Public Affairs, Volume 63, Number 59
Serving the community of Edwards Air Force Base California www.edwards.af.mil - www.facebook.com/EdwardsAirForceBase
Sept. 16, 2016
Raptors converge on F-22 CTF as it prepares to move
(U.S. Air Force photo by Christian Turner)
By Kenji Thuloweit 412th Test Wing Public Affairs
Just after the turn of the century, it wasn’t unusual to see seven F-22A Raptors parked around the 411th Flight Test Squadron compound during the fighter’s early developmental test and evaluation days. Today, the 411th and F-22 Combined Test Force has just
four of the fifth-generation fighters left – including one in the hangar undergoing maintenance – to conduct testing to continually improve the Raptor fleet’s combat and long-term capabilities. For the past few weeks, however, Edwards AFB’s Raptors have been joined by four operational F-22s for testing. The jets are from Langley Air Force Base, Virginia; Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada; and Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida. The planes are accompanied by pilots and maintenance crews from their respective bases. Lt. Col. Randel Gordon, F-22 CTF director and 411th FLTS commander, said operational F-22s from the Air Force come to Edwards for testing occasionally, but it is “highly unusual” to have eight total Raptors here, including the one being serviced in the 411th FLTS hangar. The visit by the four operational jets prompted a unique photo opportunity for squadron workers, who were given the chance to take photos with seven planes in the background. The event marks a bittersweet occasion. “This will be the last time we have this many jets ever in this compound,” said Gordon. In four months, the F-22 CTF is scheduled to move out of the facilities it has occupied since the 1990s. The squadron will move to another location on base as part of a reorganizaSee Raptors, page 2
Commander talks past, present, future at civilian call By Christopher Ball 412th Test Wing Public Affairs
Brig. Gen. Carl Schaefer, 412th Test Wing Commander, took center stage at the Base Theater to discuss issues –past, present and future – during a civilian call Sept. 6. The test wing’s top officer spent nearly an hour with the civilian workforce discussing milestones, priorities, personnel issues, safety and a variety of other subjects. Schaefer set the call in motion by saying thank you. “Thank you to what I think is the DOD’s best workforce – our workforce here at the 412th,” he said. He then transitioned into recent milestones for the KC-46 and F-35 programs, and Team Edwards’ contributions to both. “Over the summer, every one of you had a hand in enabling some key decisions for the Air Force,” Schaefer said. In August, the KC-46A Pegasus program received Milestone C approval from Frank Kendall, the undersecretary of defense for acquisition, technology and logistics, signaling the aircraft is ready to enter into production. “It’s our folks here and up in Seattle that are making this program happen for the Air Force,” Schaefer said. “When we go into combat, we don’t execute without tankers. It is critically important for us to project global power with our tanker
Brig. Gen. Carl Schaefer speaks at the first of two civilian calls Sept. 6 at the Base Theater. (U.S. Air Force photo by Joseph Gocong)
force, and you’re part of that.” Earlier last month, August 2, The F-35A Lightning II fifth-generation fighter aircraft was declared combat ready by Gen. Herbert J. “Hawk” Carlisle, the commander of Air Combat Command. “You enabled initial operational capability for the F-35,” Schaefer said. “That is huge. We haven’t gone IOC on a fighter See Civilian Call, page 2
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From Civilian Call, page 1 in over 11 years, since the F-22 in 2005. It doesn’t matter what organization you’re in, you’re a part of making this happen for the Air Force.” The general then outlined test wing priorities and goals for the coming year. He showed a slide with the following: -Agile mission execution that exceeds customer expectations - Prioritize resources to support near- and long-term requirements - Sustain and improve the installation and T&E infrastructure - Recruit, develop, support and inspire a world-class workforce - Enable innovation Schaefer then talked about supporting these goals, touching on topics such as career advancement and development, the evolution of Edwards’ civilian personnel system, innovation and community outreach to encourage students to focus on studies in science, technology, engineering and mathematics, commonly referred to by the acronym STEM. “I want to know that we have a strategic plan for FY 2017,” Schaefer said. “The wing is going in the right direction. We have goals, and we’re going to set actions to achieve these goals.” He then discussed some of the ways to enable these goals – career development, mentoring, leadership and other resources for civilian employees. “We’re pouring a lot of resources into our civilian development programs for education and training, and being able to apply that in your job,” Schaefer said. “We have a ton of resources for you. Make sure you’re engaging to capitalize on these resources.” The general also spent time on the civilian personnel system Acquisition Demonstration, talking about upcoming changes that will affect employees here. “You have all been under AcqDemo for years,” Schaefer said. “AFMC took a look at the way we did things and took some of the good things, but not all of the good things from AcqDemo, and implemented them,” he said.
Michelle Lovato, 412th Force Support Squadron, assists Brig. Gen. Carl Schaefer, 412th Test Wing commander, in discussing upcoming changes to civilian pay during a civilian call Sept. 6 in the Base Theater. (U.S. Air Force photo by Joseph Gocong)
“You’ll see a lot more information coming out of our civilian personnel office,” the commander said. “We’re here to answer your questions. Please get with your supervisors and make sure you fully understand what this means for you and your career development.” Innovation was also a topic the commander stressed. “We are willing to risk failure in innovation,” he said, “but we will not risk failure in our mission.” “It’s about staying one step ahead of the enemy. That’s what Edwards is all about – having that next innovative idea that helps us either with combat capability or the things that support combat capability for our country. If any place should be innovating, I think it should be Edwards.” The wing commander wrapped up the session with another thanks to the civilian workforce here. “I just want to say thank you,” he said. “Thank you for giving everything for your country for the things that you do day in and day out to support and defend the Constitution of the United States, and to deliver war-winning combat capability to your nation.”
Operational F-22s on hand for testing From Raptors, page 1
tion to prepare for upcoming test programs. Eight test planes were built with most being assigned to Edwards for developmental test and evaluation throughout the years. The F-22A Raptor reached initial operational capability in 2005 and the Air Force currently has 183 in its total force. The F-22 Raptor’s combination of stealth, supercruise, maneuverability and integrated avionics, coupled with improved supportability, represents an exponential leap in warfighting capabilities from previous generations of fighters. The Raptor performs both air-to-air and air-to-ground missions allowing full realization of operational concepts vital to the 21st century Air Force. The F-22, a critical component of the Global Strike Task Force, is designed to project air dominance rapidly and at great distances, and defeat threats attempting to deny access to our nation’s Air Force, Army, Navy and Marine Corps. The Air Force says the F-22 cannot be matched by any known or projected fighter aircraft.
For the past few weeks, Edwards AFB’s Raptors have been joined by four operational F-22s for testing. The jets are from Langley Air Force Base, Virginia; Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada; and Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida. (U.S. Air Force photo by Christian Turner)
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Edwards performers win big again at Air Force level Commentary by Paul LaBella 412th Force Support Squadon teen director
For the second time in three years, Edwards Operation Talent Search performers have won at the Air Force level. The talent contest is conducted at bases around the world and gives Air Force communities the opportunity to showcase their talent…and Edwards is loaded with talent. Here at Edwards, the talent show was held April 27 at the Oasis Community Center. The event was hosted by The Edwards Teen Center, 412th Medical Group Family Advocacy and the Oasis Community Center. There were over 20 acts with singers, dancers, comedians and specialty acts. The winners here were selected by guest judges Scott Hickerson, 412th Test Wing, and Janice Hollen, 412th Force Support Squadron director. Performance DVDs of the Edwards winners were sent to the Air Force judges in San Antonio, Texas, to compete against other bases from around the globe. One of this year’s Air Force-level winners was Kayla Williams, in the 16- to 18-year-old solo category. Kayla, 16, won second place last year but upped her game this year and won first place in her category, singing a Broadway song from the hit show “Thoroughly Modern Millie” called “Gimme Gimme.” Kayla isn’t the only one with talent in the Williams family, in fact the whole family is quite gifted. The Williams family won first place in the Family Act category with their rendition of “Hallelujah.” Lt. Col. Joshua Williams, 53rd Test and Evaluation Group, sang along with his daughters Kayla, Kami, 7, and Kallie, 3. In the meantime, daughters Kara, 11, and 9-year-old Kymber performed a ballet dance to the song while son, Kenny, played the piano. Not to be forgotten was mom, Tara, who cheered them on from the audience and was completely with them in spirit. In the Husband and Wife category, Edwards had a second-place finish, the husband-and-wife team of Tech. Sgt.
Tech. Sgt. Steven Eckles, 412th Test Wing Chapel Office, and his wife, Karen, perform during Edwards AFB’s Operation Talent Search show April 27. They took second place in the Husband and Wife category at the Air Force level competition. Winners were announced this past week. (U.S. Air Force photo by Joseph Gocong)
Steven Eckles of the 412th Test Wing Chapel Office, and his wife, Karen. The Eckles took everyone back to an ‘80s prom night and sang the hit song by Atlantic Starr, “Always” in perfect harmony. Because Edwards had three first- or second-place winners, it was just enough to push past Ramstein Air Base, Germany, as the overall winner with the most finishers. Because of that, the Edwards Teen Center won $1,500 for its program. Not only did the Williams and Eckles families win cash prizes for themselves, but they also helped the community win cash for Edwards teens. Watch for auditions in the early spring of 2017 for next year’s Edwards Operation Talent Search. Come out and be a part of the show and maybe win some great prizes. For more information, call the Teen Center at 661-275-TEEN.
Emergency Management events for National Preparedness Month September is National Preparedness Month, and Edwards Emergency Management invites everyone to come to the Exchange lobby every Tuesday during the month from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. to learn about preparedness on a variety of subjects, play a game and win a prize. Visitors to the display will be able to play Spin the Wheel, where they can answer a question and win a prize. The game and other information will help people learn about preparing for emergencies while having fun and winning prizes. In addition, Emergency Management will be inside the Exchange Express Gas Station during lunch hours on Thursdays during September with their prize wheel and emergency information. Russell Warner, 812th Civil Engineering Squadron, Emergency Management specialist, lets a young woman spin the Air Force Emergency Management Wheel last year to answer an emergency preparedness trivia question and get a prize. (U.S. Air Force photo by Kenji Thuloweit)
Read more about the different ways to prepare for a disaster or emergency at www.beready.af.mil/.
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This Week in Edwards Flight Test History On Sep. 13, 1985 at Edwards, then Maj. Wilbert D. “Doug” Pearson zoom-climbed a speciallyconfigured F-15A to 38,000 feet and launched a Vought ASM-135A anti-satellite missile against an orbiting Solwind P78-1 satellite. The missile’s miniature kinetic-kill vehicle intercepted and destroyed the target satellite marking the first time that a satellite had been destroyed by an aircraft. (Edwards History Office file photo)
Green Dot runners get green light
ll & HEALTH FA A F Y L I M FA Hosted by the 412 MDG IR in Observance of Domestic Violence Prevention Month Friday, October 21, 2016 2:30 PM - 5:30 PM, Wings “Soccer” Field, Edwards AFB
balloons
(U.S. Air Force photo by Ethan Wagner)
Free giveaways
Dozens of Team Edwards members got up bright and early Sept. 7 to get some exercise and raise awareness of the Air Force Green Dot program. The 5K fun run/walk began at the Rosburg Fitness Center and continued onto the fitness center’s running trail. Green Dot is a violence prevention initiative with a goal of reducing power-based personal violence, specifically stalking, sexual abuse and partner/domestic assault in the Air Force communities. Prizes were given out to the top finishers along with T-shirts for the runners. The Air Force contracted the non-profit Green Dot organization to provide violence prevention tools to the total Air Force over the next three years. The Green Dot itself represents one person’s small action to prevent interpersonal violence, such as intervening when witnessing a potential act of violence, or simply displaying an awareness poster.
Child ID kits face painting henna tattoos music & Food Bouncy Castles free health screenings McGruff & Scruff crime dogs Fire and Police demonstrations something for everyone and more! 160676B
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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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