Public Affairs, Volume 63, Number 61
Serving the community of Edwards Air Force Base California www.edwards.af.mil - www.facebook.com/EdwardsAirForceBase
Sept. 30, 2016
Marines, Edwards testers boost F-35 combat capability
By Headquarters Marine Corps and Air Force Operational Test and Evaluation Center Public Affairs
Three F-35B Joint Strike Fighter aircraft accompanied by 75 Marines and 21 JSF operational test team members from Edwards deployed to Eglin AFB, Florida where they successfully completed five live-fire events using AIM-120 air-to-air missiles against modified F-16 aerial targets Aug. 9 - Sept. 1. The Marines belong to the Marine Operational Test & Evaluation Squadron 1 F-35B Detachment at Edwards. The deployment was in support of Block 2B/3i Air-to-Air and Air-to-Surface weapons testing, culminating in five livefire events of instrumented AIM-120 advanced medium-range missiles against QF-16s, which are converted F-16s used as aerial targets. The missions fulfilled test requirements directed by both Air Force and Navy test and evaluation leadership. These employment scenarios differed from those conducted in developmental test in that they were specifically designed around operational employment scenarios with the aim of further validating and developing tactics, techniques and procedures for all three variants of the F-35. “Due to the commonality of the F-35 mission systems and weapons, everything we learned during this detachment directly translates to combat capabilities for the Marine Corps, our sister services and partner countries,” Lt. Col. Richard Rusnok, VMX-1 F-35B Detachment officer-in-charge, said of the test missile shoot.
(Courtesy photo)
The detachment completed multiple engineering runs in preparation for the expenditure of five AIM-120 missiles and one Guided Bomb Unit-12 LASER guided bomb. The operational test team developed complex air-to-air and air-toground scenarios, and the F-35 weapon system performed as expected to deliver weapons on target. On day one of live-fire testing, the team was able to shoot two missiles on two separate test set-ups within 12 minutes – an exceptional level of efficiency in a test environment the Marines said. Another test See F-35, page 3
Team Edwards runs to remember fallen heroes since 9/11
By Christopher Ball 412th Test Wing Public Affairs
More than 40 military members and veterans, the majority from Edwards Air Force Base, made a 159-mile run across Southern California Sept. 23 - 25. Called the Run for the Fallen, the relay-style journey was completed to honor the 756 California servicemembers who have made the ultimate sacrifice since Sept. 11, 2001.
Runners from Edwards plant flags at Huntington Beach, California during Run for the Fallen Sept. 23-25. (Courtesy photo)
Senior Master Sgt. Paul Valenzuela, 31st Test and Evaluation Squadron, organized the run for Southern California. It was done in conjunction with Gold Star Mothers Day, Sept. 25, and on the same weekend as the Run to Remember in Northern California. Valenzuela said said he first got involved in the Northern California event at Travis Air Force Base. “I ran it the first year, and I loved it,” he said. “So I got more involved each year.” Eventually, Valenzuela transferred from Travis to Edwards and he brought the concept with him. Runners took their marks in Aqua Dulce, California just after noon Sept. 23. Teams carried the U.S. and California flags throughout the journey, passing the flags to the next team in six-mile increments, and stopping every mile to place four small flags and cards commemorating each of the fallen California servicemembers. Each card has a photo of a fallen servicemember and personal information including name, rank, branch of service, hometown, and the location where he or she fell. The event also included a stop at the Northwood Gratitude and Honor Memorial in Irvine, California. The runners placed 632 flags along the route. The remaining 124 memorials were placed in the Field of Flags at the Riverside National Cemetery in Riverside, California, where the run ended Sept. 25. See Run, page 2
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Innovation team listens to possible energy-savings proposal By Kenji Thuloweit 412th Test Wing Public Affairs
The 412th Test Wing Innovation Team is always looking for a few good ideas, and it may have received one Sept. 23. Jack Frazier from the 412th Civil Engineering Group proposed that the base install solar-powered attic fans in buildings on base. Frazier is a resource efficiency manager for the 412th CEG and pitched the idea as a way to save the base money on energy bills, which are a significant cost not only to Edwards, but the Air Force as a whole. Frazier explained how the solar-powered attic fans will remove excess heat in attic air spaces by ventilating the space above ceilings, making work areas more comfortable while putting less strain on air conditioning units. The fans are automatically activated by a thermal switch that turns on and off at certain temperatures. “During the peak summer months, an attic’s temperature can rise to 160 degrees or more,” Frazier said during his presentation, which was given in the Innovation Center located on the bottom floor of the Joshua Tree Inn Dining Facility. “This heat build-up can then raise the temperature inside the office and work spaces and increase the amount of electricity used by air conditioners and other cooling equipment,” he said. According to Frazier, purchasing and installing the solar attic fans is relatively cheap. The purchase and installation of four fans can be paid for through energy savings within a year he said. Another benefit is that the fans can be installed without putting holes in roofs. After listening to the presentation, questions were posed to Frazier including how the attic fans would be used during the
THINK TANK: Members of the 412th Test Wing Innovation Team discuss a proposal involving solar-powered attic fans that could reduce energy costs at Edwards. The team met in the Innovation Center Sept. 23, which is located in the bottom floor of the dining facility. (U.S. Air Force photo by Kenji Thuloweit)
winter months. According the attic fan’s manufacturer, the fans should be used year-round because moisture can accumulate in the winter months and can cause damage and mildew. The fans would keep moisture from forming by circulating the air. The Innovation Team discussed the feasibility of the attic fan project and agreed to elevate the idea to wing leadership to possibly fund a test project for the fans. People who have an innovative idea can meet with members of the 412th TW Innovation Team during their weekly meet-up on Fridays from 9 to 11 a.m. in the Innovation Center located on the bottom floor of the Joshua Tree Dining Facility, Room 103. For more information contact T.J. Wuth at theodore.wuth@ us.af.mil, or call 275-8217.
Edwards sets stronger PACE by enhancing human capital From 412th Force Support Squadron Education Office
Edwards Air Force Base will host two presentations of “Professionalism – Enhancing Human Capital” from the Profession of Arms Center of Excellence at the base theater Oct. 12, 8 a.m.-2 p.m. and Oct. 13, 5-10 p.m. Both sessions will have a one-hour lunch break. As part of PACE’s Character and Leadership initiative, “Professionalism – Enhancing Human Capital,” examines how professionalism drives individual behavior and is the bridge that connects the Air Force Core Values to the Air Force mission. Effective communication is not just about how to talk or present a brief. Effective communication, as taught in this presentation, is about building effective relationships that result in increased loyalty and trust. It is from the basis of trust that people can influence others and then shape their commitment to Air Force Core Values. This presentation examines the psychology of trust, authority and influence. By better understanding these principles of the human condition, people
From Run, page 1
“It was nice seeing the gold star families, hearing the stories of their loss,” said 2nd Lt. Jennifer Buck, 31st TES, who helped coordinate the run and ran several legs of the journey. “It is good to remember the fallen, even if it’s just saying their names,” Valenzuela added. Valenzuela and Buck had lots of support – from runners, from
(U.S. Air Force graphic)
can better build healthy relationships that provide an opportunity for positive influence. Although targeted at effective working relationships within the Air Force, attendees are able to extend the lessons to personal relationships as well. PACE describes the feedback from this presentation as overwhelmingly positive, ranging from, “Will make me a better leader, father and husband,” to “I want to take the longer version,” to “Inspirational – this will change how I interact with people and how I raise my kids.” For more information please contact Beth Hodge at elizabeth.hodge@us.af.mil, or call 277-1947. You can also contact Sabrina Murray at sabrina.murray@us.af.mil, or at 277-3846. others helping out with staging each stop and even some medics. But they were also impressed by the amount of community support they saw along the way. “There were a lot of honks and waves,” Valenzuela said. “One lady was out for her morning run,” Buck said. “She asked what we were running for and ended up meeting us at the end in Riverside to help out.”
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Hard work earns commission for Edwards staff sergeant
By 1st Lt. Amaro Mascarenhas 412th Medical Group
An Airman with the 412th Medical Group was recently selected to commission as a second lieutenant in the Medical Service Corps. Staff Sgt. DeAnn Lopez, currently serving as the group practice manager for the 412th MDG, is expected to commission and attend Commissioned Officer Training at Maxwell Air Force Base, Alabama, sometime early in 2017. Following OTS, Lopez will proceed to her new duty station. During her enlisted career, Lopez fulfilled duties as a health services management apprentice, a labor and delivery technician, noncommissioned officer in charge of resource management, and command support staff. She also earned a bachelor’s in Healthcare Management from Bellevue University February 29, 2016. She said she enjoys working in healthcare and wants to influence change to better herself, colleagues and patients. Lopez said her motivation to become a commissioned officer came from her family and from her desire to show that hard work pays off. “I love being enlisted,” Lopez said. “But if there is more out there, why not reach for it?” Lopez, an Idaho native, encourages all Airmen to pursue their life goals. “Never stay stagnant, on or off duty,” she said. “Seek the mentorship, not only from the officers in their field, but from senior enlisted Airmen as well. You cannot commission on
(U.S. Air Force photo by Kenji Thuloweit)
hard work alone. Every person who succeeded in a goal did so with help from family, mentors, friends and peers.” Officers in the Medical Service Corps are healthcare administrators who serve at 63 Military Treatment Facilities in the continental United States and at 12 MTFs overseas. There are approximately 1,000 Medical Service Corps officers Air Force-wide. A Medical Service Corps officer could potentially serve in resource management, readiness, information systems, health plans management, logistics, as group practice manager, or at an aeromedical evacuation squadron.
Just wing it!
Two cranes and a forklift steadily moved the newly acquired XB-47 wing into place to be attached to the fuselage Sept. 26. The Air Force Flight Test Museum acquired the historic test bomber last week after it spent the last six decades on static display at Chanute Air Force Base, Illinois. The XB-47A Stratojet bomber, an icon of aerospace history, was the precursor to the U.S. Air Force’s strategic bomber aircraft family, to include the B-52 Stratofortress, B-1B Lancer and B-2 Spirit. Its multi-engine and swept-wing profile were major innovations in post-World War II combat jet design and contributed to the development of modern commercial airliners. This XB-47 is the earliest survivor of the B-47 series and served as one of two experimental test aircraft, both tested at Edwards. Once refurbished by the restoriation team, the XB-47A will be on display at the AFFT Museum. (U.S. Air Force photo by Kenji Thuloweit)
Marines increase F-35 capability From F-35, page 1
mission involved an F-35B dropping a GBU-12 and supporting it with LASER guidance while simultaneously engaging a QF16 drone. Both weapons successfully guided to their targets. “This was a phenomenally successful deployment that was made possible by the close coordination between the JSF Operational Test Team, U.S. Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps and industry,” Rusnok said. “I want to congratulate the VMX-1/JOTT team that did a magnificent job planning and executing this OT missile
shoot,” said Marine Col. George Rowell, VMX-1 commanding officer. “It is a huge achievement for the squadron and the F-35B program. We look forward to many more opportunities to provide positive impact.” VMX-1 is headquartered at Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Arizona, with its F-35 detachment at Edwards. VMX-1 was formerly called VMX-22. The squadron’s name changed on May 13, 2016.
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This Week in Edwards Flight Test History
This week we remember Air Force test pilot Capt. Milburn “Mel” Apt who lost his life during a flight test mission Sept. 27, 1956 at Edwards. Apt was making his first flight in the Bell X-2 and flew it to an unofficial record speed of Mach 3.196, thus becoming the first person to exceed Mach 3. It is reported that during an attempt to turn the aircraft back to Edwards, it began to oscillate in all axes and departed controlled flight. Apt’s last radio transmission was, “There she goes,” before he fell into unconsciousness two times. His effort to parachute from the escape capsule failed and he was killed instantly when the X-2 hit the desert floor. The Air Force Flight Test Museum has recently opened a new display that honors Apt. (U.S. Air Force photo)
Congratulations! The HAVE LIGHT Test Team, comprised of local members from the U.S. Air Force Test Pilot School and 775th Test Squadron, has been selected as the winner for the 2016 International Test and Evaluation Association Awards, in the Technical Achievement Category. This team was a compilation of professionals from across the Air Force Test Center demonstrating the true “One Center” vision that is emphasized by center leadership. The team consisted of members from the 96th Test Group and 586th Flight Test Squadron at Holloman Air Force Base, New Mexico as well as 775th Test Squadron and test pilot school personnel from Edwards. Through this team’s distributed construct, many organizations simultaneously benefited. The 96th Test Group benefited from having USAF Test Pilot School fund the flying hours to refine an electro-optic sensor test-bed concept. Edwards AFB’s engineering group refined advanced flight test techniques for electro-optic sensors. The Precision Attack System Program Office now has a low-cost test-bed for future targeting pod test efforts. Finally, the USAF Test Pilot School not only received a challenging test management project that satisfied graduation requirements at a fraction of the schedule risk typically associated with scheduling high demand F-16s, but they are also afforded the opportunity to enhance their curriculum to address cutting edge developmental test techniques. Congratulations from Team Edwards!
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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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