Public Affairs, Volume 63, Number 54
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Aug. 12, 2016
B-52 releases JASSM from internal bay here Success marks another ‘first-ever’ for AFTC
A Joint Attack Surface Standoff Missile separates from the internal bay of a B-52 over Edwards range. This was the first time a JASSM was released from the internal weapoans bay of the aircraft. (U.S. Air Force image by Christian Turner)
By Christopher Ball 412th Test Wing Public Affairs
Team Edwards accomplished another first recently by executing a clean separation of three Joint Attack Surface Standoff Missiles, or JASSMs, from the internal weapons bay of a B-52 Stratofortress here. The aircraft has long been capable of carrying JASSMs on its wing pylons, but this is the first time they have been successfully released from Conventional Rotary Launcher in the internal bay. “That was a first-ever for the B-52, and is also going to be another amazing enhancement in B-52 combat capability for Global Strike,” said Brig. Gen. Carl Schaefer, 412th Test Wing commander, who flew the F-16 photo chase plane for the JASSM mission. “I got to chase the first-ever JASSM drop from the internal weapons bay of the B-52. We dropped it right here on the range at Edwards.” The venerable bomber could carry up to 12 JASSMs on its wing pylons, said Jose Estrada, a weapons integration engineer with the 775th Test Squadron. Integration of CRL in internal weapons bay adds a capability of carrying eight more missiles in the aircraft, increasing the B-52’s
JASSM payload by more than 60 percent. The previous, or legacy, launcher used in the B-52 internal bay was the Common Strategic Rotary Launcher. This launcher was only capable of carrying unguided munitions, or “dumb bombs.” Another benefit to carrying weapons internally is it creates less drag on the aircraft, increasing fuel efficiency. Brian Pinto, also a weapons integration engineer with the 775th, added that “For long range operations, this means less drag. Estrada said. “The aircraft can fly further and faster and still return to base after the mission.” Although the release of the missiles was the milestone, the missiles weren’t the main focus of the testing, Estrada said.
“The CRL is really what we’re looking at. We’ve already validated the [Joint Directed Attack Munition], now we’re working the JASSM. The next step is the [Miniature Air Launch Decoy].” Earl Johnson, the test project manager, said this separation test was part of the first of three phases, and primarily focused on data collection. “We accomplished fit checks, making sure the weapons had clearance, within the weapons bay, while rotating on the CRL, demonstrated a clean separation of the weapon in flight, and made sure everything was done safely,” he said. The next phase – the interim phase – will include more of the same testing, but with the addition of live weapons. And the third phase will validate the CLR system’s full capability.
412th MDG NCO ready for ‘outstanding’ journey
By Kenji Thuloweit 412th Test Wing Public Affairs
Last month, the Air Force announced that one of Edwards AFB’s very own is one of 12 Outstanding Airmen of the Year for 2016. In the entire Air Force, Staff Sergeant Raquel Caramanno is one of the 12 best. Each year, dozens of exceptional Airmen across the Air Force are nominated and Caramanno, NCOIC of Medical Readiness for the 412th Medical Group, was selected through a competitive process based upon leadership, job performance, self-improvement, personal achievements and community involvement. “Being selected as one of 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 toward my career in support of the AF mission.” The sergeant is responsible for the wartime readiness of all members assigned to the 412th Medical Group. As the unit deployment manager, she prepares members for every stage of deployment and assists in their transition back home. Additionally, it is her responsibility to train 17 medical contingency response teams and manage the $1.1 million in War Reserve Materiel. Caramanno hails from Staten Island, New York City. She joined the Air Force in 2012 and will have completed four years of service this November. She has spent three-and-a-half years of her career at Edwards. From the moment she entered the military she has always strived for excellence. “Receiving this award is a direct reflection of the amazing leadership I have had during my time here at Edwards AFB. Without their mentorship
Staff Sgt. Raquel Caramanno is one of 12 Outstanding Airmen of the Year for 2016. (U.S. Air Force photo by Christopher Ball)
and dedication towards my success, I would not be the Airman I am today.” Caramanno credits her mentor, Chief Master Sgt. Anthony Soto, 412th MDG superintendent, for her achievement. “His selfless dedication ensured my accomplishments were recognized and for that I am truly thankful.” “Taking care of Airmen is the most important thing we do as leaders,” said Soto. “Staff Sgt. Caramanno was nominated because of her exceptional character, performance and professionalism. Simply stated, she leads See Caramanno, Page 3
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Top performers honored at 412th TW 2nd Quarter Awards Ceremony By Kenji Thuloweit 412th Test Wing Public Affairs
Summer is a great time to get out and golf, and that was the theme of the 412th Test Wing 2nd Quarter Awards Ceremony held Aug. 3 at the base theater. Brig. Gen. Carl Schaefer, 412th TW commander, and Chief Master Sgt. Todd Simmons, 412th TW command chief, presided over the ceremony where top performing nominees and winners were announced. Each award winner present got the chance to attempt a golf putt on stage with a portable green and hole after receiving their award from the general. Congratulations to all 2nd quarter winners!
Scientific/Engineering of the Quarter Shawn Rexius 412th TENG Technician of the Quarter Arcadio Garcia 412th CEG Trades & Labor of the Quarter Bert Maxwell 412th Maintenance Group
2nd Quarter (April – June 2016)
Brig. Gen. Carl Schaefer (right), 412th Test Wing commander, watches Master Sgt. Joseph Duffy attempt a putt after being awarded the SNCO of the Quarter Award Aug. 3 in the base theater. (U.S. Air Force photo by Ethan Wagner)
Secretarial/Clerical of the Quarter Belinda Miller 412th MDG
Airman of the Quarter Senior Airman Cameron Farrell 412th Civil Engineering Group
Field Grade Officer of the Quarter Maj. Margaret Coppini 412th MDG
Staff/Specialist/Analyst of the Quarter William Starr 412th Operations Group
NCO of the Quarter Staff Sgt. Victoria Fiermonte 412th Medical Group
Dorm of the Quarter Senior Airman Tanya Alvarez 412th Mission Support Group
Program Manager of the Quarter Timothy James 412th CEG
SNCO of the Quarter Master Sgt. Joseph Duffy 412th Mission Support Group
Honor Guard of the Quarter Tech. Sgt. Stephen Pottinger 412th MSG
Team of the Quarter Weapons Standardization 412th MXG
Company Grade Officer of the Quarter Capt. Joshua Coughenour 412th Test Engineering Group
Supervision/Management of the Quarter Gabriel Resendez U.S. Air Force Plant 42
Volunteer of the Quarter Airman 1st Class Samantha Phillips 412th MDG
2016 AF Ball
Tickets are on sale for this year’s Air Force Ball, which will be held Sept. 10 in Lancaster, California. The gala will run from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Dinner will consist of tri-tip steak and tender-roasted chicken breast, herbed potatoes au gratin and seasoned grilled vegetables. A vegetarian option is also available consisting of lasagna. Formal or semi-formal wear is required for military and coat and tie for civilian men. Evening dress for ladies. There will be music, photos, beverages for purchase, dessert and dancing. Ticket prices: E1 - E4/GS-1 to GS-4: $20 E5 – E6/GS-5: $30 E7 – E9/GS-6 to GS-8: $35 O1 – O3/GS-9 to GS-12: $40 O4+/GS-13+: $45
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Tickets are limited. No additional tickets will be available or sold once they’re gone. Contact your group POC or call 661-275-3521 to buy tickets. If selecting the vegetarian meal, please mention at the time of purchase.
(U.S. Air Force photo by Joseph Gocong)
Education fair gives lessons on learning
By Kenji Thuloweit 412th Test Wing Public Affairs
Dozens of representatives from colleges across the country dropped by Club Muroc Aug. 3 for this year’s annual education fair sponsored by the Edwards Education and Training office. Visitors got the chance to talk to reps about education opportunities and programs available to them at different universities. They were also able to gather information about tuition assistance programs and enrollment tips. As always, Edwards Education and Training can help with questions regarding education options and payment methods available to both military and civilian personnel. The office is located at 140 Methusa Ave., Bldg. 2453. For more information, call 661-277-2713 or email 412.fss.fsde.education.services@us.af.mil.
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Back in BAF: B-1B Lancer returns to Benefield Anechoic Facility By Kenji Thuloweit 412th Test Wing Public Affairs
The B-1B Lancer has come home to test in the Benefield Anechoic Facility. Engineers and maintainers from Edwards have teamed up with testers from around the Air Force to examine the B-1B’s ALQ-161 threat protection system with the goal of improving it to enhance the bomber’s survivability. The ALQ-161 is a receiver/transmitter that detects and identifies threat radio frequencies then applies the appropriate jamming technique to protect the B-1 while on missions. “The ALQ-161 receives all of the radio frequency energy when it’s flying and will process it and determine if it’s a threat, and then it can set up automatic jamming to jam that RF energy from a missile, aircraft or ground missile,” said Rodney Brooks, 579th Software Maintenance Squadron, out of Robins Air Force Base, Georgia. “The 161 system has been on the B-1B since it was built and we’ve done a lot of improvements in the last 10 years. We’re looking to make some more improvements in the future and we need to collect data from the antennas here in the BAF so we can move forward.” Data is being collected from directional signal testing, antenna pattern testing and system channel testing. The team is observing how the ALQ161 responds to signals and what the system is looking at when it sees signals out in the field. The data will be analyzed to see if hardware, software, or both, need to be upgraded. The BAF, operated by the 772nd Test Squadron, is the largest anechoic chamber in the world and can fit nearly any airplane inside. It provides a signal-free space so electronic warfare tests can be conducted without radio frequen-
cy interference from the outside world. “We should be able to get everything out of the BAF that we need. With the antenna patterning we seem to be getting a lot of good data. We will take that data back and see what we need to do with it,” Brooks said. Carrying the largest payload of both guided and unguided weapons in the Air Force inventory, the multi-mission B-1 is the backbone of America’s long-range bomber force. It can rapidly deliver massive quantities of precision and non-precision weapons against any adversary, anywhere in the world, at any time. Along with its speed and agility, the B-1B’s ALQ-161 is part of a robust defense system that allows it to penetrate hostile airspace. “Every test here in the BAF is different,” said Hannah Dahlgren, 772nd Test Squadron, project lead engineer. “The cool thing about this test is that the B-1 is the aircraft that the BAF was built for. They decided to build this facility to fix issues specifically on the B-1.” The BAF was completed in July 1989. The anechoic chamber then commenced its first defensive systems test operations with the AN/ ALQ-161A on the B-1B. Electronic warfare personnel used the B-1B aircraft to calibrate the new chamber, determine its baseline performance, verify and validate test procedures, and
(U.S. Air Force photo by Chris Okula)
to prepare its AN/ALQ-161A defensive system for future tests. A ceremony was held Nov. 14, 1990 where the facility was named the Benefield Anechoic Facility in honor of Rockwell chief test pilot Tommie D. “Doug” Benefield who perished Aug. 29, 1984 in a crash of a B-1A. The BAF has since been used constinually for electronic warfare testing on all types of aircraft, from U.S. Air Force aircraft to allied nations aircraft. The chamber is filled with polyurethane and polyethylene pyramids designed to stop reflections of electromagnetic waves. The size of the pyramids, which are painted dark blue or black, varies depending on the particular frequency and test procedure being conducted. Aircraft systems can be tested and verified that they work properly prior to actual flight test. The current B-1B test began July 27 and is scheduled to wrap up Aug. 12. -Dr. Stephanie Smith, 412th Test Wing historian, contributed to this story-
Caramanno, from Page 1 by example…setting the standard for her peers. You will not find a more deserving Airman who truly embodies the Air Force’s Core Values and is as humble as she is. My greatest success is inspiring others to succeed and grow and I couldn’t be more proud of Staff Sgt. Caramanno’s selection as 12 Outstanding Airmen of the Year!” Caramanno describes her time at Edwards as an amazing experience. “There are so many opportunities available for Airmen to take advantage of while they are stationed here. The Air Force has so many opportunities for Airmen to prosper, and with the right mindset, goals, and dedication, [Airmen] can achieve whatever they set out to accomplish.” As a 12 Outstanding Airman Award recipient, she will serve as an enlisted ambassador towards Air Force retention and recruiting efforts traveling the globe for the next year speaking to citizens and Airmen everywhere. Caramanno’s selection gives her the opportunity to represent not only herself but her fellow Airmen as well. Although she was selected for her achievements spanning the past year, she views her selection “as an opportunity to grow and lead other Airmen to success.” “I want to inspire others to continue to push forward and strive to succeed no matter what the circumstance.”
Staff Sgt. Raquel Caramanno takes a putt and sinks it as Brig. Gen. Carl Schaefer, 412th Test Wing commander looks on. Caramanno was recognized at the wing’s second quarter award ceremony Aug. 3 for being named one of 12 Outstanding Airmen of the Year by the Air Force for 2016. Caramanno is the NCOIC of Medical Readiness at the 412th Medical Group and hopes to commission into the Biomedical Service Corps. (U.S. Air Force photo by Ethan Wagner)
Caramanno’s achievement will be honored at the Air Force Association’s National Convention in Washington D.C. Sept. 17 - 18. There, she will be honored by the secretary of the Air Force and chief of staff, along with senior leaders from across the Air Force. Although she will no doubt be busy for the next year, Caramanno says her plans for the fu-
ture have not changed. “This has been an amazing experience; I never thought I’d get this far and receive such a high-level award. But, nothing has really changed in regards to my goals. I’d like to commission into the Biomedical Service Corps once I finish my bachelor’s degree.” -Taylor Steele, 412th Test Wing Public Affairs, contributed to this story-
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This week in Edwards Flight Test History On Aug. 12, 1972 the McDonnell Douglas F-15A Eagle successfully passed its first flight performance milestone six weeks ahead of schedule. This milestone consisted of Mach 2 flight and altitude and g-load targets. (Edwards History Office file photo)
Edwards is participating in the Feds Feed Families Food Drive. All of the food collected will be distributed to the local food banks in the Antelope Valley. According to organizers, Edwards is leading the entire DOD in donated food and wants to continue this level of excellence. The food drive ends Aug. 31. Two major events are coming up. There will be the Car Wash Food Drive Aug. 12 from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the High Desert Lanes parking lot. Donate a bag of canned food or non-perishable food items and receive a car wash. Next will be the Feds Feed Family Day Aug. 27 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Arnold Park. There will be wet and dry bounce houses for children, food, music and more. It’s a fun way to donate bags of canned goods and non-perishable food. Come out and have fun while helping those in need in the local community. For questions, call Master Sgt. Jarrod Miller at 661-277-3624.
Back to School
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Base schools will be opening back up Monday, Aug. 15. Team Edwards residents are reminded to watch for children riding bicycles and walking to school. There will also be increased vehicle traffic around the school areas and in the general housing area.
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Commander, 412th TW ................. Brig. Gen Carl Schaefer 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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