August 27, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

In Afghanistan, Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs targeted enemies near Kandahar with cannon rounds. The on-scene joint terminal attack controller reported the rounds hit their intended targets.

Other A-10s conducted multiple shows of force with flares to stop enemy troops from reattacking coalition forces in Asmar. Coalition forces weren't engaged while the A-10s were overhead.

Also in Asmar, an Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle showed force over a convoy that had been attacked. The aircrew watched over the convoy during the medical evacuation that followed.

F-15Es dropped guided bomb unit 38s and 31s on enemy firing positions around Orgun-E. The aircraft engaged after a convoy was attacked from those positions. The weapon drops were considered successful by the JTAC.

Also in Orgun-E, a French Mirage 2000 and a Mirage F-1C dropped GBU-12s on enemy personnel.

Another Mirage 2000 provided a show of force with flares for a friendly convoy moving through Qal-E-Naw.

A-10s provided overwatch and cover for a medical evacuation in Jalalabad. A ground convoy came under small-arms fire and an improvised explosive device blast, which prompted the evacuation.

F-15Es dropped GBU-12s on enemies in a tree line in Kajaki Dam. Later, the aircrew attacked enemies in a building with a GBU-38. The desired effect was achieved from the engagements. One of the F-15Es provided a show of force to ensure ground forces could exit the area safely.

A-10s provided successful shows of force with flares to keep enemies from attacking ground forces in Kabul and Gereshk.

An F-15E also conducted a successful show of force with flares in Garmsir.

Air Force B-1B Lancers provided successful shows of force with flares to ward off enemy attacks in Garmsir and Farah.

In total, 50 close-air-support missions were flown in support of ISAF and Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and route patrols.

Eight Air Force intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft flew missions in support of operations in Afghanistan. Additionally, two Royal Air Force aircraft performed tactical reconnaissance.

In Iraq, Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons used GBU-38s to destroy a building being used as a vehicle-born IED factory and trigger hideout in Fallujah.

An Air Force MQ-1 Predator fired a Hellfire missile at insurgents in Baqubah. The weapon impacted its targets. RAF GR-4 Tornados watched over the Hellfire missile impact area afterward.

Also in Baqubah, Navy F/A-18 Hornets fired cannon rounds at enemies in a building. The enemies were using the building as cover while firing on ground forces.

Another F/A-18 conducted a successful show of force with flares in Al Kut.

Other F/A-18s conducted a show of force and armed overwatch over areas in Samarra. The pilots also spotted IED emplacers and passed their location along to the JTAC. The emplacers were apprehended by a quick response force.

F-16s and A-10s provided multiple shows of force over areas in Al Mahmudiyah. The pilots also watched over friendly forces in the area.

In total, coalition aircraft flew 65 close-air-support missions for Operation Iraqi Freedom. These missions supported coalition ground forces, protected key infrastructure, provided over watch for reconstruction activities and helped to deter and disrupt terrorist activities.

Twenty one Air Force, Navy and RAF ISR aircraft flew missions in support of operations in Iraq. Additionally, six Navy and RAF aircraft performed tactical reconnaissance.

Air Force C-130 Hercules aircraft and C-17 Globemaster IIIs provided intra-theater heavy airlift support, helping to sustain operations throughout Afghanistan, Iraq and the Horn of Africa.

Approximately 160 airlift sorties were flown, 510 tons of cargo were delivered and 3,455 passengers were transported. Airlift included approximately 43,480 pounds of troop re-supply air-dropped in Afghanistan.

Coalition C-130 crews from Australia, Canada, Iraq and Japan flew in support of operations in Afghanistan or Iraq.

On August 26, Air Force and RAF tankers flew 53 sorties and off-loaded approximately 3.3 million pounds of fuel to 259 receiving aircraft.

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Aug. 28 airpower summary: F-16s stay close overhead

8/29/2007 - SOUTHWEST ASIA (AFPN) -- Coalition airpower supported coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations Aug. 28, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

In Afghanistan, Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles dropped guided bomb unit-38s on Afghanistan National Army vehicles that were being looted by insurgents in Tarin Kowt. The aircrews also hit an enemy compound with GBU-38s. The aircrews then targeted the insurgents with a GBU-31 and GBU-12s. Later, one of the F-15Es dropped a GBU-12 on an enemy camp. The engagements were reported as successful.

Also in Tarin Kowt, other F-15Es dropped GBU-38s on an enemy vehicle and a machine gun position. The aircrews also attacked  with GBU-31s and GBU-12s a sniper position and enemies fleeing previous attacks. Theses engagements were reported as successful as well.

Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs dropped general-purpose 500-pound bombs and GBU-12s on an enemy firing position in Orgun-E. The pilots also strafed the position with cannon rounds.

An Air Force B-1B Lancer provided successful shows of force and presence to ward off enemy attacks in areas near Ganjabad.

A-10s strafed enemies in Asadabad with cannon rounds. The on-scene joint terminal attack controller reported the rounds hit their intended targets.

F-15Es dropped GBU-38s and a GBU-31 on enemy firing positions around Gardez and Asadabad. The weapon drops were considered successful by the JTAC.

Other F-15Es also hit targets with GBU-38s and GBU-12s in Asadabad and Asmar.

F-15Es and an A-10 provided successful shows of force with flares over enemy positions in Gereshk, Garmsir and Kajaki Dam.

In total, 47 close-air-support missions were flown in support of ISAF and Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and route patrols.

Nine Air Force and Royal Air Force intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft flew missions in support of operations in Afghanistan. Additionally, two RAF aircraft performed tactical reconnaissance.

In Iraq, Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons used GBU-38s to destroy a weapons cache in Salman Pak. The pilots also watched over a coalition raid.

Also in Salman Pak, an F-16 destroyed a weapons crate using a Maverick missile. The pilots observed insurgents digging up the weapons crate and loading it onto a truck. Once the crate was unloaded, one of the pilots destroyed it with the missile. Then, the F-16s strafed the truck that had moved the crate with cannon rounds until it stopped. One of the F-16s also provided a show of force for convoy freedom of movement. The convoy moved through smoothly after the show of force.

Continuing the engagement in Salman Pak, another group of F-16s fired cannon rounds at the truck that had moved the weapons crate. The F-16s also hit a weapons storage area with GBU-38s as well.

An Air Force MQ-1Predator fired a Hellfire missile at a mortar team in Balad. The Predator followed the group that was carrying a tube. Eventually the team launched a projectile, confirming the tube was a weapon. Then the Predator engaged the team.

F-16s provided shows of force over locations around Karbala.

Other F-16s patrolled other areas of Samarra and Tikrit looking for suspicious activities and improvised explosive devices.

In total, coalition aircraft flew 50 close-air-support missions for Operation Iraqi Freedom. These missions supported coalition ground forces, protected key infrastructure, provided over watch for reconstruction activities and helped to deter and disrupt terrorist activities.

Seventeen Air Force, Navy and RAF ISR aircraft flew missions in support of operations in Iraq.

Air Force C-130 Hercules aircraft and C-17 Globemaster IIIs provided intra-theater heavy airlift support, helping to sustain operations throughout Afghanistan, Iraq and the Horn of Africa.

Approximately 160 airlift sorties were flown, 400 tons of cargo were delivered and approximately 3,400 passengers were transported. Airlift included approximately 44,000 pounds of troop re-supply air-dropped in Afghanistan.

Coalition C-130 crews from Australia, Iraq and Japan flew in support of operations in Afghanistan or Iraq.

On Aug. 27, Air Force and RAF tankers flew 55 sorties and off-loaded approximately 3.1 million pounds of fuel to 285 receiving aircraft.

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Aug. 30 airpower summary: C-130's move people, supplies

8/31/2007 - SOUTHWEST ASIA (AFPN) -- Coalition airpower supported coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations August 30, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

In Afghanistan, Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs strafed enemy personnel with cannon rounds. The attack was reported as successful.

Other A-10s conducted successful shows of force with flares to deter enemy fire on ground units in Kabul.

A Royal Air Force Harrier GR-7 destroyed an enemy compound with Enhanced Paveway II munitions in Sangin. Afterward, the aircraft escorted the convoy out of the area.

Also in Sangin, Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles observed suspicious personnel moving around a compound.

Another F-15E conducted a successful show of force with flares over an enemy position in Tarin Kowt. Ground forces were taking small arms fire from the location before the flyover. No attacks were reported after the show of force.

In total, 44 close-air-support missions were flown in support of the ISAF and Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and route patrols.

Eleven Air Force and RAF intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft flew missions in support of operations in Afghanistan. Additionally, two RAF aircraft performed tactical reconnaissance.

In Iraq, Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons dropped guided bomb unit-38s on enemy buildings in Al Muqdadiyah. There were secondary explosions on both buildings after the weapons impacted. The pilots also monitored a funeral procession in the area.

U.S. Navy F/A-18C Hornets dropped a GBU-51 and a GBU-38 on enemies in a bongo truck in Baghdad. The truck was being used by improvised explosive device emplacers. The joint terminal attack controller reported the weapons had good effects.
Other F/A-18s provided successful shows of force over areas in Taji. The JTAC reported the shows of force as successful.

An F-16 showed force with flares over a suspicious vehicle in Tall Afar. Other F-16s watched over raids and suspicious activities throughout the area.

RAF Tornado GR-4s and F-16s monitored activity in areas around Al Iskandariyah.

An F-16 provided a show of force over a coalition checkpoint in Balad after it was attacked by insurgents. The show of force was reported as successful. Also, the pilots monitored activity around an IED detonation site.

In Baqubah, another F-16 destroyed a house wired with explosives using a GBU-38.

In total, coalition aircraft flew 71 close-air-support missions for Operation Iraqi Freedom. These missions supported coalition ground forces, protected key infrastructure, provided over watch for reconstruction activities and helped to deter and disrupt terrorist activities.

Seventeen Air Force, Navy, RAF and Royal Australian Air Force ISR aircraft flew missions in support of operations in Iraq. Additionally, six Navy and RAF aircraft performed tactical reconnaissance.

Air Force C-130 Hercules and C-17 Globemaster III's provided intratheater heavy airlift support, helping to sustain operations throughout Afghanistan, Iraq and the Horn of Africa.

Approximately 125 airlift sorties were flown; 475 tons of cargo was delivered, and approximately 3,300 passengers were transported.

Coalition C-130 crews from Australia, Canada, Iraq and Japan flew in support of operations in Afghanistan or Iraq.

On August 29, Air Force and RAF aerial refueling crews flew 54 sorties and off-loaded approximately 2.9 million pounds of fuel to 242 receiving aircraft.

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Aug. 31 airpower summary: Tankers bring fuel to fight
9/1/2007 - SOUTHWEST ASIA (AFPN) -- Coalition airpower supported coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations Aug. 31, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

In Afghanistan, an Air Force B-1B Lancer dropped multiple guided bomb unit-38s and 31s on enemies along a ridgeline in Tarin Kowt.

Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles hit an enemy exit route with GBU-38s near Orgun-E. The on-scene joint terminal attack controller confirmed the bombs hit their targets. One of the F-15Es provided a show of force with flares to deter any enemy activity while helicopters were medically evacuating the wounded.

Other F-15Es dropped GBU-38s on an improvised explosive device factory in Asmar. The JTAC confirmed the hits were good.

In total, 38 close-air-support missions were flown in support of ISAF and Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and route patrols.

Nine Air Force intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft flew missions in support of operations in Afghanistan.

In Iraq, an Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon used a GBU-12 to destroy a weapons cache of artillery rounds in Al Muqdadiyah. The fighter also searched for fake check points and performed counter IED activities in the area.

In Baquba, Navy F/A-18 Super Hornets conducted shows of force over an area suspected of enemy activity. The jets also performed non-traditional intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance in the area. The Super Hornet recovered aboard the U.S.S. Enterprise.

F-16s performed armed overwatch for coalition forces in Baghdad.

In total, coalition aircraft flew 58 close-air-support missions for Operation Iraqi Freedom. These missions supported coalition ground forces, protected key infrastructure, provided overwatch for reconstruction activities and helped to deter and disrupt terrorist activities.

Eighteen Air Force, Navy and Royal Air Force ISR aircraft flew missions in support of operations in Iraq. Additionally, five Navy and Air Force aircraft performed tactical reconnaissance. 

Air Force C-130 Hercules aircraft and C-17 Globemaster IIIs provided intra-theater heavy airlift support, helping to sustain operations throughout Afghanistan, Iraq and the Horn of Africa.

Approximately 145 airlift sorties were flown; 605 tons of cargo were delivered, and nearly 2,574 passengers were transported. This included approximately 46,890 pounds of troop re-supply air-dropped in Afghanistan.

Coalition C-130 crews from Australia, Iraq and Japan flew in support of operations in Afghanistan or Iraq.

On Aug. 30, Air Force, RAF and French tankers flew 55 sorties and off-loaded approximately 3.1 million pounds of fuel to 270 receiving aircraft.

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Sept. 1 airpower summary: Tankers keep missions flying

9/2/2007 - SOUTHWEST ASIA (AFPN) -- Coalition airpower supported coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations Sept. 1, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

In Afghanistan, Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs destroyed insurgent locations with guided bomb unit-12s and a general-purpose 500-pound bomb in Kandahar.

Also in Kandahar, an Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle attacked insurgents in a building with a GBU-38. The on-scene joint terminal attack controller confirmed the bomb hit the target. F-15Es also watched caves for suspicious activity.

A Royal Air Force GR-7 Harrier attacked an enemy mortar position using Enhanced Paveway II munitions in Kandahar. The mortar fire ceased after the munitions hit their target. A GR-9 performed a show of force over the location as well. The Harriers also watched over friendly forces exiting an area in Sangin.

Also in Sangin, other F-15Es attacked enemy firing positions with GBU-38s and cannon fire. The JTAC confirmed the hits were good.

An A-10 dropped a GBU-12 on an enemy mortar position in Asadabad. The JTAC confirmed a good hit. Another A-10 conducted a show of force with flares to keep enemies from attacking coalition members in the area.

An F-15E provided a successful show of force with flares to ward off enemy attacks near Kabul.

In total, 43 close-air-support missions were flown in support of ISAF and Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and route patrols.

Eight Air Force intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft flew missions in support of operations in Afghanistan. Additionally, two RAF aircraft performed tactical reconnaissance.

In Iraq, Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons and A-10s conducted shows of force over a building housing insurgents in Al Muqdadiyah.

Other F-16s provided overwatch for ground forces and a convoy in areas around Salman Pak.

Another F-16 showed force over Baqubah to keep enemies from returning to the scene of an earlier fire fight.

In total, coalition aircraft flew 59 close-air-support missions for Operation Iraqi Freedom. These missions supported coalition ground forces, protected key infrastructure, provided overwatch for reconstruction activities and helped to deter and disrupt terrorist activities.

Eighteen Air Force, Navy, RAF and Royal Australian Air Force ISR aircraft flew missions in support of operations in Iraq. Additionally, five Navy and Air Force aircraft performed tactical reconnaissance.

Air Force C-130 Hercules aircraft and C-17 Globemaster IIIs provided intra-theater heavy airlift support, helping to sustain operations throughout Afghanistan, Iraq and the Horn of Africa.

Approximately 155 airlift sorties were flown; 415 tons of cargo were delivered, and nearly 3,950 passengers were transported. This included approximately 15,400 pounds of troop re-supply air-dropped in Afghanistan.

Coalition C-130 crews from Australia, Iraq and Korea flew in support of operations in Afghanistan or Iraq.

On Aug. 31, Air Force, RAF and French tankers flew 55 sorties and off-loaded approximately 2.9 million pounds of fuel to 230 receiving aircraft.

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Sept. 2 airpower summary: A-10s provide show of force

9/3/2007 - SOUTHWEST ASIA (AFPN) -- Coalition airpower supported coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations Sept. 2, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

In Afghanistan, Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs attacked insurgent caves with guided bomb unit-12s in Asadabad. The on-scene joint terminal attack controller confirmed the bomb hit the target.

Also in Asadabad, an Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle attacked insurgents in buildings with GBU-38s and GBU-12s. The buildings were situated with a large compound. The F-15Es also hit caves along a ravine with GBU-31s as well. The engagements were considered successful.

An A-10 strafed enemies in Kandahar with cannon rounds. The enemies were firing mortars at friendly forces before the strafing pass. The JTAC confirmed good hits from the weapons.

Also in Kandahar, an Air Force B-1B Lancer performed a show of force over a firefight between Taliban soldiers and Afghan district police.

An A-10 provided a successful show of force with flares to ward off enemy attacks in Tarin Kowt.

A Royal Air Force GR-9A Harrier conducted a successful show of force over an area near Ghazni.

In total, 41 close-air-support missions were flown in support of ISAF and Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and route patrols.

Ten Air Force and RAF intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft flew missions in support of operations in Afghanistan. Additionally, two RAF aircraft performed tactical reconnaissance.

In Iraq, Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons destroyed weapons caches using GBU-38s near Bayji. There were secondary explosions when the weapon impacted the cache

Another F-16 showed force over Al Kut to stop enemies from firing at a convoy that had stopped to fix a flat tire. The small arms fire stopped after the show of force.

Another F-16 and an A-10 provided shows of force with flares to disperse a large crowd in Baghdad. Both flyovers were called successful by the JTAC.

An RAF GR-4 Tornado conducted a successful show of force at Basrah Palace.

In total, coalition aircraft flew 69 close-air-support missions for Operation Iraqi Freedom. These missions supported coalition ground forces, protected key infrastructure, provided overwatch for reconstruction activities and helped to deter and disrupt terrorist activities.

Sixteen Air Force, Navy, and Royal Australian Air Force ISR aircraft flew missions in support of operations in Iraq. Additionally, four Navy aircraft performed tactical reconnaissance.

Air Force C-130 Hercules aircraft and C-17 Globemaster IIIs provided intra-theater heavy airlift support, helping to sustain operations throughout Afghanistan, Iraq and the Horn of Africa.

Approximately 150 airlift sorties were flown; 380 tons of cargo were delivered, and nearly 2,835 passengers were transported.

Coalition C-130 crews from Australia and Canada flew in support of operations in Afghanistan or Iraq.

On Sept. 1, Air Force, RAF and French tankers flew 50 sorties and off-loaded approximately 2.7 million pounds of fuel to 240 receiving aircraft.

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 Flag Officer Assignments 

Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Mike Mullen announced the following flag officer assignments:

Rear Adm (lower half) William E. Shannon III is being assigned as vice commander, Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md. Shannon is currently assigned as assistant commander for logistics and industrial operations, Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md.

Rear Adm (lower half) Michael D. Hardee, commander, Navy Fleet Readiness Centers, Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., will assume the additional duties of assistant commander for logistics and industrial operations, Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md.

Rear Admiral William E. Shannon, III
United States Navy
Assistant Commander for Logistics and Industrial Operations

A native of Massapequa, N.Y., Rear Admiral William E. Shannon graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1975 with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and received a Master of Science in Systems Management from the University of Southern California. He is a graduate of the Armed Forces Staff College, the United States Marine Corps Weapons and Tactics Instructor Course and the Defense Acquisition University Advanced Program Manager Course. He was designated a Naval Aviator in 1976. 

At sea, Rear Adm. Shannon flew the RH-53D Sea Stallion with HM-12 and HM-14 and he flew the MH-55E as a Department Head with HM-15. In addition, as a Navy/Marine Corps Exchange Pilot, Rear Adm. Shannon flew the CH-53D while serving as the S-3 and Weapons and Tactics Instructor with the “Ugly Angels” of HMH-362. From 1993 to 1995 Rear Adm. Shannon served as Executive Officer, and subsequently, Commanding Officer of the “Blackhawks” of HM-15. During this tour, HM-15 deployed twice to Korea in response to JCS tasking. While in command, HM-15 was awarded the Chief of Naval Operations Safety Award and a Meritorious Unit Commendation. 

 Ashore, Rear Adm. Shannon served as a flight instructor in HM-12, on the Chief of Naval Operations Staff as Head of the Mine Warfare Branch, and on the Commander, Mine Warfare Command Staff as Assistant Chief of Staff for Readiness, Requirements and Tactics (N3/N8). His acquisition tours include Deputy Program Executive Officer for Operations and Airborne Mine Countermeasures (AMCM) in the Program Executive Office for Air ASW, Assault and Special Mission Programs (PEO(A)), and Program Manager of the Multi-Mission Helicopter Program Office (PMA 299), while serving as Program Manager, PMA 299, he successfully introduced the MH-60S Seahawk to the fleet. Rear Adm. Shannon was assigned as the Deputy Program Executive Officer in PEO(A), prior to serving as the Director, Naval Aviation Enterprise Total Force Readiness. He is currently serving as the NAVAIR Assistant Commander for Logistics and Industrial Operations. 

His personal decorations include the Legion of Merit (2), the Meritorious Service Medal (3), the Navy Commendation Medal, and the Navy Achievement Medal.

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Rear Admiral Michael D. Hardee
Commander, Fleet Readiness Centers, CNAF

Rear Admiral Hardee assumed his duties as CNAF’s Commander of Fleet Readiness Centers in October 2006. Prior to that, he served as NAVAIR’s Commander of Aviation Depots in 2005.

Graduating from Old Dominion University, Norfolk, Va. with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Biological Sciences, he received his commission from Aviation Officer Candidate School in 1977 and after attending flight training, was designated a Naval Flight Officer and received his wings in 1978.

Rear Adm. Hardee acquired extensive operational and acquisition experience through a wide variety of afloat and shore-based assignments. He has completed ship’s company sea duty assignments onboard USS Shreveport (LPD-12), earning his Surface Warfare Designation in 1982, USS Ranger (CV-61), USS Kitty Hawk (CV-63) and fleet assignments at Naval Air Facility Atsugi, Naval Air Station North Island, Naval Air Station Miramar, and Commander, Naval Air Forces Pacific Staff.

Following graduation with a Masters Degree in the Material Logistics curriculum from the Naval Postgraduate School in 1988, he was assigned to Carrier Air Wing 2, where he served as Air Wing Aircraft Maintenance Officer, completing two Western Pacific deployments aboard Ranger, including a combat cruise during Operation Desert Storm.

Upon completion of the Program Management Course at Defense Systems Management College, Fort Belvoir, Va., Rear Adm. Hardee was assigned to Naval Air Systems Command. He assumed his duties in Aviation Support Equipment, PMA-260 in 1992, where he served as the Assistant Program Manager for Systems Engineering for Consolidated Automated Support Systems Automated Test Equipment (USM-636 CASS). During this tour, he successfully completed PMA-260’s (Aviation Support Equipment) Operational Evaluation (OPEVAL) in preparation for initial production of CASS.

In 1995, he was assigned to Commander, Naval Air Forces, Pacific Fleet staff as the Aircraft Maintenance Plans and Policy Officer, implementing over 100 changes to the OPNAVINST. 4790, the Naval Aviation Maintenance Program and continued research in Human Factors in aircraft maintenance with the Naval Postgraduate School.

Assigned again to PMA 260 in 1999 as principal deputy program manager for Aviation Support Equipment program office, he became a certified Reliability Centered Maintenance (RCM II) practitioner, responsible for the physical asset management of the Navy’s common use Aviation Support Equipment. Rear Adm. Hardee and his RCM team won the Department of Defense Value Engineering Award in 2001 for their accomplishments in RCM.

Assuming command of DCMA Sikorsky Aircraft in November 2001, he was responsible for the contract management of and delivery of rotorcraft and rotorcraft products from five major programs to U.S. military departments and allied nations. During his tenure, DCMA’s flight activity won the agency’s Major Flight Operations Safety Award for 2002.

Assigned duties as the NAVAIR’s Enterprise AIRSpeed Project Officer and Chief of NAVRIIP Staff in 2003, he was responsible for the planning, introduction and implementation of Lean, Six Sigma and Theory of Constraints in Fleet aviation intermediate maintenance activities.

Rear Adm. Hardee’s personal decorations include the Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit, four Meritorious Service Medals, four Navy Commendation Medals and an Army Commendation Medal.

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From NAVAIR PAO -

Subject: NAWCWD to hold change of command

Date: 29-Aug-07

News Release Number: ECL200708291

News Release Copy: Rear Adm. David Dunaway will replace Rear Adm. Mark Skinner as commander of the Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division during a change of command ceremony on Sept. 18.

The ceremony will be held at 9 a.m. on the front lawn of the Administration Building at the Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake. NAVAIR Commander and former NAWCWD Commander Vice Adm. David Venlet will be the keynote speaker. A reception will follow at the Paradise Cafe (formerly the Wreck Center). All military personnel, Department of Defense civilian employees and contractors are invited to attend.

Skinner will return to Patuxent River to head the Program Executive Office for Tactical Aircraft Programs. Dunaway comes to China Lake from his most recent assignment as deputy program executive officer for Air ASW, Assault and Special Mission Programs at Patuxent River.

Dunaway, born in El Paso, Texas, received his wings in April 1984 and subsequently served as a Selectively Retained Graduate flight instructor in Meridian, Miss. After completing F/A-18 initial training, he served in VFA-151 aboard the USS Midway in Yokosuka, Japan from 1986-1989, when he was selected for the U.S. Naval Test Pilot School at Patuxent River. Dunaway’s test assignments include A-12 operational test director for VX-5, F/A-18 branch head and operational test director for the Airborne Self Protection Jammer, and deputy for Test and Evaluation for the F/A-18 Weapon System Support Activity. He also served as the F/A-18E/F operational test director at VX-9. In this position, Dunaway flew more than 200 developmental test missions and was selected as the Test Pilot of the Year.

His program management assignments include PMA-265 as the F/A-18 Radar IPT lead for the APG-79 Active Electronically Scanned Array radar, and PMA-201 as the program manager for the Precision Strike Weapons program office.

Dunaway holds a bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from the U.S. Naval Academy, a master’s in Aviation Systems Management from the University of Tennessee and a master’s in Aerospace Engineering from the Naval Postgraduate School. His personal decorations include the Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal, Navy Commendation Medal and the Navy Achievement Medal. He has accrued more than 2,900 flight hours and 290 arrested carrier landings.

Rear Admiral W. Mark Skinner
Commander
Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division
China Lake and Point Mugu, Calif.

Rear Admiral Mark Skinner is a native of Houston, Texas, and graduated from the United States Naval Academy in June 1977. He completed flight training and was designated a Naval Aviator in 1979. He reported first to Patrol Squadron 23. He then served as an FRS Instructor Pilot aboard Patrol Squadron Thirty-one until 1984.

After graduating from Test Pilot School in 1985, he reported to Force Warfare Aircraft Test Directorate where he was recognized as Directorate Test Pilot of the Year in 1986. He served as the Communications Officer in USS Ranger and then went to Patrol Squadron Six as the Safety/NATOPS Officer, then Maintenance Officer. In 1991, Rear Adm Skinner joined the staff of Patrol Wing Two, serving as Current Operations Officer. He served as Executive Officer for Patrol Squadron Forty-seven and subsequently took command in 1994. He then reported to Combined Task Force 72/57 as Operations Officer, directing VP forces participating in Operations Vigilant Sentinel and Southern Watch, and PRC-Taiwan Contingency Operations.

After graduating from Naval Postgraduate School as a Conrad Scholar, he was awarded the Department of the Navy award for excellence in financial management, and the Rear Admiral Thomas R. McClellan award for excellence in administrative sciences. After completing the Defense Systems Management College Program Manager Course, he joined Naval Force Aircraft Test Squadron as Chief Test Pilot in 1996.

As Commanding Officer of Naval Force Aircraft Test Squadron, Patuxent River, Md, in 1998, he was later selected as Program Manager for a Chief of Naval Operations Special Project. He served as the Acting Deputy Program Executive Officer for Air ASW, Assault and Special Mission Programs until February 2002.

Rear Adm. Skinner assumed command of NAVAIR Weapons Division in August 2004 with responsibility for Navy weapons and systems RDT&E and fleet support capabilities at China Lake and Point Mugu, Calif. His awards include the Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal (4 awards), Navy Commendation Medal (2 awards), Navy Achievement Medal, and other unit deployment citations and ribbons.

 Rear Admiral (Select) David A. Dunaway
Deputy Program Executive Officer
Air ASW, Assault and Special Mission Programs

Rear Admiral (Select) David Dunaway was born in El Paso, Texas. He received his wings in April, 1984 and subsequently served as a Selectively Retained Graduate flight instructor in Meridian, Miss. After completing FA-18 initial training, he served in VFA-151, aboard the USS Midway in Yokosuka, Japan from 1986-1989, when he was selected for the U.S. Naval Test Pilot School Class 96, Patuxent River, Md.

Rear Adm. (Sel) Dunaway’s test assignments include: VX-5 as the A-12 operational test director; F/A-18 branch head and operational test director for the Airborne Self Protection Jammer (ASPJ) (during this tour, he was selected as an Aerospace Engineering Duty Officer); F/A-18 Weapon System Support Activity as the deputy for Test and Evaluation working on F/A-18 OFP’s 09C, 11C, 13C, 10A and 12A, as well as a quick reaction installation of ASPJ in Marine aircraft deployed in Bosnia; and, VX-9 as the F/A-18E/F operational test director where he conducted OT-IIA, OT-IIB and OPEVAL for the Super Hornet. In this position, Rear Adm. (Sel) Dunaway flew more than 200 developmental test missions and was selected as the Test Pilot of the Year.

His program management assignments include: PMA-265 as the F/A-18 Radar IPT lead for the APG-79 Active Electronically Scanned Array radar, for which he and his team received the 2003 Aviation Week and Space Technology Laureate Award in developing this state-of-the art radar; and PMA-201 as the program manager for the Precision Strike Weapons program office. During his tour, the program office fielded many critical warfighting weapons to include JSOW C, GBU-38, Dual Mode LGB’s and SLAM-ER anti-ship capability. Of special note, the JSOW program received the David Packard Award for innovative business practices.

Rear Adm. (Sel) Dunaway is currently the Deputy Program Executive Officer, Air Anti-Submarine Warfare, Assault and Special Mission Programs.

Rear Adm. (Sel) Dunaway holds a BS in Mechanical Engineering from the U.S. Naval Academy, an MS in Aviation Systems Management from the University of Tennessee and an MS in Aerospace Engineering from the Naval Postgraduate School. His personal decorations include the Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal, Navy Commendation Medal and the Navy Achievement Medal. He has accrued more than 2,900 flight hours and 290 arrested carrier landings.

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Press Release Number:  EHD200708231                                                      
23-Aug-07 

Airwake Analysis Keeps Navy Ships Safe for Aviation

By Vicky Falcón
NAVAIR Public Affairs Office

Aircraft pilots have the third most dangerous job in the world (behind fishermen and loggers), according to a Bureau of Labor statistics report for 2005. Naval pilots who must land their aircraft aboard a moving ship have additional risks associated with their work.

Susan Polsky and the Airwake Analysis team at Naval Air Station Patuxent River, Md., are working to reduce those risks, making at-sea landings of H-60s, F/A-18s – and other Navy aircraft – safer. Polsky is an aerospace engineer with the Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) and leads the team as they work with the Naval Sea Systems Command to ensure future Navy ships are safe for aviation operations.

The Airwake Analysis team uses a combination of simulators, wind tunnels and Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD – their computer analysis tool) to determine air flow behind and around a ship. That airflow, called a “burble” by fixed-wing pilots, varies in speed and turbulence levels.

“Airwake, or burble, is unavoidable,” explained Polsky. “We are participating in future ship design programs to potentially lessen that burble since increased turbulence would mean more of a workload, and an increased risk, for the pilot.”

Sid Hatcher is a retired Navy H-60 pilot with 700 small-deck landings and lots of experience with airwakes. He presently works as a test pilot for the Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division’s HX21, the rotary wing test squadron at NAS Patuxent River.

Recently he has been testing simulations using CFD airwake data in support of the H-60 Program Office (PMA-299) and the Naval Aviation Training Systems Program Office (PMA-205).

“Airwake is an important factor in getting an aircraft aboard (a ship) safely,” said Hatcher. “There are controllability challenges in maintaining a precise position, as well as performance issues for an aircraft transitioning in and out of the relative winds.”

Previously, the operational capability of an aircraft landing on a ship was not known until the aircraft landed on the ship for the first time. Now, ship designers are able to assess potential geometries on the drawing board for adverse ship airwake effects before metal is even cut.

One of the ships the team is presently working on is the next class of carrier (the 21 Class) – specifically, USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN-78).

“The new carrier has a different superstructure and it’s in a different place than on existing carriers,” said Polsky. The superstructure houses the command and control functions for the carrier and the entire battle group.

By using computer modeling, the team can determine where and how the airwake will flow behind the new ship. Since fixed-wing aircraft approach for landing from behind a carrier, this is vital information for pilots.

The team has developed a ship simulation which allows a pilot to “fly” through new airwake data, obtaining aircraft control surface activity and other data that help determine how much the airwake will affect the pilot and the aircraft.

“That data is key to determining any deviations from the old to the new configurations,” explained Polsky.

With that information, the team can develop a training simulator for pilot orientations in preparation for landing on board CVN-78 and other ships, or to test new aircraft such as the V-22 Osprey.

LtCol Bill Witzig is a US Marine Corps pilot with the V-22 program who has also flown a simulator using the CFD airwake analysis.

“The value of this effort has enormous potential to improve the quality of pilot training,” said Witzig. “The control inputs needed close to the flight deck were very representative of those needed on actual flight decks.”

According to Witzig, the Marine Corps’ V-22 training and readiness manual directs 51% of the total pilot training requirement be conducted in simulators. “It goes without saying that flight simulation devices, in this type of a training program, need to be as realistic as possible.”

Hatcher agrees. “Especially when coupled with a full motion simulator, the aircraft response and flight control activity is as close to the real thing as I’ve seen,” he said. “Of course there is nothing better than using real ships, real aircraft and the real environment. But sometimes all three are not available. This is especially true when looking to evaluate shipboard landings in high winds and sea states. We are discovering CFD airwake modeling is an excellent and recommended tool for training pilots in shipboard landing as well as for buildup prior to Dyanamic Interface (shipboard) testing.”

The Airwake Analysis team also worked with USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN-72) immediately following the Indian Ocean earthquake/tsunami in December 2005. The carrier was using helicopters for humanitarian airlifts, but still needed to continue F/A-18 flight operations.

Polsky and her team analyzed the level of jet wash (air expelled from a jet engine) during a catapult launch and determined that the helicopters could safely land and take off using a platform on the other side of the super structure. Their work will impact most of the other Navy carriers as ship deck markings are changed and as the temporary Interim Flight Clearance becomes permanent, expanding operational envelopes beyond their previous capacity.

The team has also performed a general airflow evaluation on the latest destroyer design – the DDG 1000. They used the H-60 helicopter as their model for the evaluation of the Zumwalt Class Destroyer. The results of the team’s analysis and testing are being utilized by the program office in the design efforts for DDG 1000. The team's efforts have provided confidence to the DDG 1000 team that the unique deckhouse design does not adversely effect helicopter operations on the flight deck as the analyzed air flow is shown to be within acceptable operation limits for the H-60.

“Our job was to look at the operational envelope for the H-60 on the new ship and determine if it’s acceptable or unacceptable relative to current destroyers,” explained Polsky. “We used CFD to predict the airflow around the ship and the results were provided to the program office to help identify any risk to aviation associated with the unconventional topside design.”

“By getting it right the first time, the need for expensive modifications to the ship geometry are averted,” said Polsky, “and the Fleet is provided with the ship-aircraft system that gets the job done in as wide a range of environmental conditions as possible.”

Although influencing ship design in the earliest stages allows Polsky and her team to help enlarge the operational envelope of Navy ships, they are especially pleased to be increasing the safety of the pilots who land their aircraft aboard those ships.

“I’m thrilled that we’ve been able to positively impact the Fleet by reducing the risk of operating aircraft – both fixed and rotary wing,” said Polsky.


Caption 1: This animated view of a fixed wing aircraft making an at-sea landing on board a carrier illustrates the airwake around both aircraft and ship. The data, produced through the Airwake Analysis team at Patuxent River, Md., is being used in the design of new Navy ships and to develop more realistic training simulators for pilots.

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Inside The Pentagon
August 30, 2007
Pg. 1

Mullen Aims To Re-Energize U.S.-Russian Ties With Rare Meeting

Adm. Michael Mullen hopes his meeting last week with Russia’s naval chief will help re-energize U.S.-Russian military ties, Mullen’s spokesman tells Inside the Pentagon.

It was the first formal meeting in over a decade between a U.S. chief of naval operations and the head of Russia’s navy. Mullen, who will become chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff in October, met with Adm. Vladimir Masorin on Friday (Aug. 24) at the Pentagon.

Mullen and Masorin had met informally before, most recently in October 2006 at the Regional Seapower Symposium in Venice, Italy.

However, Friday’s meeting was the first formal counterpart exchange between the two navies since the late Adm. Jeremy Boorda visited Russia in April 1996, and the first counterpart visit of a Russian navy chief to the United States since 1995, said Mullen’s spokesman, Capt. John Kirby.

“We hope the success of this visit will re-energize a regular cycle of counterpart exchanges between us,” Kirby said.

The meeting had been in the works since last October, he said.

Kirby said Mullen was “delighted” to host Masorin during his visit to Washington and was “grateful for the chance to discuss issues of mutual concern” with Masorin and members of his delegation, including opportunities to strengthen navy-to-navy relations and to deepen the level of cooperation.

The “cordial and candid” talks “contributed to a greater sense of understanding between the two leaders and our two navies,” Kirby said.

He said the talks covered many broad topics, including the common challenges of modernizing fleets, the U.S. Navy’s effort to develop a new maritime strategy, the “1,000-ship navy” and other opportunities for closer coordination.

No major decisions were sought or made at the meeting, Kirby said.

Masorin recently made headlines by saying Russia should restore a permanent naval presence in the Mediterranean Sea. Media reports say Russia might resume basing ships at the Syrian port of Tartus if Ukraine does not renew Russia’s lease for the port of Sevastopol, which expires in 2017.

Masorin also has reportedly said his navy plans to acquire six new aircraft carriers in the coming years.

The Russian admiral’s trip to the United States last week also included stops at Arlington National Cemetery and the Office of Naval Intelligence.

In addition, in Norfolk, VA, Masorin visited the Navy’s Fleet Forces Command and three vessels: the amphibious warship Bataan (LHD-5), the destroyer Mahan (DDG-72) and the submarine Norfolk (SSN-714).

In Newport, RI, he visited the Naval War College and the Senior Enlisted Academy.

Officials from the Naval War College briefed Masorin and his delegation in Newport on the development of the U.S. Navy’s maritime strategy, Kirby said.

Vice Adm. John Morgan, who has overseen the strategy effort, invited the Russians to review the strategy and invited them to send a representative to participate in the college’s International Seapower Symposium in October, Kirby said.

Last June, just as U.S. Navy officials were holding a maritime strategy conference at the college, Russian officials were holding their own conference in Moscow on Russia’s new maritime strategy.

According to Russia’s Itar-Tass news service, the Moscow event focused on enhancing the effectiveness of all kinds of Russian maritime activities, the development of the Russian fleet’s infrastructure in regions, securing Russia’s national interests and the integration of maritime policy in the main guidelines of Russia’s foreign and internal policies.

-- Christopher J. Castelli

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Stennis Returns Home From Deployment
Story Number: NNS070831-13
Release Date: 8/31/2007 1:28:00 PM

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class (SW/AW) Joseph R. Vincent, USS John C. Stennis Public Affairs

BREMERTON, Wash. (NNS) -- USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) returned to its homeport of Bremerton, Aug. 31, after a successful seven and a half month deployment.

While deployed, Stennis supported Operations Enduring Freedom (OEF) and Iraqi Freedom (OIF), maritime operations, coalition operations in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations (AOO), Expeditionary Strike Force (ESF) training and recently, Exercise Valiant Shield 2007.

“The very presence of a nuclear aircraft carrier and the strike group that surrounds it, helped provide stability and security throughout the Middle East and Pacific regions,” said Commander, Carrier Strike Group 3, Rear Adm. Kevin M. Quinn. “It helped to dissuade and deter potential adversaries, and at the same time, helped to assure friendly countries in that region that we have the commitment and capability to maintain stability and security throughout the maritime environment; Stennis was the focal point of that.”

Stennis’ Commanding Officer, Capt. Brad Johanson expressed his pride in the ship’s impact on the mission while serving as the centerpiece of the John C. Stennis Carrier Strike Group (JCSSG).

“We are proud of what we accomplished,” said Stennis’ Commanding Officer, Capt. Brad Johanson. “The people I have the privilege to lead continually amaze me in their abilities and desires. I can honestly say I’m not too concerned about our future generations when we have great folks like these.”

While supporting OEF and OIF from the North Arabian Sea, Stennis and embarked Carrier Air Wing 9 flew approximately 8,000 sorties providing more than 22,000 flight hours, dropped more than 160 bombs and expended more than 11,000 rounds of ammunition during 82 strafing attacks.

"Throughout this deployment, Stennis has set a new standard for the performance of carriers in a combat zone,” said Johanson. “The missions we sent into Afghanistan and Iraq and the strong presence we established in the [Persian] Gulf, made a very significant difference in providing security and stability to the entire region."

Along with five months of combat operations in support of OEF and OIF, Stennis also participated in a number of exercises during its deployment, such as a unique humanitarian relief exercise in the Persian Gulf, dual-carrier exercises with USS Eisenhower (CVN 69) and ESF training in the 5th Fleet AOO with USS Nimitz (CVN 68) and USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6), while simultaneously providing close-air support to coalition ground forces.

“We got feedback from troops in combat, and we know that the operations we conducted on board John C. Stennis saved the lives of the troops on the ground,” said Quinn. “Across the board, in every area, the performance of Stennis was magnificent.”

After successfully completing operations in the U.S. 5th Fleet AOO July 11, Stennis sailed to the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility (AOR) where Sailors and Marines enjoyed port visits in Singapore and Hong Kong and participated in more than 20 community relations projects.

“The crew performed superbly throughout the port visits,” said Stennis Command Master Chief (AW/SW) Joseph Curtin. “Everyone did well; everybody had a good time and enjoyed themselves. They had a chance to rest and relax and learn about local culture.”

Following the visit to Hong Kong, Stennis participated in Exercise Valiant Shield 2007 off the coast of Guam from Aug. 7-14. The joint military exercise brought together more than 30 ships including the Kitty Hawk and Nimitz Carrier Strike Groups, 280 aircraft and more than 20,000 service members from the Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps and Coast Guard. Valiant Shield tested the military’s ability to rapidly bring together joint forces in response to any regional contingency, demonstrating the United States’ commitment to ensuring peace and stability throughout the Asian-Pacific region.

With the conclusion of Valiant Shield, Stennis wrapped up the operational requirement of her 2007 deployment and sailed toward home.

“When I look back on this great adventure of ours, the thing I’m most proud of is the performance of our young Sailors and Marines,” said Quinn. “They’ve left the comforts of their homes; they’ve left their families; they’ve gone forward into the combat zone to fight for our country, and their performance in that combat zone has been outstanding.”

Stennis will soon commence its post-overseas movement standdown to give the crew some well-deserved time off before the ship begins its docked planned incremental availability later this year where it will undergo about six months of maintenance and upgrades.