Edwards AFB Desert Wings Newspaper May 6, 2016

Public Affairs, Volume 63, Number 42

Serving the community of Edwards Air Force Base California www.edwards.af.mil - www.facebook.com/EdwardsAirForceBase

May 6, 2016

Military housing area, pay, extend further than Edwards’ borders

by Christopher Ball 412th Test Wing Public Affairs Department of Defense contractors are currently surveying housing in the local area to help determine future Basic Allowance for Housing rates for Airmen here.

The contractor, R.D. Niehaus, Inc., will collect the data and the military housing office here validates it. The survey should be complete by June.

The Defense Travel Management Office describes Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) as a U.S. based allowance prescribed by geographic duty location, pay grade, and dependency status.

It provides uniformed service members equitable housing compensation based on housing costs in local civilian housing markets within the United States when government quarters are not provided.

BAH rates are set based on the member’s duty station, but the duty station itself isn’t the sole basis for the rates. Rather, rates are calculated for the Military Housing Area, which is based on information provided by Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System on where members at each installation were living, according to a document titled “A Primer on the Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) For the Uniformed Services.”

According to Jeanette White, chief of the Housing Management Branch of the 412th Civil Engineer Group, rental information comes from

surrounding towns and cities. Edwards’ MHA also includes many rural and unincorporated areas.

“Our Military Housing Area extends south to Acton, west to include part of Tehachapi, east to El Mirage, north to Randsburg,” she said.

According to the primer, this data set naturally excluded undesirable neighborhoods, which members had already avoided, but populations, neighborhoods, and housing conditions can change over time, so periodic re-examining of MHA boundaries is an important and on-going part of the BAH process.

White said all Air Force base housing in the continental United States is now privatized.

Edwards’ deal closed on September 1, 2013, with Corvias Military Housing holding the contract.

Since the privatization of housing, BAH should be the same for those living on base as those living in the local communities. The main difference is military members in privatized housing pay their BAH amount in the form of rent to Corvias through automatic deductions.

Off-base residents receive their BAH in their pay, and are responsible for managing payment of their housing costs and utilities.

The original BAH law stated that the allowance could cover no more than 80 percent of calculated housing costs. Accordingly, the average service member had at least 20 percent of out-of-pocket expenses subtracted from their allowance calculation. In 2000, the Secretary of Defense committed to reducing the planned average

See BAH, Page 2

Passing the flag James Judkins, 412th Civil Engineer Group director, passes the command flag to Maj. Gregory Hammond, commander of the 812th Civil Engineer Squadron during the squadron’s stand-up ceremony April 29. Master Sgt. Steven Dale, first sergeant for the 412th Mission Support Group, assists in the ceremony.

The 812th CES is composed of three flights; Explosive Ordnance Disposal, Fire Department, and Emergency Management.

According to Senior Master Sgt. Brian King, 412th Civil Engineer Group Explosive Ordnance Disposal flight chief, the squadron has actually been in work since October of 2014, when restructuring created the 412th CEG from the former 95th Civil Engineer Group. “You must have squadrons to have a group,” King said. (U.S. Air Force photo by Christopher Higgins.)

Aggressive bobcat attacks family pets here An aggressive bobcat has attacked several small dogs in base housing over the last few weeks. In one instance, the bobcat followed a pet into a house. Environmental Management is currently addressing this issue.

This desert predator’s attacks are because its normal food – jackrabbits, cottontail rabbits and other small rodents – is in short supply due to the prolonged drought.

A hungry predator will follow its stomach into populated areas with water sources looking for prey. These predators do not distinguish between a cottontail rabbit and a small pet, creating a hazard wherever neighborhoods border the desert, which includes all areas of base housing, base biologists

say.

Coyotes and bobcats are usually not a danger to people, and no people have been attacked here.

Pets cannot be safely left alone in back yards on base.

If a wild animal is aggressive or is actively harassing pets, attempt to scare it away. If it will not leave the area, call the base's law enforcement desk at 277-3340. Environmental Management staff can address other concerns

See Bobcat, Page 2 http://issuu.com/desertwings/docs/160506

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Desert Wings

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AFMC command chief reflects on 30-year career

by Kim Bowden Air Force Materiel Command Public Affairs WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio -- Air Force Materiel Command’s top enlisted member will end his military career May 6, 2016, closing out what he calls a “wonderful journey” around the world.

Chief Master Sgt. Michael Warner, AFMC’s command chief, will retire in a ceremony at the National Museum of the United States Air Force.

Gen. (ret.) Janet Wolfenbarger, former AFMC commander, will preside over the ceremony.

Warner joined the U.S. Army Reserve on his 17th birthday, hoping to pay for college and pursue law.

After a couple of years, he couldn’t quite afford to go to school, but he had met the girl of his dreams.

“I knew I would need to have a job that could support us,” he said. “That is where the Air Force started to become a serious option. I had grown up near an Air Force base and talked to some of the Airmen. I joined the Air Force as a security specialist in 1987, and my journey in this great Air Force began.”

Aside from serving as a security specialist, Warner spent nine years as a first sergeant, followed by a stint as an NCO Academy commandant, before becoming a command chief in 2006. In what he describes as a truly wonderful career, Warner says he has enjoyed every assignment.

“I have had great experiences and great missions,

and I have been able to travel the world,” he said.

“But as cool as that has been, what I have enjoyed most about my time in the Air Force is the people I have met and served with. I have made many, many friends that will be my friends for life. I won’t tell you I had the intention of serving for 30 years when I first joined, but I will tell you that I decided to continue serving each time because of the people I worked with, my first line supervisors and the senior NCOs that were my leadership -- I loved coming to work every day.”

Of course, any 30-year journey is bound to include change. During his time in the Air Force, Warner said he’s witnessed changes to uniforms, fitness standards, assignment systems, education among the enlisted force, the way we care for Airmen and their families, and operations tempo based on changes in the world, just to scratch the surface.

“The great thing about all of that is our Air Force is good at change,” he said. “The changes we have made were needed, and they have created the truly powerful Air Force that exists today.”

One change in particular has been a bit more personal for Warner.

“I am very proud that I was part of the Air Force Enlisted Board of Directors and was a key member of the enlisted team that designed and develop the structure for our new Enlisted Evaluation System, the changes to our Weighted Airmen Promotion System, and our Enlisted Professional Military

Bobcat, from 1 and questions when you call 277-1417.

To protect the health and well-being of your pets and those of your neighbors, practice these tips: NEVER leave small children or pets outside unattended. Small pets are in the greatest danger of attack, but desert predators will even attack large dogs. Attacks are especially prevalent in the early morning and at night and require high vigilance.

ALWAYS make sure a predator has an escape route. Cornering an animal near a fence or a building will increase their aggressiveness and they will tend to lash out in fear.

NEVER get between a mother predator and her pups or kittens.

NEVER get between a predator and a recent kill. Animals will fight to the death over a meal if they are desperate enough.

Remove all outside food and water sources.

Never keep pet food or water outside, it attracts hungry predators and other wild animals.

Do not feed predators. All this does is encourage them to stay.

Do not feed their native prey. This includes birds, rabbits, rats or squirrels. Putting out food for these animals encourages native desert animals to stay in the area. This attracts predators.

Even for people who don't own pets, feeding wild animals of any kind could bring a death sentence to neighbors' pets. If you have bird feeders, bring them in at night and remove spilled feed as soon

as possible. Do not keep bird baths, as they are like big water bowls for wild animals.

Secure garbage cans so they cannot be easily knocked over or opened. Use a rope or elastic cord to secure the can to a fence or other immovable object and another cord to keep the container closed. Put garbage out just before it is collected. Don't leave trash bags outside a secured container, even on pick-up days. If ravens, animals or the wind spread garbage outside the can, clean it up immediately.

Trim high grass, overgrown tree limbs, bushes and shrubs to minimize hiding places or shady spots.

Keep pets on leashes when walking. Arm yourself with a stick, golf club, horn or loud whistle when walking pets.

Never panic or run from a predator. Make yourself appear larger than you are. Talk loudly or yell to distinguish yourself as a threat. Make eye contact. Turn your body sideways and slowly walk away from the animal.

More information about coyotes can be found on the California Department of Fish and Wildlife website at https://www.azgfd.com/wildlife/livingwith/coyotes/ More information about bobcats can be found on the Arizona Game and Fish Department website at https://www.azgfd.com/wildlife/livingwith/bobcats/ (Article courtesy of the 412th Test Wing Environmental Management Division.)

Education path,” he said.

“This process started when I first arrived at AFMC four years ago, and to sit here and see us in the actual implementation of a change that will serve our Airmen in a better fashion makes me very proud that I got to be a part of what I consider to be the most significant change to enlisted force development that I have seen in my 30 years in our great Air Force.”

Although his work in that arena has implications Air Force-wide, Warner says he’s also proud to have closed out his career at AFMC. “When I came here as the command chief, I didn't have any other AFMC experience,” Warner said. “I knew that AFMC had the three large depots, but I wasn't fully aware of everything this command does to ensure our Air Force is ready to fly, fight and win.

I am proud of the fact that I got to represent the truly phenomenal Airmen of this command, as our Air Force cannot do anything with AFMC. Every single tool, uniform, platform and piece of equipment is AFMC’s responsibility. Every weapon system in our Air Force is thought of, researched, tested, acquired, supported, sustained and retired by this command. It is the AFMC Airmen that make this happen, and that makes me proud to have been a part of it.”

BAH, from 1

out-of-pocket expense for the median member to zero by 2005. In 2015, the planned out-of-pocket expense was reintroduced at a rate of 1 percent of national average costs per grade. In 2016, it is 2 percent.

According the White, the out-of-pocket costs are set to increase over the next few years. “In 2015 the renter's insurance component was eliminated (previously averaged 1 percent of BAH or $20) and members out-of-pocket increased by 1 percent, meaning that members' BAH was 1 percent lower. The out-of-pocket expense will increase by 1 percent each year through 2019 until capped at 5 percent.

Once the survey is complete, future BAH rates will be determined, and the MHA will be adjusted if needed. If the rate is lower than the present one, it will not affect Airmen already receiving BAH. A rule called Individual Rate Protection does not allow for the reduction of an Airman’s BAH rate unless a change of duty status (such as demotion or change of duty station) warrants the change. Members are not required to reside within the MHA. If they choose to live outside the MHA they will still receive the standard BAH for the MHA, regardless of the cost of housing.

For more information about Basic Allowance for Housing, visit https://www.defensetravel.dod.mil/site/bah.cfm.

May 6, 2016

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Marine Osprey joins with F-35B to validate refueling

A U.S. Marine Corps MV-22B Osprey (left) arrived at Edwards to link up with a Marine F-35B Joint Strike Fighter April 28. (U.S. Air Force photo by Christian Turner)

by Kenji Thuloweit 412th Test Wing Public Affairs A U.S. Marine Corps MV-22B Osprey descended on Edwards to link up with a Marine F-35B Joint Strike Fighter April 28.

Both aircraft are assigned to Marine Operational Test and Evaluation Squadron 22 (VMX-22) out of Marine Corps Air Station Yuma in Arizona.

VMX-22 has a detachment here to test and evaluate the F-35 short take-off and vertical landing variant.

The Osprey dropped by for a quick but important test.

"The test was to validate ground refueling from an MV-22 to an F-35B, which is integral to the construct of the Marine Air Ground Task Force," said Marine Maj. Adam Geitner, pilot and VMX-22 F-35 Detachment aircraft maintenance officer.

The Marine Air-Ground Task Force is the organizational foundation for all missions across the range of USMC military operations. MAGTFs

are a balanced air-ground, combined arms task organization of Marine Corps forces under a single commander that is structured to accomplish a specific mission.

"This was the first time an MV-22 has refueled an F-35. Both ground refueling and air-to-air refueling are important pieces to the Marine Corps' MAGTF operational construct. From a tactical point of view, the MV-22 to F-35 ground refueling allows the Marine Corps to employ assets in austere environments on a short notice without having to rely on long-term planning and fixed facilities," Geitner said.

The one-hour test consisted of hooking up fuel transfer lines between the two aircraft with the MV-22 fueling up the F-35B. The test validated the equipment and procedures on both the F-35B and MV-22.

Geitner said the MV-22 Osprey has the ability to carry approximately 10,000 pounds of fuel in containers loaded in the back of the aircraft. This is coupled with approximately 12,000 pounds carried internally, which can either provide fuel to

its own systems or to external aircraft in air-to-air refueling operations.

Fuel was successfully transferred to the F-35, which taxied off back to the Joint Operation Test Team area.

"The next step will be air-to-air refueling from an MV-22. This is even more significant for the MAGTF when operating F-35s from [amphibious assault ships] because it provides organic air-to-air refueling capability that vastly extends the range of the aircraft and also provides operational flexibility," said Geitner.

Previously, Marine AV-8B Harrier aircraft would require USMC KC-130s to provide air-to-air refueling capabilities. However, they are limited to land and when the amphibious assault ships are operating in either blue water operations, or in regions that deny them access to land-based air facilities, it limits air-to-air refueling capabilities, Geitner added.

"With the MV-22 being on the ship, co-located with the F-35, all of those constraints with the KC-130 no longer apply."

The MV-22B Osprey is a tiltrotor vertical and/or short take-off and landing aircraft that serves as the medium-lift assault support aircraft for the Marines. The Osprey can operate as a helicopter or a turboprop aircraft. It can transport troops, equipment and supplies from ships and land bases for combat assault and support.

Edwards AFB hasn't seen an Osprey in the skies regularly since 2007. That's the year the 418th Flight Test Squadron said goodbye to the CV-22 Integrated Test Team after completing developmental test of the aircraft.

Seven local STEM clubs receive grants courtesy of ITEA

by Kenji Thuloweit 412th Test Wing Public Affairs Desert High School's Scorpion Robotics club was joined by names like the Science Jets, Cyberpatriots and Team 399 Eagles Robotics, for the 2016 Antelope Valley Chapter of the International Test and Evaluation Association Grants Luncheon held April 21.

About $7,500 in grants were given to seven local schools' robotics and science, technology, engineering, and math STEM teams.

This year's annual grant luncheon was held at the Integrated Facility for Avionics Systems Test where the grants were awarded during a lunch provided by local restaurant Domingo's. The potential scientists and engineers of the future were also given tours of the flight simulators in the IFAST. "The children are our future, so if we can inspire the kids to pursue careers in science and technology; to be able to understand the importance of engineering and mathematics, that is really the fundamental goal of our organization," said Sean Conway, 412th Range Squadron, Information Technology specialist and 2016 ITEA grants

chairman. "We're giving back to the kids and allowing them to see where they can go in the future if they choose to pursue a career in science and technology."

The school clubs that received grants were from DHS, Fulton and Alsbury Academy of Arts and Engineering, Antelope Valley Union High School, Tehachapi High School, Rosamond High School, Joe Walker STEALTH Academy and Paraclete High School.

Each club submitted a grant proposal earlier in the year describing their needs and accomplishments in the areas of STEM. "Our organization provides these grants to support technology-related programs that will provide a foundation for tomorrow's engineers and scientists," Conway said.

The Antelope Valley Chapter of ITEA has given away close to $200,000 in educational grants since their founding in 1996. Conway says ITEA raises funds through monthly luncheons and donations.

ITEA is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit education organization with a mission of advancing the exchange of technical, programmatic, and acquisition information among the test and

evaluation community. The organization is headquartered in Fairfax, Virginia, and has chapters throughout the world

Students from local schools get to look out the observation area on the third floor of the Integrated Facility for Avionics Systems Test. The International Test and Evaluation Association's local Antelope Valley chapter held its annual grant luncheon there where seven school clubs received grants to further advance their programs. (U.S. Air Force photo by Kenji Thuloweit)

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This week in Edwards Flight Test History

On May 4, 1950 Northrop’s sole reconnaissance platform YRB-49A prototype made its first flight from Hawthorne, California to Edwards Air Force Base. Testing ended on this aircraft nearly one year later and after only 13 flights. It was ordered scrapped in late 1953. (Edwards History Office file photo)

Announcements

Follow us online at:

First Friday at Club Muroc is May 6, 4 to 6 p.m. For more information, www.facebook.com/EdwardsAirForceBase

call 277-2830

Mother's Day brunch at Club Muroc is Sunday. Reservations are required today. For more information, call 277-2830

Children's story time at the Children’s Library is every www.instagram.com/EdwardsAirForceBase

Wednesday and Friday, 10 a.m. Special Mother's Day story time is today.

Summer bowling leagues run through July 26. For more information call 275-BOWL

Upcoming Single Airmen Initiative upcoming events: www.twitter.com/EdwardsAFB

www.youtube.com/EdwardsAirForceBase

My Military Community

Aero Club Orientation Flights for $5. For more information call Silke Eyles at 275-2376.

Piano, guitar, Zumba, and Hula instructions at the Oasis Community Center for $5. For more information, call Greg Slay at 275-2687.

Free Bowling Night at High Desert Lanes Saturday May 21. For more information, call Tim Banks or Loretta Perdang at 275-2695; A Baseball Clinic with the Lancaster Jethawks is June 5. Participants can enjoy a game, learn from the players and play a three inning game. For more information, call Greg Slay at 275-2687.

For more information on upcoming events, visit http://edwardsfss.com/wordpress/

May 14, 8 a.m. to noon, Edwards flightline.

Free spectator admission Free parking Presented by The Ferrari Club of America, Southwest Region and the 412th Force Support Squadron

Commander’s Action Line email: speak2cc@edwards.af.mil

2016 Military Retiree Appreciation Day at Edwards AFB, CA

Area Military Retirees and Spouses, Please join us!

Date: Saturday, 7 May 2016 / Time: 0800 - 1200 / Location: Oasis Community Center

Please come out and learn about the programs that affect you and receive some services during your visit!

Legal Services - Immunizations - TRICARE - Pharmacy (limited) Retiree Activity Office - ID Services - Door Prizes/Give-Aways - Refreshments For More Information: Join us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/EdwardsAirForceBase or contact the Retiree Activity Office (Email: 412tw.rao@us.af.mil or Phone: 661-277-4931)

Editorial Staff Commander, 412th TW ................................ Brig. Gen. Carl Schaefer Installation Support Director, 412th TW.................... Dr. David Smith Command Chief, 412th TW ............... Chief Master Sgt. David Smith Director, 412th TW, Public Affairs ................................... Ed Buclatin Editor ......................................................................... Christopher Ball Staff Writer ................................................................ Kenji Thuloweit Contributor ................................................................. Dawn Waldman To submit articles or upcoming events send an email to newsroom@edwards.af.mil http://issuu.com/desertwings/docs/160506