Public Affairs, Volume 64, Number 1
Jan. 6, 2017
Safety emphasized as Edwards gets ‘back in the saddle’
2016 was another busy year for the 412th Test Wing and wing leadership wants the Edwards workforce to keep safety a priority when working in 2017. (U.S. Air Force photo by J.M. Eddins Jr.)
By Kenji Thuloweit 412th Test Wing Public Affairs
Everything from aircraft in-flight emergencies to personnel suffering sports injuries were examined at the base theater during the 412th Test Wing’s annual Back in the Saddle event Jan. 3. An audience made up mostly of flyers, engineers, maintainers and airfield operations personnel were urged to continue to focus on safety, teamwork and mishap prevention as the wing
enters another busy year of flight test operations. Back in the Saddle combines mishap reviews from fiscal year 2016 with informational briefings for the workforce. Throughout the four-hour morning briefing, personnel had the opportunity to hear about lessons learned in 2016 both at Edwards and throughout the Air Force. The annual briefing is designed to help the base workforce shift their focus back to safely and effectively accomplishing the mission following the holidays. “Safety is everyone’s program, every single person sitting in this room, from the Airmen to the general, that is the safety program,” said Lt. Col. James Spencer, 412th TW Safety Office chief. The past year was generally very safe for the 412th Test Wing. There were no major mishaps involving lost aircraft and there were no on-duty fatalities or military off-duty fatalities. Across the Air Force, nine aircraft were lost and there were 16 aviation-related fatalities. There were also 35 off-duty fatalities involving Airmen; most were vehicle accidents. Spencer and Lawrence Kennedy, 412th TW Safety Occupational Safety chief, noted that there were a number of minor mishaps on base, which resulted in damaged property requiring repair or replacement, and injuries that resulted in lost work days. Slips and falls, workers sustaining injuries while working on planes, were examples of work-related mishaps for both Airmen and civilian workers. Sports injuries during physical training or during off-base activities also led to lost See Saddle, page 2
AMC Museum rescues historic airlifter from Korean War
By Senior Airman Zachary Cacicia 436th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
A true piece of American history that has sat in the Mojave Desert for decades and was slated to be turned into scrap metal will now have a new home at the Air Mobility Command Museum. A C-5M Super Galaxy, operated by the 709th Airlift Squadron, and an AMC Museum team traveled to Edwards Air Force Base, California, Dec. 16-19, 2016, to transport portions of the Fairchild C-119B Flying Boxcar #48-0352 “Am Can Co Special” to the AMC Museum at Dover AFB, Delaware, for restoration and display. The C-119 was a military transport aircraft used primarily to carry cargo, personnel and equipment. It also had airdrop capabilities. The U.S. flew them from 1947 to 1974. According to John Taylor, AMC Museum director, when this C-119 arrives at the museum, it will be arguably the most historic aircraft in its collection. “It’s the second-oldest C-119 in existence,” said Taylor, “and the only surviving aircraft from the operation that airdropped mobile bridge sections to Marines during the Battle of Chosin Reservoir.”
One of the twin tail sections from a disassembled C-119B “Flying Boxcar” is positioned for loading onto a C-5 Galaxy from Dover Air Force Base, Delaware, on the flightline of Edwards Air Force Base, California, Dec. 19. The C-5 was loaded with the majority of the disassembled aircraft for transportation to the Air Mobility Command Museum at Dover AFB. This airplane, tail number 48-0352, was one of several that played a direct role in the Battle of Chosin Reservoir in the Korean War in 1950. It will eventually be restored to its Korean War-era configuration and displayed at the AMC Museum. (U.S. Air Force photo by Christopher Ball)
See Boxcar, page 3
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Office of Special Investigation looking for new agents From 412th Test Wing Public Affairs
(U.S. Air Force graphic)
The Air Force Office of Special Investigation is seeking highly qualified senior airmen, staff sergeant and technical sergeant applicants for special agent investigative duties at Edwards and various other worldwide duty locations. Founded in 1948, at the recommendation of Congress, AFOSI is a field operating agency mandated to provide professional investigative services to identify and neutralize criminal, terrorist and intelligence threats to the US Air Force, the Department of Defense and the US Government. If you are an E-4 (less than 6 years TAFMS), E-5 (between 5 to 11 years TAFMS), or E-6 (less than 1 year TIG and less than 11 years TAFMS) with a stellar military record, and the desire to be challenged daily, then AFOSI may be the career for you. Interested applicants meeting minimum recruitment requirements listed at www.osi.af.mil should attend the next recruitment meeting, which will be held Jan. 26 at 10 a.m. at AFOSI Det 111, Bldg. 2810. You may also contact the local AFOSI recruiting manager at 661-277-6995 to address any questions in between briefings.
Students take on heartwarming project for holidays
By Christopher Ball 412th Test Wing Public Affairs
A group of Branch Elementary students got into the holiday spirit recently by creating and donating some special cold-weather accessories for those less fortunate in the Antelope Valley. The fifth graders in Ms. Kelly’s class made about 150 scarves, packaged them with donated gloves, and gave them to the local shelter to help keep homeless people warm during the winter season. Fifth-grader Sean led the way, getting his classmates from Ms. Kelly’s class involved in helping out. This is the sixth year that Sean and his family have completed this project. “He loves helping people,” Sean’s grandfather said. “And, he likes doing community things.” His family donated the pre-cut fleece fabric for the scarves and the students in the class tied the knots in the fringe at scarf with their name, and often a mesthe ends for a finishing touch. They also sage, to make the gifts more personal. included handwritten tags with each “It’s about being a part of something
(U.S. Air Force photo by Christopher Ball)
bigger than yourself,” Sean’s grandfather said. “The kids in the class felt good about helping other people.”
From Saddle, page 1 work days for Edwards Airmen in 2016. Spencer emphasized 412th TW leadership fosters a safety culture where reporting any type of safety concern is embraced. “Safety really requires courage,” said Spencer who was flying a tanker a few months ago when he received a phone call to return home. “That doesn’t happen too often. So I got on the radio with the operations desk to find out at least why I had to come home. They said there was a lost tool and said ‘it might be in your aircraft.’ We came back, taxied and parked, and by the
time I got down the ladder, they found the tool. There’s two ways to look at that. It ruined a good, effective sortie, but that wasn’t the thought that crossed my mind. The first thought that crossed my mind was some young Airman realized a mistake was made and fessed up to it knowing the consequences. But, he absolutely did the right thing, having that courage to speak up.” Other subjects during Back in the Saddle focused on flying safety, airfield driving and test safety procedures and lessons learned.
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Announcements
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412th Force Support Squadron upcoming events Aero Club
275-AERO Aero Camp is Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Next winter session available is Jan. 2-6, 2017. Learn the first steps in training future pilots. Minimum of three to a maximum of six participants. Includes private pilot ground school kit. Pre-registration required. Call for price and registration.
Airman and Family Readiness
277-0723 Women’s, Infants’ & Children’s Clinic Is Monday, 9:30 a.m.- 3 p.m. Open for both walkins and appointments, closed for lunch noon 1p.m. For an appointment or voucher information, call toll free 1-866-327-3074. Ten Steps to Federal Employment is Tuesday, 10-11:45 a.m. Ten Steps to Federal Employment teaches the easy to follow, step-bystep process for analyzing your qualifications through tracking and following up with your USAJOBS applications. Plan My Move is Wednesday, 2-3 p.m. Edwards “Plan My Move” seminar will assist you in ensuring you select the proper path for a successful PCS, whether it be planning for an OCONUS or CONUS move. Pre-Separation Counseling is Wednesday and Jan. 18, 8:30-11:30 a.m. Pre-Separation Counseling is a prerequisite for the 5-day Transition Assistance Program. Spouses are highly encouraged to attend.
Arts and Crafts Center/Auto Hobby
275-ARTS/AUTO Stained Glass Intro Class is Jan. 26, 5 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. Adults only – register by Jan. 25. We will be making stained glass, hanging 5x7 picture frames. Time to complete varies from 1.5 - 3 hours, depending on experience levels. Open to ages 18 and up. Please do not bring food, but closed drinks are allowed (i.e. water bottles). Limited to 6 people per session. Instructors Needed! Attention all artists and crafters! If you’re creative, we need you! The Arts & Crafts Center is seeking out instructors of all types. Come and share your creative knowledge with a diverse group of students looking for painting, photography, drawing, scrapbooking and other craft/art related instruction. No prior instructor experience necessary - If you are knowledgeable then we are looking for you!
Club Muroc
275-CLUB First Friday is today 4 - 6 p.m. Free hors d’oeuvres for members. Games with FSS gift card to winner! Wednesday Breakfast Special is every Wednesday, 6:30 – 10 a.m. Breakfast is served every weekday from 6:30 - 10am and all day Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. Delivery Service to base housing is available. Call Monday-Friday, 5-8 p.m. to place an order. Birthday packages are available: Ice Cream
Party or Pizza and Ice Cream Party. Parties include room rental for up to 3 hours, 20 kids, and use of the projector for movies.
Information, Tickets and Travel
275-TRIP Armed Forces Vacation Club can help you find your dream vacation rental! Forget cramped quarters - get access to Space-A resort rentals worldwide for one low weekly price! Start your search today – you’ve earned it! Cruise Crazy - Have you ever wanted to take a cruise but didn’t think you could afford it? Now is the time to get your ‘sea legs’ in gear and get over to the Information, Tickets & Travel because the prices are lower than ‘sea level’ – call the ITT office today so we can show you that you don’t have to ‘sink to swim’! To see the current ITT price list for events, parks, hotels and discount information, visit edwardsfss.com/wordpress/travel/itt
High Desert Lanes Bowling Center
275-BOWL NFL Sunday Ticket is every Sunday until February 1, 9:30 a.m. - 7 p.m. Active Duty wear your team shirt and receive a free game of bowling with rental shoes! Breakfast served all day! Plus, enjoy appetizers and wing specials every Sunday.
Library
275-BOOK Coffee and Coloring is every Tuesday, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Enjoy a cup of coffee or tea while coloring designs created for adults! Children’s Story Time is Every Wednesday and Friday, 10 a.m. Toddlers and pre-school children are invited to join us for a wonderful story time and create very unique craft projects. Volunteer readers are welcome! Special Holiday Story Time for Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day is Jan. 13
For more information about 412th FSS offerings, visit www.edwardsfss.com/wordpress Recreation do the driving for you! Lift tickets not included, but can be purchased on base at Information, Tickets & Travel. For lift tickets or more information call 275-TRIP. Socialize with other skiers and snowboarders while heading to your favorite mountain. Mammoth trip is Jan. 14, 5 a.m.-9 p.m. Minimum is 10 people, maximum is 15. Minimum age requirement is 6 years. Anyone under 18 years must be accompanied by a parent or adult guardian. Fitting required NLT two days prior to trip. Tubing available at the slope for a fee. Alcoholic beverages not permitted. Need ski or snowboard gear? Outdoor Rec has all of the equipment you need. Check out the Equipment Rental pricelist on ODR’s page at edwardsfss.com or come stop by Outdoor Recreation today! Swim program – Red Cross comprehensive swimming course levels taught by certified Water Safety Instructors. The prerequisite for each level is the successful- demonstration of skills from the previous level, except Pre-school, and Level 1 Beginner -have no prerequisite. A skill(See next page)
Muroc Lake Golf Course
275-PUTT Three Blind Mice Golf Tournament is Jan. 14, 8 a.m., with a shotgun start (weather permitting) Sign up by Monday at the MLGC golf shop. Format is blind draw one best ball of three. Teams will be drawn after play begins. Limited to the first 72 players to sign up.
Oasis Community Center
275-CNTR Lunch Hour Table Games Tournament is today, 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Foosball, Ping Pong, air hockey, shuffleboard, and pool are available. Forrest Gump Ping Pong Championship is Jan. 20. Registration is at 4:30 p.m., championship is at 5. Get your name etched on the Championship’s perpetual plaque.
Bandit is young lab/shepherd mix that LOVES to play fetch! He loves the pool in the summer. It takes him just a little while to trust you but once he does you’ll get kisses and all his attention. He is already neutered, vaccinated, and microchipped! Just searching for the perfect home!
Outdoor Recreation
661-258-9525
275-CAMP Ski Shuttles are available. Let Outdoor
Adopt me!
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AAFES holiday hours Jan. 16 Exchange..................10 a.m.-4 p.m. Express.......................9 a.m.-8 p.m. Burger King................8 a.m.-6 p.m. Starbucks..............................Closed Arby’s........................11 a.m.-3 p.m. Charley’s...............................Closed Taco Bell...............................Closed Popeye’s...................11 a.m.-4 p.m. NASA food court..................Closed Mary’s Place.........................Closed Domino’s (Bldg 7210).10 a.m.-8 p.m. The Cleaners........................Closed Stripes Alterations...............Closed Enterprise.............................Closed Beauty Shop.........................Closed Barber Shop.........................Closed GNC...........................10 a.m.-3 p.m. Petals & Blooms...................Closed Lock & Leave Storage.........Closed Firestone.....................9 a.m.-6 p.m. NAPA Auto Parts........8 a.m.-6 p.m. King Photography................Closed Mobile Kiosk..............10 a.m.-3 p.m Jack’s Jewery.......................Closed Optical Center......................Closed
Outdoor Recreation (cont.) examination is provided by the instructor on the first day of class to ensure swimmers have been enrolled in their correct level (age ranges can differ to a child’s skill level). Certificates are provided for each level successfully completed. Swim group lessons are 30 minutes each, and held Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays except Federal holidays, family days and down days. Session Schedule: Session 1, Jan. 18-Feb. 10; Session 2, Feb. 13-Mar. 10; Session 3, Mar. 13-Apr. 7. Pre-School; Level 1, beginner thru Level 3, 3-3:30 p.m.; Level 2 thru Level 3 Intermediate, 3:45- 4:15 p.m.; and Level 4 thru Level 5 Advanced, 4:30-5 p.m. Participation is 10 maximum, 6 minimum. Bluefin, Level 6, is Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 5-6 p.m Participation is 15 maximum, eight minimum. Registration for each session is two weeks prior to the start date. Paintball field is now open! The paintball field is open by reservation only. For more information, call ODR at 275-2267.
Youth Sports
277-8961 Youth Basketball season starts Monday. It’s not too late to sign up! Youth Programs is also
Announcements
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FSS holiday hours Jan. 16 Aero Club.................................. Flying from sunrise to sunset. Office closed. Joshua Tree Dining Facility Brunch.................................................................................... 6 a.m.-1 p.m. Dinner........................................................................................ 4:30-7 p.m. Midnight Meal........................................................................11 p.m.-1 a.m. High Desert Inn........................................................................... Always open Club Muroc .......................................................................................... Closed Muroc Lake Golf Course.................................................... 7 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. Sandbagger Grill........................................................................ 7 a.m. - 2pm Rosburg Fitness Center............................................................ 8 a.m. - 4pm.
All other FSS facilities will be closed. Normal hours will resume Jan. 17, 2017. looking for highly motivated coaches to coach Basketball this year! Sign up at the Main Youth Center. For more information call Emil Graves at 277-8961. Start Smart Basketball for ages 3 and 4 begins Jan. 18. Classes are every Wednesday for 6 weeks at 10 a.m., noon, and 4:30 p.m. Youth Baseball and Softball Camp for Boys and Girls, ages 9-13, is Tuesdays and Thursdays, Jan. 17-Feb. 17, 4:30-6 p.m., at Wenning Field.
Rosburg Fitness Center
275-GYM1 Tae Kwon Do monthly passes available for children and adults. Call Kumye Moore at 8609292 for more information. Personal trainer available for 60- and 30-minute sessions. Call Jennifer Pottinger at 757810-5734 to schedule your appointment. Massage therapy offered for 30-, 60- and 90-minute sessions, Monday, Tuesday and Thursday, from 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Appointments only. Couples massage also offered. Call Brittni Albrechti at 661-317-2139. Lunchtime Disc Golf at Mojave Greens is Wednesdays at noon at the Mojave Greens Disc Golf Course, Hole 1. Join us for a round of lunchtime golf. Players of all skill levels are invited to attend. Experienced golfers will be on hand to offer advice and work with beginners. Equipment will be available for loan. Take this opportunity to meet other disc golfers on base and challenge each other on the course! Equipment Orientation Classes are Tuesdays, 10-11 a.m.; Wednesdays, 4-5 p.m.; and Thursdays, 7-8 p.m. Not sure how to use equipment or what it does for you? Stop by the front desk and sign up for this one-hour class. We are here to help you get the most out of your fitness routine. Lunchtime Basketball League sign ups are now available for the FREE Lunchtime Basketball League. You can sign up for the “Green” League or “Gold” League. Green Leaguers are under 30 years old and Gold Leaguers are 30+ years old. Games will be held Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays during January
and February. Sign-up at the Rosburg Fitness Center front counter!
Education and Training
277-2713 Community College of the Air Force will no longer graduate a student in any degree program unless they have completed a formal specialty related technical training course or civilian coursework that is directly related to the degree. Example: A student enrolled in the Aviation Maintenance Technology degree program did not attend the 3-level technical training course, but did attend a 6 semester hour advanced aircraft engine maintenance Flight Training Device course. This military course credit may be applied. Example #2: A student enrolled in the Practical Nursing degree program did not attend any military technical training courses, but did attend civilian nursing courses. The civilian nursing course credits may be applied. Example #3: A 7-level student enrolled in the Aviation Maintenance Technology degree program who did not attend any formal technical training course, and did not complete any civilian aircraft maintenance courses, will not be permitted to graduate with 18 semester hours of CCAF Specialty Internship credit and six semester hours of computer science credit. NOTE: The pre-existing policy for senior and chief master sergeants has not changed. Members holding a Chief Enlisted Manager or superintendent-level position are not eligible to enroll in CCAF subsequent degree programs unless they also had completed formal AFSC-related technical training in the specific AFSC for the subsequent degree program. Some CEM and superintendent-level AFSCs extend from multiple AFSCs that qualify for different CCAF degree programs and may not have been trained, qualified, or worked in. In these cases, the members serve primarily as workforce managers. To protect the academic integrity and value of the CCAF degree, it is not appropriate to graduate students who have not worked in (career progression) an AFSC, completed formal training for award of an AFSC, nor completed formal technical training within the AFSC designated for the degree program.
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Historic C-119 to be restored to Korean War-era state From Boxcar, page 1
Known for its fierce fighting and freezing weather, the Battle of Chosin Reservoir, Nov. 27 to Dec. 13, 1950, took place during the early stages of the Korean War. United Nations forces, comprised mainly of South Korean, American and British troops, had recently pushed the invading North Korean Army out of South Korean back north of the 38th parallel. Not stopping at the border, the UN forces continued pushing north to destroy any and all remnants of the North Korean Army. They soon approached North Korea’s border with China. This provoked China, a North Korean ally and fellow communist state, causing it to intervene in the war by sending hundreds-of-thousands of troops south to stop the advancing UN forces. “During the battle the Chinese blew the bridge up,” said Jon Andrews, AMC Museum board member. “This trapped all the United Nations forces.” The blocked evacuation route was between Koto-ri and Hungnam. Surrounded by more than 120,000 Chinese soldiers, the trapped 30,000 UN troops were running out of options. A decision was made to airdrop mobile bridge sections to these forces, with the hope that they could be used to rebuild the bridge, effectively giving them an escape route. Eight C-119s, operated by the 314th Troop Carrier Group out of Ashiya Air Base, Japan, gathered to complete this mission. Out of the eight bridge sections dropped by parachute, four were used to build a usable bridge. This opened up a way for retreating UN forces. Les Polley, AMC Museum aircraft restoration chief, was on the team that travelled to Edwards AFB to pick up the C-119. He is happy that this plane is coming to the museum. “It would have been sold for scrap metal,” he said. “A big piece of history would have been lost.” Work for the C-5M and 709th AS maybe over, but it has just started for Polley and his restoration crew. “We are going to go through a complete restoration on the airplane from the ground up,” said Polley.“ There’s a lot of corrosion, a lot of holes, a lot of missing parts. We will be scrounging all over the country looking for parts.”
An early photo of the 314th Troop Carrier Group’s Fairchild C-119B Flying Boxcar #48-352 operating from a base in South Korea in 1953. This is the exact C-119 that is being transported to the Air Mobility Command Museum at Dover Air Force Base, Delaware, for restoration and display. (Courtesy photo)
This C-119 served well past the Korean War. It ended its 17-year career with the 911th TCG at the Greater Pittsburgh International Airport in 1966. “We are going to restore it to what it looked like during the Korean War,” said Polley. “They had done a lot of modifications and upgrades after the war. We want it to look like it did back then, complete with nose art and everything.” Polley estimates that the whole restoration process will take a minimum of two years before for the C-119 is ready for display. “For the AMC Museum to have the opportunity to rescue and preserve this historic aircraft and to be able to restore it and tell the story of those that made its history, just does not get any better,” said Taylor. “The AMC Museum Restoration Team and I are honored to have been given this opportunity.” For additional information on the AMC Museum, please visit their website at www.amcmuseum.org or call (302) 677-
Loadmasters from the 709th Airlift Squadron pull portions of the Fairchild C-119B Flying Boxcar #48-0352 “Am Can Co Special” into the cargo bay of a C-5M Super Galaxy Dec. 19, 2016, at Edwards Air Force Base, California. This airlift mission was used as a training experience for the new loadmasters. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Zachary Cacicia)
Portions of the Fairchild C-119B Flying Boxcar #48-0352 “Am Can Co Special” sit inside a C-5M Super Galaxy’s cargo bay during a mission to bring it to the Air Mobility Command Museum Dec. 19, 2016, at Edwards Air Force Base, California. These aircraft portions weighed around 23,000 pounds. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Zachary Cacicia)
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This Week in Edwards Flight Test History On Jan. 2, 1968, two pilots assigned to Edwards escaped serious injury after they abandoned their F-111A some 25 miles southeast of the base due to an in-flight fire. They were the first aircrew to use the F-111’s emergency escape module. (History Office file photo)
Rachel Harley from Birmingham, Alabama, crosses the finish line Sept. 17, 2016, to become the winner of the 20th U.S. Air Force Marathon women’s full marathon division at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio. Registration for the 2017 race began Jan. 2. (U.S. Air Force file photo)
2017 AF Marathon sign ups From U.S. Air Force Marathon Office
Registration for 2017 Air Force Marathon is now open. Last year’s Air Force Marathon sold out in July 2016 and organizers anticipate selling out even faster in 2017. The featured aircraft for the event is still to be determined. The Air Force Marathon, presented by Northrop Grumman, USAA and Boeing, will be Sept. 16. The Sports & Fitness Expo is held at Wright State University’s Nutter Center and will be Sept. 14-15. The event will feature a gourmet pasta dinner and Breakfast of Champions Sept. 15. For more information about the race visit www.usafmarathon.com.
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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 Editor ......................................................... Kenji Thuloweit Contributors ................... Christopher Ball, Dawn Waldman To submit articles or upcoming events send an email to newsroom@edwards.af.mil