Public Affairs, Volume 64, Number 2
Jan. 13, 2017
New fire suppression system test drastically cuts cost
By Kenji Thuloweit 412th Test Wing Public Affairs
Members of the F-35 Integrated Test Force developed a new funnel system that captures the foam or water deluge during required hangar fire-suppression system tests saving $79,750 and several days of delay, which can be critically important for test programs. The new funnel system was tested by members from the Edwards Air Force Base Fire Department and 461st Flight Test Squadron when they conducted fire suppression system tests Jan. 7-8 at Hangar 1820. To protect workers and multimillion dollar airplanes, such as the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter, tests need to be conducted periodically to ensure hangar fire suppression systems are working properly and can be activated and deactivated. In the past, planes and equipment needed to be moved out of hangars while remaining equipment was covered in plastic to protect the equipment from either the fire-fighting foam or water that would be dumped into the hangar. After all that, the cleanup effort began. “It was estimated that the time required to accomplish the required activities would be four days,” said Steve Bridgers, JT3, Joint Strike Fighter Facilities Engineering. “The original task was to cover all electrical panels, dock boxes and computers. This activity would involve the early shut down of flight testing and removal of all planes from the hangars. Impacts to the flight schedules were impossible to avoid for the fire suppression test.”
Containment pools (bottom right) were built with wood framing and plastic sheets to aid water collection during the test. This is a different approach from previous tests where water or fire-fighting foam was released into the hangar after all equipment was manually covered up with plastic. (U.S. Air Force photo by Kenji Thuloweit)
Bridgers was one of the JSF Integrated Test Force site support personnel who submitted a proposal that would save “an enormous amount of labor hours.” Their solution was to fabricate a funnel hose assembly to capture the water and funnel it down to the floor to containment pools. Hangar 1820 has multiple fire suppression foam generators that needed a funnel because once the fire suppression system is activated in the eastside or the west side, all foam generators are activated for that hangar. Makeshift containment pools were also needed underneath each See Funnels, page 3
Pirates take title at 4th Quarter Weapons Load Competition
The team competed against Team Raptor of the 411th Aircraft Maintenance Unit; Team Lightning of the 461st Aircraft Maintenance Unit; and the 416th Aircraft Maintenance Unit Falcons. The competition took place on the north side of Hangar 1600. The teams were graded on their procedures and precision while loading a GBU Joint Direct Attack Munition on their assigned fighter jets. The Pirates and the 461st AMU team loaded the guided bomb into the internal weapons bay of an F-35 Joint Strike Fighter. The 411th AMU team loaded a GBU-32 into an F-22 Raptor and the Falcon team loaded a GBU- 31v3 onto the wing of an F-16 Fighting Falcon. The winning 31st TES AMU team consists of Staff Sgt. MiThe Pirates of the 31st Test and Evaluation Squadron won the 4th Quarter Weapchael Hartley, team chief, Staff Sgt. Jocquis Beasley and Seons Load Competition Jan. 3. (U.S. Air Force photo by Kyle Larson) nior Airman Enrique Melgarejo. By Kenji Thuloweit The load crew competition showcased the efficiency of load 412th Test Wing Public Affairs crew teams to safely and properly arm a fighter jet within time The 31st Test and Evaluation Squadron Aircraft Mainte- constraints. The ability to quickly and safely load an aircraft nance Unit Pirates are the winners of the 4th Quarter Weapons See Competition, page 2 Load Competition held Jan. 3.
2
Desert Wings
www.edwards.af.mil
Jan. 13, 2017
www.facebook.com/EdwardsAirForceBase
Safety: Smoking-related fires 100 percent preventable From Timothy Johnson Edwards Air Force Base Fire Department
For many years now, cigarette smoking has been prohibited in Air Force buildings. Although using organizations have a responsibility of providing an adequate number of ashtrays/ ash receptacles for every authorized smoking area, proper disposal of smoking material must start with the smoker, ensuring that a cigarette is put out, all the way, every time. Smoking material may only be disposed of in approved containers specifically designed for smoking material. Waste, trash or any other combustible materials is never permitted to be placed in ashtrays or other approved receptacles. Facility managers must ensure designated tobacco use areas are inspected frequently to ensure containers for disposal of smoking material are emptied frequently, ensuring containers are completely saturated with water prior to disposal in outside waste dumpsters. Flammable materials should not be allowed to accumulate in the area. Man-made rubbish and natural sources like excess vegetation, fallen leaves and pine needles should be cleared from the area regularly. Never throw smoking materials out of a car window. Always use your car’s ashtray and make sure that all cigarette butts are completely out before throwing them into the trash. As a reminder, all discarded material thrown from a vehicle is considered littering - even cigarette butts. In the event a smoking-related fire begins it is important to remember the following steps: • Remain calm • Call the fire department via 911, or 277-4540 from a cell phone • Answer all the emergency operator’s questions • Proceed to a safe area away from the fire • Give pertinent information to first arriving firefighters
(U.S. Air Force photo by Kenji Thuloweit)
• Inform your supervisor of your well-being as well as accounting for your co-workers. Only attempt to extinguish the fire yourself after all other steps are performed and you have been properly trained in the use of portable fire extinguishing equipment. Fires that have already spread away from where they originally began cannot be extinguished with hand-held extinguishers; you must ensure professional firefighters are called in! Smoking-related fires are 100 percent preventable when the proper steps are taken to safely maintain tobacco use areas and completely extinguish cigarettes and other smoking materials correctly. As always, if people are looking for help quitting smoking, tobacco cessation classes are available at 412th Aerospace Medicine Health Promotions. Eugene McClelland is the manager and can be reached at 277-9427.
From Competition, page 1
with munitions is integral to provide combat-ready jets to combatant commanders. The competition tested the Airmen with a uniform inspection, tool box inspection, a written test on loading operations and safety, and their skill to load munitions in a safe and timely manner.
Members of the 411th Aircraft Maintenance Unit load a GBU-32 with a jammer into an F-22 Raptor’s internal weapons bay Jan. 3. (U.S. Air Force photo by Kyle Larson)
A member of the 461st Aircraft Maintenance Unit Lightning transports a GBU31v3 to their assigned F-35 Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter during the 4th Quarter Weapons Load Competition held Jan. 3 at Hangar 1600. The quarterly competition was won by the 31st Test and Evaluation Squadron Aircraft Maintenance Unit Pirates. The teams showcased how to safely and properly arm a jet within time contraints. (U.S. Air Force photo by Kyle Larson)
Desert Wings insert
www.edwards.af.mil
Announcements
Jan. 13, 2017
www.facebook.com/EdwardsAirForceBase
412th Force Support Squadron upcoming events Aero Club
275-AERO Learn to Fly as the sky is the limit at the Edwards AFB Aero Club. Experience the thrill of piloting an aircraft. Your local Aero Club provides many stages of flight training, from your first introductory flight through solo, then on to private, commercial, and instructors’ ratings. The choice is yours. Whether your aim is recreational or a career path, your Aero Club will train you to the highest standard with safety always foremost. .
Airman and Family Readiness
277-0723 Pre-Separation Counseling is Wednesday, 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. Key Spouse Program Orientation is Thursday, 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Newly appointed Key Spouses must attend this orientation to complete the process of becoming a Key Spouse. The orientation covers roles, duties, base resources, suicide prevention and sexual assault prevention training. Hearts Apart is Thursday, 5 p.m.-7 p.m. Our monthly event for families of service members who are deployed, on an extended TDY or on a remote tour assignment. Join us for dinner and fun activities! Department of Labor Transition Assistance Program is Jan. 23-27, 7:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. The 5-day TAP workshop is required for all separating and retiring military members; spouses are welcome and encouraged to attend. Women’s, Infants’ & Children’s Clinic is Monday, Jan. 23, 9:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Open for both walk-ins and appointments, closed for lunch noon-1 p.m. For an appointment or voucher information, call toll free 866-327-3074. Plan My Move is Jan. 25, 2 p.m.-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.
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 six 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! Smog Checks - Auto Hobby has a certified
Smog Technician available Tuesday-Saturday, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. No appointment is required! Basic vehicle maintenance class is Saturdays at 10 a.m. Participants will learn the basics of good vehicle maintenance. Learn how to operate a lift, change your oil, and check and balance your tires. Call the Auto Hobby Shop at 275AUTO (2887) for more information. Automotive detailer wanted - The Edwards AFB Car Wash is looking for an automotive detailer. Call Auto Hobby for more information. Towing service available through Auto Hobby Tuesday-Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Towing is available on-base and off-base. Call Auto Hobby for more information/prices. Oil changes and alignments are offered at very competitive prices as well as services in mounting and balancing. No tax or waste fees. Come visit Auto Hobby at Bldg. 2440 or please call 275-AUTO (2886). Wood Shop is available Tuesday through Saturday, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. For the wood working hobbyist, the Arts and Crafts Center provides a variety of equipment that includes band saws, table saws, a drill press and much more. A safety course is required to use the Wood Shop.
Club Muroc
275-CLUB Kids Klub is Tuesday, 5-7 p.m. Games, prizes, complimentary kids meal (12 and under). Adults must supervise their children. Club members only. Bar Trivia is Thursday, 6-8 p.m. at Fogleman’s Lounge $50 FSS gift card to first place team and $25 for second place team. 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 three hours, 20 kids, and use of the projector for movies.
For more information about 412th FSS offerings, visit www.edwardsfss.com/wordpress 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! For more information, please call 275-2665. Free Online Services: Zinio: digital magazines; Overdrive: electronic books, downloadable audiobooks and videos Transparent Language Online: language learning center; Ebsco Host Database: magazine and journal articles, reference books and audiobooks; Gale Group Database: National Geographic digital edition, reference books, magazine and journal articles. (See next page)
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 and 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
Navaeh is a sweet quiet cat that would be the ideal fit for someone with older children or no children, as she prefers a quieter home. She has a beautiful coat and enjoys being petted. Navaeh is spayed, vaccinated and microchipped, and has tested negative for FIV/FELV. She is searching for a forever home to call her own! Call APET now!
Adopt me!
661-258-9525
Desert Wings insert
www.edwards.af.mil Library (cont.) At the Library - Available for a loan period of two weeks; each item may be renewed at the library only, if there are no pending requests by other customers: Books, books and CD sets, MP3 (Playaway), Rosetta Stone CD-ROM (Spanish and Russian only) New items on Tuesdays - Be the first one to borrow new released books, DVDs, Blu-Ray, TV series, books on CD and more. We invite you to sign up for the Information Awareness Program, to receive a weekly email containing the complete list of new items. Call or email the library for more information. Universal Class now available - Get access to Universal Class today! This program offers over 500 online courses on a wide range of subjects/levels, available 24/7, instructor led and self-paced. Universal Class courses are informational and designed to enhance student knowledge, increase skills and stimulate interest in a subject. Visit the Library for more information. New resources in the children’s section are Playaway View - the first all-in-one video player of its kind, pre-loaded with multiple videos of the best educational programming, now available at your Main Library - try it out and select- titles such as Math, Exploring Space, U.S. History and more.
Oasis Community Center
275-CNTR 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.
Rod and Gun Club
275-CAMP “Big 50” Thursdays - The “Big 50” is an ATA Registered shoot in which each participant shoots 50 single targets, 50 double targets and 50 targets from their handicapped position. Call or visit the Rod and Gun Club at 210 Adams Way off of Rosamond Blvd. for more information.
Youth Sports
277-8961 Start Smart Basketball for ages 3 and 4 begin Wednesday. Classes are every Wednesday for six 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, Tuesday-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
Announcements 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!
Family Child Care 275-4322 Unlicensed Child Care - Air Force Instruction 34-276, Family Child Care Programs, requires individuals in family housing (military or privatized) who provide child care in their home for more than 10 child care hours per week to be a licensed provider. A child care hour is the number of hours times the number of children in care. If unlicensed does not stop, the base commander can revoke your privilege of living in base housing. If you need FCC services ensure the provider is licensed. Each approved home, will have a license hanging in the home
Jan. 13, 2017
www.facebook.com/EdwardsAirForceBase and a sign on the outside of the home. Family Child Care is seeking dedicated people who love working with children! If you live on-base and want to care for children in your home or you are a military dependent and live off-base, you may be eligible to be a licensed or affiliated provider! Make a positive difference in the lives of children! Most materials and training are provided free of charge! Extended Duty Care is offered to assist parents who need additional child care beyond their normal arrangements due to mission-related requirements. Children must already be enrolled in the Child Development Center, the School Age Program or the Family Child Care Program to qualify. To enroll in this FREE Extended Duty Program or for more information, please contact the Family Child Care office. PCS Care is a program offered by Air Force Aid Society offering 20 hours of free child care during your PCS in or out of Edwards! The Benefits of Being a Family Child Care Provider - Being able to work out of your home, working while caring for your own children, being in charge of your own business, doing work that you love, setting your own hours and free training! If you are interested in becoming an FCC licensed provider, contact the FCC Office at 275-4322. We need providers to offer alternate hours to accommodate evening, swing and weekend duty hours. We are looking for providers to offer care for children with special needs including asthma, allergies, and other physical impairments. We are also looking for providers to offer Extended Duty Care! Returning Home Care is an authorized 16 hours of hourly care within 30 days of a member’s return from deployment. Call Family
412th Security Forces Squadron issues speeding citations
The 412th Security Forces Squadron issued four speeding citations and processed one driving suspension from Jan. 2 through Jan. 8.
Citations issued
1 to 10 mph.................................................0 11 to 15 mph................................................2 16 to 20 mph...............................................1 21 to 24 mph...............................................1 25+ mph......................................................0
Driving privilege suspensions (current)
15 days........................................................2 30 days........................................................1 45 days........................................................0 90 days........................................................4 180 days (six months).................................1 365 days (one year).................................. 11 730 days (two years)...................................0 1,095 days (three years).............................0
Per AFI 31-218 and EAFBI 31-218, a DD Form 1408 Armed Forces traffic tickets (no-fine) are issued to military members. Military members receiving 1408s are subject to Uniform Code of Military Justice action. A U.S. District Court Violation Notice (USDCVN) (a fine) is issued to all civilians, dependents and retirees. If issued a USDCVN, violators may be required to be present at Magistrate Court in Bakersfield, California, receive traffic violation points against their state-issued driver’s license and potentially receive suspension of on-base driving privileges.
3
Desert Wings
Jan. 13, 2017
www.edwards.af.mil
www.facebook.com/EdwardsAirForceBase
New fire suppression test could save money for AF From Funnels, page 1 funnel to capture the 200-plus gallons of water that would be captured. Water is an acceptable and economic way of testing the foam generators. “A prototype funnel was created last year and the fire department tested it (on the flightline) by spraying 150 gallons per minute of water down the funnel at the height of 35 feet, which simulated the height of the hangar. The funnel performed flawlessly and permission was given to purchase 10 funnels and provide them with a window to view the flow of water during the test as desired by the fire department,” said Bridgers. The Edwards Fire Department inspected the mounting on the funnels to ensure the windows in the funnels were adequate to see the water flow. After the inspection, the fire department was impressed with the prototype testing and approved the new method for capturing the water, according to Bridgers. The fire suppression test for Hangar 1820’s eastside was on Saturday and the west side on Sunday. What could have taken four days to complete, took about one day. After the fire department gave the go ahead, the fire suppression system was activated sending water down the funnels for about two minutes total. Other than a couple of leaky containment pools that required some mops, the test went as planned and a contractor crew came into extract the water from the ponds with a hose and a tanker truck. “It was really a complete success,”
Red plastic funnels were affixed to 10 fire suppression foam dispensers in Hangar 1820’s west side to conduct a test of the fire suppression system Jan. 8. Base civil engineers and the Edwards Air Force Base Fire Department used water to test the dispensers, which funneled down to a makeshift containment pool. Using this new funnel test system saved the base $79,750 according to the testers. (U.S. Air Force photo by Kenji Thuloweit)
said Mary Parker, JSF ITF Logistics deputy. “We learned a couple things attaching the funnels during Saturday’s test in Hangar 1820’s eastside, so we were ahead of schedule for the west side’s test on Sunday.” The tests at Edwards could possibly pave the way as a cost and time-saving procedure for the rest of the Air Force. As with flight test data, Bridgers hopes the official results of this new system will be passed up through Air Force channels so other bases can possibly use it.
The usual method of testing fire suppression systems in hangars requires deploying fire-fighting foam or water to the floor such as this test at Hangar 1210 at Edwards in 2013. (U.S. Air Force photo by Jet Fabara)
“This method of testing the fire suppression system resulted in labor savings of relocating equipment, computers and covering all electrical, mezzanine’s and dock boxes. Total cost to support the fire suppression system with the standard approach, with all resources to remove and cover the entire hangar, is $88,700. The cost for the site support team needed to hang fire suppression funnels for each hangar was a total of $8,950; total labor savings is $79,750.” “The major savings to the F-35 Program was the fact that we were able to conduct the test for the fire suppression system without canceling any flight test sorties,” said Parker. “Plus, the amount of cleanup was reduced to sucking the water from the containment pools, rather than mopping-up an entire hangar – cleanup was accomplished in a little over one hour [versus] multiple hours.” Bridgers added that the ITF’s JT3 Facilities Team is commended for pulling together to install and remove the funnels; adjust the funnels to accommodate the fall-restraint system adjacent to the diffusers; assist with monitoring and adjusting the end of the funnels into the containment pools; and cleaning up the residual water after the contractor had emptied the containment pools.
4
Desert Wings
Jan. 13, 2017
www.edwards.af.mil
www.facebook.com/EdwardsAirForceBase
This Week in Edwards Flight Test History On Jan. 11, 1941, the Army Air Corps announced that radio control of robot airplanes, from the ground or from another aircraft, had been tested successfully. (History Office file photo)
Help tell the Edwards story
Edwards Air Force Base is world-famous in the flight test world. From the XP-59 Airacomet, the first military jet fighter in the United States, to the F-22 Raptor and the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter, virtually every aircraft in the U.S. Air Force inventory has been tested in the skies over Edwards. But flight testing is just one facet of Edwards Air Force Base. Community events, heroic acts, and exceptional and inspirational people here are just a few among many examples of stories that warrant telling. Telling these stories is the job of the 412th Test Wing Public Affairs team, but they can’t do it all without help. Members of the Edwards community are encouraged to submit story ideas or personally written articles to newsroom@edwards. af.mil. To inform and entertain our audiences, both locally and globally, the team is also looking for volunteer writers to help tell the Edwards story. Writers do not have to be attached to specific units or agencies, they must only have knowledge of a story and the desire to tell it. Basic journalistic instruction can be provided for those interested. For more information, call 277-4764.
Follow EAFB online
EdwardsAirForceBase
EdwardsAirForceBase
To start receiving Edwards Alerts text messages on your phone, text “Follow EAFBAlerts” to 40404
@EdwardsAFB
@EdwardsAirForceBase
http://issuu.com/desertwings/docs/current
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