The Hollogram SERVING THE MILITARY COMMUNITY OF HOLLOMAN AFB AND ALAMOGORDO
THURSDAY, MAY 14, 2020 ❚ ALAMOGORDONEWS.COM/ALAMOGORDO-HOLLOGRAM
AIRMAN OF THE NIGHT
Airmen of the night, command post
PART OF THE USA TODAY NETWORK
49th Wing 1st Quarter load competition
By Senior Airman Autumn Vogt, 49th Wing Public Affairs
HOLLOMAN AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. -- When the sun has set and any bright color remaining in the southern New Mexico sky has left, few people stay awake. While the streets are practically empty, there are a select few Airmen awake and overseeing the 49th Wing. This series highlights the individuals who regularly follow the “service before self ” Air Force core value by doing their job while others are asleep in the comforts of their home. The 49th Wing command post has Airmen working 24/7, listening in on emergency services such as security forces and fire services in case of an emergency. “Command post is the central point for information on base 24/7,” said Master Sgt. Irma Allen, command post superintendent. “Command post is in charge of relaying all information that would affect any personnel, facility, or equipment to the wing commander and other leadership. Command post is also in charge of relaying emergency notifications to base personnel via the giant voice system and AtHoc alerts. We also monitor transient aircraft and provide support to all aircrew on those missions.” Having controllers ready to respond at night is essential to the safety of base residents and workers. Units like command post and security forces are ready 24 hours a day to assist people in danger. “There is a saying, ‘When it is quiet, it is good,’ this means that there is nothing threatening the safety and well-being of our Airmen on base,” said Staff Sgt. Joey Trevino, command post emergency actions controller. “The nights are long and occasionally it can feel as if time is standing still, but we all take our position extremely seriously and know we serve a purpose.” While many are unaware of the command posts’ existence until the voice system is used, without their assistance in emergencies the immediate response may be delayed. See Airmen, Page 2 INDEX
Shockwave In Social Isolation...3
U.S. AIR FORCE PHOTO BY SENIOR AIRMAN AUTUMN VOGT
Col. Joseph Campo, 49th Wing commander (far left), and Chief Master Sgt. Sarah Esparza, 49th Wing command chief (far right), present the first place trophy to weapons load crew members from the 29th Aircraft Maintenance Unit, April 29, 2020, on Holloman Air Force Base, N.M. 12 Airmen from the 9th AMU, 29th AMU, 314th AMU and 311th AMU competed to see who could load munitions onto their respective aircraft the fastest. By Airman 1st Class Quion Lowe, 49th Wing Public Affairs
HOLLOMAN AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. -- 12 Airmen from the 9th Aircraft Maintenance Unit, 29th AMU, 314th AMU and 311th AMU competed in the 49th Wing’s first quarter load competition, April 27-28, here. Weapons load crews competed by loading munitions onto their respective aircraft as See Photo Gallery, Page 6
New CDL Test...4
Load Competition Photos...6
Afterburner...8
quickly and expertly as possible. These quarterly events increase combat readiness and technical expertise through friendly competition. As a preventative measure, the weapons load crews competed with face coverings on and attendance was reduced to essential members only. Congratulations 29th AMU weapons load crew for winning this quarter’s competition.
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Senior Airman Cody Geyer, 49th Wing command post emergency actions controller, uses the communication control unit to generate the giant voice system, April 24, 2020, on Holloman Air Force Base, N.M. Controllers use this system to inform the base of emergency notifications.
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Airmen, continued from page 1
“All the agencies that require notification of any major accident that occurs would be affected because they would not be notified by incidents in a timely manner,” said Allen. “Security forces are able to make the notifications, but we team up and help each other out with notifications to make things move faster.” Trevino said working in CP here has
many benefits, but he mostly enjoys the luxury networking with many of the agencies on base and learning how the different Air Force Specialty Codes contribute to the mission and create airpower here. While working in the command post offers insight into other essential jobs here, the command post ‘Airmen of the Night,’ provide a critical function to the base through support and are a key factor to complete the Holloman mission.
CONTACT US Managing Editor: Jessica Onsurez, jonsurez@gannett.com This publication is published by the Alamogordo Daily News, a private firm in no way connected with the U.S. Air Force or the Department of Defense. Contents are not necessarily the official views of, or endorsed by, the U.S. government, Department of Defense or Department of the Air Force. The appearance of advertising in this publication, including inserts or supplements, does not constitute endorsement by the Department of Defense or Department of the Air Force of the products or services advertised. SUBMISSION GUIDELINES All entries must be submitted by 5 p.m. on Monday prior to publication. All entries are published on a space available basis only. The Hollogram staff reserves the right to edit submissions for length, spelling, grammar and accuracy. Articles and pictures can be brought into the Alamogordo Daily News at 518 24th Street or emailed to hollogram@ alamogordonews.com.
ALAMOGORDONEWS.COM/ALAMOGORDO-HOLLOGRAM.COM ❚ THURSDAY, MAY 14 - 20, 2020 ❚ 3
Shockwave in social isolation
By Nicole Maxwell, Alamogordo Daily News
The Alamogordo High School Shockwave Team is usually fresh off their rocket sled test at the Holloman High Speed Test Track (HHSTT) this time of year. But the test was canceled as COVID-19 coronavirus restrictions were put in place to keep people from getting sick. The Shockwave team has not been active since the state Public Education Department closed public schools due to COVID-19. “We were at the point where we were doing more hands-on things and being at the base so we didn’t have the opportunity too continue much once we figured out how life was going to be,” Alamogordo High School (AHS) Military Community Liaison Teresa Ferenczhalmy said. Shockwave is a STEM team that gives students hands-on experience with things such as engineering, practical physics and more. The students made carbon dioxide cars that they race each year that were made out of wood designed for speed. They also designed a rocket sled to be tested at HHSTT each spring. This year, the test was supposed to happen April 29.
Alamogordo High School Shockwave Team in a HHSTT shop during open house in 2019. (PHOTO: DWIGHT HARP/ U.S. AIR FORCE PHOTO)
Prior to the rocket sled test, the students were going to go back out to Holloman Air Force Base to watch the sled being fabricated, John Leslie of HHSTT said. “So they could see the machine shock in action, welders in action and we were going to piggyback this effort to check out some new instrumentation capabilities,” Leslie said. Leslie was also going to show the students about all of the possibilities within science and technology should engineering or physics not turn out to
be their specialty. These include being a project manager, finance manager, technical writing, data engineering and more. The Alamogordo Daily News spoke
Alamogordo High School Shockwave held its CO2 car races on Feb. 13. (PHOTO: NICOLE MAXWELL/ALAMOGORDO DAILY NEWS)
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to three Shockwave members via Google Meeting. All three students are planning on going into STEM majors in college. “We’d been doing, like, the lessons and stuff in the classroom and we were actually learning some of the stuff but we never actually got to use that,” AHS Senior Bryson Kangas said. Since about mid-March school has been out of the traditional classroom and into the home for an extended Spring Break into virtual learning until the end of the school year. “It’s been really weird for sure– the online stuff– a little upsetting, too,” Kangas said. “Just like that seeing everybody and not doing all of the activities we’ve been doing.” Nicole Maxwell can be contacted by email at nmaxwell@ alamogordonews.com, by phone at 575-415-6605 or on twitter at @ nicmaxreporter.
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ALAMOGORDO DAILY NEWS
THE HOLLOGRAM
49th LRS implements new CDL test By Senior Airman Collette Brooks
HOLLOMAN AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. -Holloman Air Force Base is the ninth Air Force installation to adopt the new American Association for Motor Vehicle Administrator/Commercial Driver License certification process. The Air Force Headquarters standardized a lesson plan primarily based off of AAMVA standards. “The Air Force is enhancing certification standards for all units and personnel operating government motor vehicles designed to carry 16 or more passengers to include buses, tractor-trailer combinations, fuel tankers and commercial motor vehicles,” said Staff Sgt. Cody Small, 49th Logistics Readiness Squadron training validation and operations noncommissioned officer in charge. “Obtaining this certification allows Airmen to receive a CDL in any state without undergoing further testing or an additional certification process at a state driver licensing agency.” The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration developed the national licensing requirements issued by the Secretary of Transportation under the Department of Transportation. The
AAMVA/CDL test system is now the minimum national standard and model. “Ground transportation Airmen and other Airmen who need a CDL due to their job or unit requirements must go through the 49th LRS now to be qualified,” said Small. Before this new model was in place, Airmen were able to get qualified to operate commercial vehicles through their respective unit. However, with Airmen now required to seek CDL validation through the 49th LRS possess a new and unique opportunity. “Coming here to be qualified helps Airmen in the long run because their CDL certificate will now transfer over to the civilian sector,” said Small. This new model gives Airmen the ability to seek employment such as a commercial truck driver, a fuel tank driver, or a school bus driver without any additional tests or certifications needed. Only trained and appointed training validation and operation examiners can certify personnel on the four-part AAMVA/CDL qualification test compromised of a written multiple-choice test, a vehicle inspection, a basic con-
Senior Airman Ryan Nyars, 49th Logistics Readiness Squadron ground transportation trainer, takes an American Association for Motor Vehicle Administrator/ Commercial Driver License certification written test, March 6, 2020, on Holloman Air Force Base, N.M. Only trained and appointed training validation and operation examiners can certify personnel on the four-part AAMVA/CDL qualification test compromised of a written multiple-choice test, a vehicle inspection, a basic control skills test and a road test. (U.S. AIR FORCE PHOTO BY SENIOR AIRMAN COLLETTE BROOKS)
Senior Airman Ryan Nyars, left, 49th Logistics Readiness Squadron ground transportation trainer, talks to Staff Sgt. Cody Small, 49th LRS training validation and operations noncommissioned officer in charge, during an American Association for Motor Vehicle Administrator/Commercial Driver License certification test, March 6, 2020, on Holloman Air Force Base, N.M. Holloman Air Force Base is the ninth Air Force installation to adopt the new AAMVA/CDL certification process, which allows Airmen to receive a CDL in any state without undergoing further testing at a state driver licensing agency. (U.S. AIR FORCE PHOTO BY SENIOR AIRMAN COLLETTE BROOKS)
trol skills test and a road test. Airmen begin their qualification process with a written multiple-choice test that covers general CDL knowledge. They then move onto conducting an air-brake test, a combination test (if the examinee is certifying on tractor-trailer), and finally a hazmat test, (if examinee requires hazmat endorsement). Following the completion of the required knowledge exam(s), the examinee will then demonstrate their ability to properly inspect the vehicle, while abiding by the CDL driver manual, and reciting proper verbiage for each item on the vehicle inspection checklist. Once this test is passed, the examinee may move on to the basic control skills test. The basic control skills test is includes various backing maneuvers that are outlined in AFQTP 24-3-200 (Ground Transportation Training Validation and Operations Examiner’s Guide). Following the completion and passing of the basic control skills test, examinees then take part in their final qualification portion, the road test. Airmen must demonstrate their ability to drive in a variety of traffic situations.
Not only has the AAMVA/CDL qualification increased proficiency and certifications available to Airmen post their Air Force career, but it also aids Airmen in their ability to perform their daily duties with more confidence and ease. “This process increased my knowledge of the names and functions of the tractor-trailer engine, what I should be looking for during a vehicle pre-inspection and how to couple a tractor-trailer to the CDL standard,” said Airman 1st Class Zaire Rivers, 49th LRS grounds transportation operator. “Obtaining my AAMVA/CDL was a great experience.” Although Rivers increased her CDL knowledge and skill-set during the certification process, her experience did still come with a challenges that she fought to overcome. “The main challenge I faced during my qualification process was backing up the tractor-trailer,” said Rivers. “It took a while for me to get the hang of it because left is right and right is left when backing up a tractor. Although that portion of the test was difficult for me, I know practice makes perfect, so I never gave up and continued my reversing skills until I got it right.”
ALAMOGORDONEWS.COM/ALAMOGORDO-HOLLOGRAM.COM ❚ THURSDAY, MAY 14 - 20, 2020 ❚ 5
First group of Airmen from Hill AFB’s 34th Fighter Squadron return home By Micah Garbarino, 388th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
HILL AIR FORCE BASE, Utah (AFNS) -- The first wave of Airmen from the active duty 388th Fighter Wing and Reserve 419th Fighter Wing returned home, May 7, following a six-month deployment to the Middle East. The 34th Fighter Squadron’s deployment, which started in November 2019, was the first F-35 Immediate Response Force deployment as well as the second F-35A Lightning II combat deployment. The Airmen supported the United States Air Force Central Command mission in the region. During the deployment, the Airmen performed close air support, offensive and defensive counter-air, and maritime escort which enabled regional deterrence, said Lt. Col. Aaron Cavazos, 34th Fighter Squadron commander. They also operated simultaneously from two different bases for more than three months and participated in multinational exercises, strengthening partnerships with regional allies. “We’re extremely proud of the mission these Airmen carried out during their deployment. It’s what we train for here every day,” said Col. Steven Behmer, 388th FW commander. “We have a lot of happy families here today. It’s great to have them home and we look forward to the rest of our Airmen returning.” Another group of Airmen from the 34th FS will remain in the region supporting operations there. The Airmen are made up of pilots from the active duty 34th FS and Reserve 466th FS, as well as active duty and Reserve Airmen in the 34th and 466th Aircraft Maintenance Units, and personnel in other support functions. The returning Airmen will be quar-
U.S. AIR FORCE PHOTO BY TODD CROMAR
The first wave of Airmen from the active duty 388th and Reserve 419th Fighter Wings returned home to Hill Air Force Base, Utah, May 7, 2020, following a sixmonth deployment to the Middle East. U.S. AIR FORCE PHOTO BY CYNTHIA GRIGGS
The family of Maj. Steve Jensen, 466th Fighter Squadron with the 419th Fighter Wing, wait in their van for Jensen to arrive, May 7, 2020, at Hill Air Force Base, Utah, following a sixmonth deployment to the Middle East. Families practiced social distancing while awaiting their Airmen and they will be quarantined for 14 days as a precaution against the spread of the coronavirus. The 34th Fighter Squadron’s deployment, which started in November, 2019, supported the United States Air Force Central Command mission in the Middle East.
antined for 14 days as a precaution against the spread of the coronavirus. Most will quarantine at home with their families, but there is also temporary lodging on base for those who have family members at higher-risk. “It’s always great to see our people come home from deployment after a job well done,” said Col. Brian Silkey,
acting commander of the 419th FW. “I want to extend my sincere gratitude to all the family members who held things together here at home during this difficult time for our nation. I also want to thank the civilian employers of our reservists who’ve also made many sacrifices so their employees can serve our country. We simply
U.S. AIR FORCE PHOTO BY TODD CROMAR
Families practiced social distancing by staying in their cars while awaiting their Airmen from the active duty 388th and Reserve 419th Fighter Wings, as they returned home to Hill Air Force Base, Utah, May 7, 2020, following a six-month deployment to the Middle East.
can’t do what we do without the unwavering support of our families and the community.” The F-35A, the conventional takeoff and landing variant of the joint strike fighter, provides operational flexibility by combining advanced stealth capabilities with the latest weapons technology. The 388th and 419th FW are the Air Force first combat-capable F-35A units. The first operational F-35As arrived at Hill AFB in October 2015. The active duty 388th FW and Air Force Reserve 419th FW fly and maintain the jet in a total force partnership, which capitalizes on the strength of both components.
6 ❚ THURSDAY, MAY 14 - 20, 2020 ❚
ALAMOGORDO DAILY NEWS
THE HOLLOGRAM
49th Wing 1st Quarter load competition
Airman 1st Class Richard Robertson, 9th Aircraft Maintenance Unit weapons load crew member, inspects a munition at the first quarter load competition April 28, 2020, at Holloman Air Force Base, N.M. Airmen used various tools and equipment during the competition to complete the mission of arming either an MQ-9 Reaper or F-16 Viper while racing against the clock with the opposing team. This event aids in enhancing Airmen’s readiness, performance and technical abilities. (U.S. AIR Airman 1st Class Dalton Hottle, right, and Airman 1st Class Richard Robertson, center; both 9th Aircraft Maintenance Unit weapon load crew members, and Staff Sgt. Jonathan Bradley, 9th AMU weapons load crew chief, pose for a photo in front of a MQ-9 Reaper during the first quarter load competition April 28, 2020, at Holloman Air Force Base, N.M. Team Holloman Airmen from various AMUs compete quarterly on their ability to quickly and properly arm their respective aircrafts with munitions in order to enhance their weapons loading technical skills and capabilities. (U.S. AIR FORCE PHOTO BY SENIOR AIRMAN COLLETTE BROOKS)
FORCE PHOTO BY SENIOR AIRMAN COLLETTE BROOKS)
Airman 1st Class Samuel Stills, 29th Aircraft Maintenance Unit weapons load crew member, inspects munition before loading onto an MQ-9 Reaper, April 27, 2020, on Holloman Air Force Base, N.M. 12 Airmen from the 9th AMU, 29th AMU, 314th AMU and 311th AMU competed to see who could load munitions onto their respective aircraft the fastest. (U.S. AIR FORCE PHOTO BY AIRMAN 1ST CLASS QUION LOWE)
Senior Airman Orion Santilli, left, and Airman 1st Class Alexis Lugo, center, both 314th Aircraft Maintenance Unit weapons load crew members, and Staff Sgt. Gabriel Bongat, 314th AMU weapons load crew team chief, pose for a photo during the first quarter load competition April 28, 2020, at Holloman Air Force Base, N.M. Every quarter Holloman AMU Airmen take part in friendly competition of loading munitions while racing against the clock and each other in order to maintain readiness and proper munition handling. (U.S. AIR FORCE PHOTO BY SENIOR AIRMAN COLLETTE BROOKS)
Senior Airman Christian Ruiz, 29th Aircraft Maintenance Unit weapons load crew member, inspects munition on an MQ-9 Reaper, April 27, 2020, on Holloman Air Force Base, N.M. 12 Airmen from the 9th AMU, 29th AMU, 314th AMU and 311th AMU competed to see who could load munitions onto their respective aircraft the fastest. (U.S. AIR FORCE PHOTO BY AIRMAN 1ST CLASS QUION LOWE)
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U.S. AIR FORCE PHOTO BY MAJ. RAY GEOFFROY
Airmen with the U.S. Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron, Thunderbirds, prepare for takeoff to conduct a series of flyovers honoring Baltimore, Washington, D.C. and Atlanta COVID-19 responders and essential workers, May 2, 2020. The flyovers were part of America Strong, a collaborative salute from the Air Force and Navy to recognize healthcare workers, first responders, military and other essential personnel while standing in solidarity with all Americans during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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