Public Affairs, Volume 63, Number 54
Serving the community of Edwards Air Force Base California www.edwards.af.mil - www.facebook.com/EdwardsAirForceBase
July 29, 2016
AFMC commander tours Edwards AFB to assess test center metrics By Christopher Okula 412th Test Wing Public Affairs
Gen. Ellen M. Pawlikowski, commander of Air Force Materiel Command, arrived July 20 to conduct the latest in a series of fact-finding visits to various centers under the AFMC umbrella. Pawlikowski was joined on her visit by Chief Master Sgt. Jason France, AFMC command chief. Their visit placed a special emphasis on gathering and evaluating effective metrics – a means of measuring various data points that reflect the Air Force Test Center’s performance as an organization. Pawlikowski was greeted and escorted by Maj. Gen. David Harris, AFTC commander; Brig. Gen. Carl Schaefer, 412th Test Wing commander; Col. Todd Copeland, AFTC vice commander; Chief Master Sgt. Christopher Lantagne, AFTC command chief; and Chief Master Sgt. Todd Simmons, 412th TW command chief. Pawlikowski and her entourage began their itinerary at the AFTC headquarters building where the visiting leaders from AFMC met other test center leaders to include David K. Robertson, AFTC’s executive director and Dr. Kathleen Thome-Diorio, AFTC’s director of staff. All the AFTC directorates were represented as the AFTC Strategic Plans and Programs Team
Gen. Ellen M. Pawlikowski (from left), Air Force Materiel Command commander, is greeted by Maj. Gen. David Harris, Air Force Test Center commander, and Brig. Gen. Carl Schaefer, 412th Test Wing commander, as she steps off the plane July 20. (U.S. Air Force photo by Christopher Okula)
presented the current and projected statistics on cost, schedules and performance that prove that the test center is making progress towards
meeting its goals, according to 1st Lt. Scott C. Dold, AFTC’s junior executive officer. See Pawlikowski, Page 3
Outstanding indeed! By Kenji Thuloweit 412th Test Wing Public Affairs
Staff Sgt. Raquel Caramanno is congratulated by Brig. Gen. Carl Schaefer, 412th Test Wing commander, and the 412th Medical Group team during the announcement of her selection as one of the 12 Air Force Outstanding Airmen of the Year. Pictured, L to R: 412th Medical Group commander, Col. Karen Dean-Cox; Brig. Gen. Carl Schaefer, Staff Sgt. Racquel Caramanno; Chief Master Sgt. Anthony Soto, 412th MDG; Chief Master Sgt. Todd Simmons, 412th TW command chief; and Lt. Col. David Huinker, 412th Medical Support Squadron commander. (U.S. Air Force photo by Dawn Waldman)
Staff Sgt. Racquel Caramanno is one of the Air Force’s 12 Outstanding Airmen of the Year. She is the NCOIC of Medical Readiness for the 412th Medical Group and is also responsible for training 17 medical contingency response teams and the accounting/budgeting of $1.1 million in War Reserve Materiel. A selection board at the Air Force Personnel Center considered dozens of nominees from around the entire Air Force. The board selected 12 Airmen based on superior leadership, job performance and personal achievements. Caramanno is authorized to wear the Outstanding Airman of the Year Ribbon with the bronze service star device on it. She is also authorized to wear the Outstanding Airman of the Year Badge for one year from the date of the formal presentation in the fall. Edwards is Caramanno’s first duty station. “Being selected as one the 12 Outstanding Airmen of the Year is an absolute honor and a humbling experience. It is an amazing feeling to be recognized for all of the hard work and commitment I’ve dedicated towards my career in support of the Air Force mission.”
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(U.S. Air Force photos by Kenji Thuloweit)
Falcons Soar!
Staff Sgt. Daniel Moreno, Staff Sgt. Matthew Seigler and Senior Airman Gregory Cullinane of the 416th Aircraft Maintenance Unit (Falcon) are the Second Quarter Weapons Load Competition winners. The crew beat out the 411th Aircraft Maintenance Unit and the F-35 weapons crew for the title. They were graded on their procedures and precision while loading one AIM-120 missile and one GBU-31 bomb. Congratulations!
Amputee regains wings By Senior Airman Ceaira Young 23rd Wing Public Affairs An HC-130J Combat King II pilot at Moody Air Force Base, Georgia, became the sixth amputee and the first female amputee to return to the cockpit. After an above-the-knee amputation and nearly 15 months of rehabilitation -- learning to walk, run and fly again -- Air Force Capt. Christy Wise, a 71st Rescue Squadron HC-130J pilot, was medically cleared to retake to the skies on July 22. “In this day in age it’s nice to be able to show girls out there everywhere that you’re capable of anything if you put your mind to it,” Wise said. “I am the first female, which is funny because I don’t ever think of myself as a female pilot, but as a pilot. I’m not the first in any way, but I’m the sixth. “For me, I never even considered not getting back to flying,” Wise added. “I was going to do whatever it took to get back to flying because this is my job and this is what I love.” Last year, what started out as a weekend of fun with friends turned into a moment in time that would take Wise out of the cockpit. On April 11, 2015, Wise was paddle boarding in a cove behind a friend’s house when a boat swerved into her path. While the events that followed appeared to move in slow motion, within three minutes Wise was rescued by nearby boaters and rushed to a hospital. That same night, Wise was given the prognosis that she was about to become an abovethe-knee amputee. Wise mentally prepared herself for the demands of the road ahead,
but also lauded other amputees and fellow Airmen for their continuous support. “I’ve had amazing support from the base, Air Force and then also other amputees,” Wise said. “They were always supporting me and talking to me all along, and that made everything so much easier. “Everything is different now,” Wise added. “Even just walking around the squadron, practice egressing, running and returning to full duty days as an amputee, everything is more exhausting. But I learned to walk, then run, (and now) fly, and all of that was a part of the process.” The Air Force’s physical requirements coupled with Wise’s new limited mobility didn’t change her commitment and determination. Rescue leadership says it’s this resilient attitude that made it possible. “Wise’s positive attitude and drive never ceases to amaze me,” said Col. Thomas Dorl, the 347th Rescue Group commander. “It is no surprise that she is back in the cockpit. Her ability to overcome anything in the face of adversity, stay positive and motivated, all the while continuing to get back in the cockpit, is a true testament to her resiliency.” The road back to the pilot seat was filled with bumps and hurdles, but Wise proclaimed she knew it would pay off in the end. “I knew this day was going to come, I just didn’t know when or how soon,” Wise said. “One of the biggest hurdles to getting back here was passing my physical fitness test. That was the hardest
Capt. Christy Wise, a 71st Rescue Squadron pilot, checks the wing of an HC130J Combat King II during preflight checks, July 22, 2016, at Moody Air Force Base, Ga. Wise is the sixth Air Force pilot to return to the cockpit after becoming an amputee. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Ryan Callaghan)
thing I’ve done yet because running as an above-the-knee amputee is so difficult.” In February, Wise scored an excellent on her fitness test. “I am incredibly proud of Christy and am honored to call her a member of the rescue group,” Dorl said. “Captain Wise’s drive and determination is an inspiration and an encouragement to others to never give up, no matter what life throws your way.”
Wise wants people to know that when faced with adversity, being surrounded by supportive people is the key to overcoming any situation. “One amputee in my rehab center said something to me I’ll never forget,” Wise said. “He said, ‘Don’t for one second long for who you were, but recklessly pursue who you can become.’ … We can learn from the past but we can’t get it back.”
U.S. Air Force Capt. Christy Wise, left, 71st Rescue Squadron HC-130J Combat King II pilot, talks with co-pilots prior to her first flight back in the cockpit, July 22, 2016, at Moody Air Force Base, Ga. Wise is the fourth above-the-knee amputee pilot to return to flying status. (U.S. Air Force Photo by Senior Airman Ryan Callaghan)
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(U.S. Air Force photo by Kenji Thuloweit)
Rocket Lab ‘adopts’ Hwy 58
By Kenji Thuloweit 412th Test Wing Public Affairs It’s not unusual to see people with bright vests in helmets picking up trash on the side of California’s freeways. They can be California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) workers, volunteers or folks doing their mandated community service as ordered by a judge. On July 22, some of those people wearing the vests were also wearing Airman Battle Uniforms. That’s because Airmen from Air Force Research Laboratory’s Rocket Propulsion Directorate here have signed up for Caltrans’ Adopt-AHighway program. “We have a “Mil-Friday” event every once a month at AFRL in which the unit gets together for either team building, community service or educational activities,” said 2nd Lt. Said Ahmed, AFRL Rocket Propulsion Directorate, solid rocket motor developmental engineer. “I decided to try the Adopt-A-Highway program for our community service activities and pitched the idea to our commander.” The commander agreed. The Rocket Lab is now responsible for taking care of Highway 58 between mile marker 133.6 and 135.6, both east and westbound sides between North Edwards and the exit for Twenty Mule
Team Road. Roughly four miles total between the two sections of the highway. “The responsibilities are pretty simple. Our permit is valid for a year and we are obligated to clean our section at least six times during that year. How often we do so is completely up to us. Since we have our Mil-Friday events once a month, I suggested we do it about every other month. We could even do it more often if the temperature wasn’t so hot,” said Ahmed. All military members of the Rocket Lab are involved. Mil-Friday is a mandatory event for AFRL military so everyone chips in and lends a helping hand. Mission critical activities and leave can prevent some Airmen from participating, but Ahmed says they normally have about 25 members participating. Caltrans provides vests, trash bags, helmets and some basic highway safety training, including having someone watch the highway while others are working. “It’s important to give back to the community and get involved in service to the people beyond our active duty commitments. Helping to keep the highways clean seemed like a good way to show that we care about our community and environment as a whole,” Ahmed said. Ahmed said the AFRL crew has come across a broken computer case and discarded drinks, “but nothing totally unexpected.” “The beer bottles are a bit concerning and I hear people can find some crazy things though, such as money and even wild animals hiding under debris. So far I don’t think anyone’s found anything terribly exciting.” Like most who sign up for Caltrans’ Adopt-A-Highway program, the Rocket Lab was issued a sign on the side of Hwy 58, which was installed earlier in the week by Caltrans. However, the completed sign was installed with “Edwards” being misspelled. “I called them that same day and mentioned the mistake. I was told they’d get right on it,” said Ahmed. Read more about the Adopt-A-Highway program at www.dot.ca.gov/ maintenance/adopt-a-highway/index.html.
(U.S. Air Force photo by Kenji Thuloweit)
Pawlikowski, from Page 1 Such metrics reveal whether resources are being distributed effectively and whether various test community participants are making projections that are both attainable and within budget limitations. Pawlikowski lauded the test center’s ability to reallocate resources as needed, as well as efforts to spotlight potential issues in the developmental testing phase so that the operational test community and end-user warfighters have effective weapons systems on delivery. After a brief lunch, Pawlikowski, Harris, Schaefer and Copeland convened with representatives of the 412th Test Management Group, Special Projects Branch, while France conducted a question-and-answer session with a cross-section of Airmen from units throughout Edwards Air Force Base. France wanted to address concerns among the enlisted community, including changes to the career advancement and evaluation system, changes in housing compensation for military-to-military spouses and the pros and cons that Airmen should consider when deciding between the legacy retirement system and the new blended retirement system. AFMC guests were then led on a walkthrough of Hangar 1820 by Lt. Col. Raja Chari, 461st Flight Test Squadron commander, and F-35 Integrated Test Force facilities where personnel discussed innovations such as the Autonomic Logistics Information System, troubleshooting weapons delivery accuracy software, and plans to ramp up F-35 weapons delivery testing in an effort to expedite initial operating capability for the airframe’s various weapons systems. The group then toured the 418th Flight Test Squadron at Hangar 1623, where Lt. Col. Eric Bippert, 418th Flight Test Squadron commander, described efforts to advance testing for the Air Force’s KC-46 program, as well as preparations for bed-down facilities designed to receive and sup-
port the new tanker for future testing. Afterward, AFMC and AFTC leadership visited 45 Airmen from the 412th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron in Hangar 1207 where they expressed gratitude to maintainers of the U.S. Air Force Reserve and Air National Guard who were instrumental in supporting recent test efforts for the ongoing KC-46 program. In the evening, visiting guests from Headquarters AFMC and senior leaders from throughout Edwards Air Force Base met with an array of civic and community leaders at Harris’ home for an honorary reception for Pawlikowski before her departure. Pawlikowski’s visit to Edwards AFB was the fifth of six Center Metricss Reviews for 2016. Chief Master Sgt. Jason France, Air Force Materiel Command command chief, conducted a question-and-answer session with a cross-section of Airmen from units throughout Edwards Air Force Base. France wanted to address concerns among the enlisted community, including changes in the enlisted evaluation system, housing allowances and the new retirement system. (U.S. Air Force photo by Christopher Okula)
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This week in Edwards Flight Test History July 24, 1951 at Edwards - The Bell X-1D made the first-and the only successful--flight of its career when it was air-dropped from an EB-50A mother ship to make an unpowered glide to the Rogers Dry Lake Bed. Jean “Skip” Ziegler was the pilot. The X-1D was the first of the “second generation” X-1 rocket research planes to be completed; it was intended for heat transfer research. (Edwards History Office file photo)
INNOVATION MEET-UP EDWARDS AFB 2016 EDUCATION FAIR Open Your Mind to Greater Opportunities! Local & National Colleges/Universities Under One Roof When: 03 Aug 2016
Where: Club Muroc Bldg 5600, Alliance Room
Time: 1000-1300 Hours
Base POCs: Education & Training 412 FSS/FSDE 140 Methusa Avenue Bldg 2453
Everyone is Welcome!
Meet Institution Representatives
Receive Academic Advisement
Enrollment Guidance
Accommodation Advice
According to Everett Rogers’ Diffusion of Innovations theory, only a small percentage of any population act as innovators. This can make it difficult to find other innovators and collaborate with them. That’s why we’re launching weekly innovation meet-ups right here on base in the new Innovation Center. The Innovation Center is located on the lower level of the Joshua Tree Dining Facility, Bldg. 2412, Rooms 103 and 105. Join us on Fridays from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. to meet other innovators, pitch your ideas, brainstorm, and collaborate.
Ed Fair Info: 661-277-2713 / 1462 / 0056 / 2050 E-Mail: 412.fss.fsde.education.services@us.af.mil Note: With Supervisor Approval, DoD Civilians May Attend During Non-Scheduled Lunch Time
Palace Chase/Palace Front Briefing August 9, at 10 a.m., the In-Service Air Force Reserve recruiter, Tech. Sgt. Rafael Aguirre, will hold a Palace Chase/Palace Front briefing at Bldg. 2460, Room A located on Methusa Ave. behind the education office. The Palace Chase program allows active duty officers and Airmen to transfer from active duty in the Air Force to the Air Force Reserve or Air National Guard. The Palace Front program is a transfer program that allows active officers and enlisted to transfer from active duty to the ANG or AFR the day after separation from the Air Force. If you have questions about joining the reserve this is a great opportunity to receive the information about the programs offered by the subject matter expert. Call 661-277-3582 for any questions.
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Commander, 412th TW ................... Brig. Gen Carl Shaefer Installation Support Director ..................... Dr. David Smith Command Chief .............. Chief Master Sgt. Todd Simmons Director, 412th TW, Public Affairs ................... Ed Buclatin Editors ........................... Kenji Thuloweit, Christopher Ball Contributor ................................................. Dawn Waldman To submit articles or upcoming events send an email to newsroom@edwards.af.mil
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