Travis Tailwind: Friday, April 7, 2023

Travis commemorates Operation Homecoming 50th anniversary PAGE 2

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Students explore the Solano County students tour Travis Air Force Base. PAGE 8

Travis commemorates Operation Homecoming 50th anniversary

2nd Lt. Casey Sturdivan

60TH AIR MOBILITY WING PUBLIC AFFAIRS

TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE —

Airmen from Travis AFB commemorated the 50th anniversary of Operation Homecoming March 30 through March 31.

Operation Homecoming took place at the conclusion of the Vietnam War, from Feb. 12 to April 4, 1973, and saw the repatriation of 591 American prisoners of war from Vietnam. 258 of these individuals passed through Travis AFB to return to their homes of record.

The operation in 1973 was executed in part by then Maj. Gen John Gonge, commander of the 22d Air Force. Gonge retired as a Lt. Gen. in 1977 and considered Operation Homecoming a major highlight in his career.

“They were just as dedicated, even though they’d been in a camp. Every one of them came to the door, stood, hit a brace and saluted the flag. And we welcomed them,” said Gonge. “If you ever felt like your heart was going to break, that’s the time it did. Tension was so great. The nice thing about it, you could have that kind of tension because you knew they were home.”

On March 30, Travis AFB hosted a warrior obstacle course

to highlight the resilience of the POWs. Service members and their families paid homage to the bravery Vietnam veterans while completing the challenge. The evening capped off with a social hour meet-and-greet, allowing former POWs a chance to socialize with current base and civic leaders.

“I think today is another opportunity for us to come together to reflect,” said Chief Master Sgt. Keith Scott, 60th Air Mobility Wing Command Chief. “When we reflect, it gives us an opportunity to figure out how we can rededicate ourselves to what so many others have done to pave the way.”

On March 31, the base hosted a series of events attended by former POWs, Vietnam veterans and members of Team Travis. To kick off the day’s events, the Travis passenger terminal was renamed the “Operation Homecoming Passenger Terminal” in an event presided over by Col. Derek Salmi, 60th AMW commander.

“Today we pause to reaffirm what a grateful nation affirmed fifty years ago,” said Salmi. “That Operation Homecoming was a time to celebrate heroes, the very best of America, and what this nation stands for.”

TRAVIS TAILWIND

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Heide Couch/U.S. Air Force

U.S. Air Force Col. Derek Salmi, 60th Air Mobility Wing commander, greets U.S. military veterans and family members during the terminal renaming and flight line monument marker dedication ceremony at Travis Air Force Base, March 31. The event was part of the 50th anniversary of Operation Homecoming commemoration to honor and celebrate American prisoners of returning from Vietnam in 1973.

After the ceremony, guests were escorted outside to unveil a commemorative plaque and temporary nose art depicting the Operation Homecoming anniversary

patch on a C-17 Globemaster III, a C-5M Super Galaxy and a KC-10 Extender. Additionally, the location on the flight line where the returning aircraft

Travis Tailwind is a publication produced by the Daily Republic. All rights reserved. Reproduction in any form, in whole or in part, without written permission, is prohibited. Content published in Travis Tailwind is not necessarily the official view of, nor is it endorsed by, the U.S. government, the Department of Defense or the Department of the Air Force. The appearance of advertising in the publication, including inserts or supplements, does not constitute an endorsement by the Department of Defense, the Department of the Air Force or the Daily Republic of the products or services advertised.

Those off base who wish to receive home delivery of Travis Tailwind may call 707-427-6975. For information on paid advertising, call 707-425-4646. Correspondence may be sent to: Travis Tailwind/Daily Republic, 1250 Texas St., Fairfield, CA 94533.

parked and the POWs took their first steps on American soil was marked with a dedicatory marker.

See 50TH Page 16

CONTENTS ON THE COVER

8 Cover story

10 Puzzle

12-13 Worship services

14 Classifieds

The 349th Air Mobility Wing Development and Training

Flight hosted students in the local school district for a tour of Travis Air Force Base, March 24. The goal of the tour was to generate interest in young people unfamiliar with the military. Tech. Sgt. Daniel Peterson/U.S. Air Force

Check wheels down one last time

Rossi D. Pedroza-Bertrand

349TH AIR MOBILITY WING

TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE — July 2023 will mark 43 years of service for the KC-10A Extender and its inaugural flight. The following year in 1981, the U.S. Air Force received delivery of this magnificent airframe at Barksdale Air Force Base, La.

In March of this year, the 70th Air Refueling Squadron filed a final flight plan for ORCA01, a KC10A Extender, known as 1951 by her crew. The reserve airmen were flying this awesome tanker to her final resting place at DavisMonthan Air Force Base, Ariz.

Senior Master Sgt. Michael Hinton, boom operator, 70th superintendent at Travis Air Force Base, has been flying here for 26 years. “She is one of the last to go, and it’s really sad,” said Hinton. “It used to be painted white and blue, and it carried distinguished visitors in it. Then came 1998 and now it has the gray paint scheme.”

The Air Force has operated a total of 59 KC-10A Extenders. It has been a key asset in mission readiness and with able success.

“Tail 91951 has been a test aircraft for over 40 years. She has been a great workhorse for the Air Force,” Hinton said.

McDonnell-Douglas designed the DC-10 for commercial use but modified the components to make the KC-10A Extender a highly capable refueler. The military version included military avionics, six additional tanks were added to support 356,000 pounds of fuel, and advanced satellite communications installed. A refueling boom or drogue-and-hose system can used to fuel aircraft in flight.

Master Sgt. Matthew Giles is a test boom operator with the 418th Flight Test Squadron at Edwards Air Force Base, Calif. “The test community is unique because we test airplanes across the Air Force,” said Giles. “Edwards does not own any KC-10s

to test with, so we must reach out to the reserve units and come down here to complete our mission, which is air-refueling certification for all receiver pairings.”

Giles said it is unique working with the reservists because the 418th FLTS also does not carry a complete qualified KC-10A crew. “We interlace ourselves with the pilots and engineers, and we will send a test pilot and test engineer,” said Giles. “It becomes a rainbow of mixed crews, so it is a win-win for both. We get to fly the KC-10 and complete our mission, plus work together with the reserve units to execute our air refueling mission.”

The working relationship between the 70th ARS and 418th FLTS gives the flight tests the capability of the warfighter so when they are called upon the Airmen are ready to execute the mission.

Building these relationships will continue as the 70th ARS moves to the new KC-46A Pegasus. The information flow, back and forth, will display data the refueling squadrons see operationally, and show the flight test squadron the developmental testing statistics.

“It has been a privilege to work with the reserve unit, fly on the only KC-10A test bird, and put her to bed for the last time,” said Giles.

The U.S. Air Force flying mission would come to a full stop without the support of refueling tankers. The new KC-46A Pegasus will need to aim higher to outperform its predecessor. Time and mission demands will determine facts.

Air refueling operation flight test personnel’s front line of information is to forge strong relationships with the pilots, flight engineers, and crews when the KC-46A arrives on station. “Once the squadrons get new airplanes, we will do a lot of KC-46A testing at Edwards. This is where we will get to see different things that may come up,” said Giles.

Lt.

on the overall experience of

flying the soon-to-be-retired aircraft.

“The final flight of 79-1951 was very special to me. It was also my

last mission with the 70th ARS and flying the KC-10 before I retire this year,” said Darrow. “I have flown the ‘10’ for 20 years and have been part of the squadron for 17 of those years. To fly the last mission of this amazing

Col. Judson Darrow, 349th Operations Group deputy commander at Travis AFB, commented

Dennis Santarinala/U.S. Air Force photos

The sun rises over the airfield welcoming a wonderful morning for flying Tail 79-1951 to Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, AZ. This will be the aircraft’s final destination.

Col. Lee Merkle, 349th Air Mobility Wing commander, is pictured with the KC-10A Extender known as 1951 before she flies out from Travis Air Force Base one final time.

Lt. Col. Judson Darrow, 349th Operations Group commander, in the cockpit of 79-1951 on the last departure for this KC-10A Extender and his own career.

Airman’s Manual quick reference cards available for unit purchase

U.S. Air Force Expeditionary Center Public Affairs Staff

USAFEC PUBLIC AFFAIRS

JOINT BASE McGUIRE-DIXLAKEHURST, N.J. — The U.S. Air Force Expeditionary Center released the latest version of AFTTP 3-4, Airman’s Manual in late 2022 and now the Quick Reference Cards are available in hard copy format via unit purchase.

The Airman’s Manual provides individual airmen with the basic tactics, techniques and procedures necessary to support Air Force warfighting roles while forging a warrior ethos and mindset. As the force shifts its force presentation model, airman readiness requires expeditionary skills to operate and survive in a combat environment.

With the combat environment in mind, the Airman’s Manual Quick Reference Cards provide information Airmen may need in the field to respond to common challenges. The main portion of AFTTP 3-4 contains long form explanations to support trainers. Attachment 2, the Quick Reference Cards, was developed to be easily printed in part or as a whole to support field operations.

“Whether used in parts or as a whole, the QRCs are meant to provide information at the point of need,” said Tech. Sgt. Patrick Joyner, USAFEC Combat Support Doctrine Manager. “The new distribution model is meant to provide units the ability to scope their needs and shifting mission requirements to get the information where they see fit, in a format that suits their needs.”

The full Airman’s Manual, to include the QRC (Attachment 2), is currently available on the Combat Support Doctrine Repository, by way of AF e-Publishing.

The USAFEC partnered with the Quick Series publishing company to provide units with a onestop solution to order full QRC booklets. Units can contact the company and complete a Government Purchase Card order to have a shipment in route within days. Quick Series is taking orders now, with their first print run of booklets arriving for distribution late February 2023.

“To generate the fighting force of the future, airmen will need information tools to reinforce their pre-deployment training. The flexibility of the manual allows a unit to tailor the QRCs to a specific mission or meet a commander’s desire to equip their airmen with the necessary tools to increase capability,” said Col. Joe Vanoni, USAFEC Director of Operations, Logistics, Plans and Analysis. “If a commander wants their airmen to have the full suite of checklists to enhance readiness throughout the pre-deployment training cycle, we now have an easy button.”

In addition to the ready-made solution, units are free to use the digital manual provided on the Combat Support Doctrine Repository to pare down the 110 checklists and visual aids to focus in on the information most impactful to their mission set.

“We do discourage mass stockpiling of printed QRCs,” Joyner said. “The Airman’s Manual re-enters formal review every two years, so massive stockpiles could become obsolete overnight. The multiple acquisition options are meant to enable units to purchase as needed, as opposed to needing multi-year supplies.”

HOLY WEEK

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April 2nd Palm Sunday @ 10:15 AM

Chancel Choir Cantata “The Living Last Supper”

April 6th Maundy Thursday @ 7:00 PM, Communion served

April 7th Good Friday @ 12:00 PM

April 8th Easter Egg Hunt @ 11:00 AM

April 9th Easter Sunday Worship @ 6:30 AM, 10:15 AM Worship services, except for Easter Sunrise Service, will be live streamed at YouTube Channel CUMC Fairfield

EVERYONE IS WELCOME HERE AT CUMC!

A Taste of Home at The Peak

U.S. airmen eat dinner during “Taste of Home” at The Peak at Travis Air Force Base, March 29. “Taste of Home” is a free home-cooked meal served by different sponsors every Wednesday from 1730-1830.

ABOVE: U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Cedrick Fludd, right, 60th Logistics Readiness Squadron materiel management specialist, serves coffee during “Taste of Home” at The Peak at Travis Air Force Base, March 29.

RIGHT: U.S. Air Force Col. Steven Richardson, right, 60th Air Mobility Wing chaplain, serves food during “Taste of Home.”

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Eat some greens, save some green with Salad Wednesdays at Travis Base Exchange

Army & Air Force Exchange Service Public Affairs

TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE —

The Travis BX is making it easier to eat healthy for less with Salad Wednesdays.

Travis diners save $2 off any salad priced $4 or more at participating Exchange and Express locations. Military Star cardholders can stack the savings to receive an additional 10% off their purchase when using their card. Anyone – including visitors – can dine at Exchange restaurants and enjoy the Salad Wednesday savings.

“The Exchange is dedicated to making better-for-you options readily accessible at affordable prices in our military community,” said Travis BX General Manager Cathie Byrns. “Salad Wednesdays show the Exchange’s commitment to the BE FIT lifestyle, providing

warfighters and their families with better-for-you meals and snacks that help them live well.”

Salad Wednesday is a military-exclusive deal that supports the Exchange’s BE FIT initiative to empower military shoppers to make healthy lifestyle choices.

Visit ShopMyExchange.com/ befit for more information on nutrition, fitness and better-for-you options at the Exchange. To apply for a Military Star card, visit MyECP.com.

U.S. Air Force photo The

Solano County students tour Travis Air Force Base

Tech. Sgt. Daniel Peterson 349TH AIR MOBILITY WING

TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE —

The 349th Air Mobility Wing Development and Training Flight hosted students from the local school district for a tour of Travis Air Force Base on March 24. The D&TF program is designed to guide newly enlisted airmen and assist them in the development of skills in preparation for basic military training. Concepts such as drill, reporting statements, rank structure, and readiness requirements are among the items the program focuses on.

“Besides their recruiter, we’re that first military face they see prior to going to BMT,” said Master Sgt. Jessica Cramer, 349th AMW D&TF coordinator. “They all come back and tell us how

much the program has helped them, and that it was a jumpstart to their Air Force career attending the development and training flight.”

This tour, in association with the Education to Employment program, was the first of its kind. Susan Labrecque, senior director, resource development, and transition and post-secondary options at Solano County Office of Education, reached out to Cramer to plan a tour for 16 of her students. The E2E program introduces students, who have been out of school or at risk of dropping out, to various opportunities such as employment activities, robotics, construction, diverse trade classes, and a glimpse of military life.

“We’re trying to expose them to different things, so they make

good choices to have a good future ahead of them,” said Labrecque. “This is an opportunity to give these kids a better perspective of the military so that they can make this a possible option.”

Labrecque and her team identified a group of students they thought would benefit from the program and what the military has to offer. The primary goal of the tour was to generate interest in young people unfamiliar with the military and give them a broad look at the Air Force.

The students were welcomed by Staff Sgt. Steve Kwak, a recruiter with the 349th AMW, who gave an introductory brief and answered their questions about enlisting. The group visited base facilities, including the dormitories, to experience living on a

See TOUR Page 15

Tech. Sgt. Daniel Peterson/U.S. Air Force

The 349th Air Mobility Wing Development and Training Flight hosted students in the local school district for a tour of Travis Air Force Base, March 24. The primary goal of the tour was to generate interest in young people unfamiliar with the military and give them a broad look at the Air Force.

Air Force leadership center makes it easier for civilians to enroll in degree program

Phil Berube AIR UNIVERSITY PUBLIC AFFAIRS

MAXWELL AIR FORCE BASE, Ala. (AFNS) — The Air Force’s leadership development center has made it much easier for the service’s civilians to apply for its associate degree program.

The Ira C. Eaker Center for Leadership Development Civilian Leadership Development School has transitioned to yearround open enrollment for its associate of applied science in Department of the Air Force Leadership and Management Studies program.Previously, civilians had to apply during the civilian developmental education call’s window, a two-month period at the start of each calendar year. After the window closed,

the Air Force Personnel Center reviewed and processed the applications.Now, Department of the Air Force civilians don’t have to wait for an open window to apply. They can apply at any time directly to the Civilian Leadership Development School’s admissions department. Applying directly to the school also means students can start taking classes within four weeks of their acceptance into the program.

Realizing a high volume of civilians were interested in the program, offering open enrollment to reduce the wait time is the school’s ultimate goal.

We are excited to afford eligible civilians the opportunity to apply to the program at any time,” said Dr. Demetra Anderson, chief of student services for

the Civilian Leadership Development School, which administers the degree program’s admission process. “Open enrollment grants applicants easy access to the program and mitigates the wait time for them to know if they were accepted to the program.

Once applicants submit the required documents, their application is processed within seven to 10 business days.

Additionally, open enrollment allows applicants to work directly with the Civilian Associate Degree Program admission team’s student support personnel when applying to the program. The addition of the student admissions office aligns the application process with that of other civilian schools, Anderson said.

Craig Smith, a civilian employee at the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center participates in the Air Force Squadron Officer School, one of a number of opportunities for professional development in the Air Force Civilian Developmental Education portfolio.

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Reserve Command announces $10K bonus for prior-service enlisted airmen

Pilch

three-year service commitment.

incentive bonus aligns with helping to achieve this balance and helping the reserve meet its annual recruiting goal and overall end-strength.

ROBINS AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. (AFNS) — To remain competitive in a tight labor market and retain valuable talent, Air Force Reserve Command is offering a $10,000 incentive bonus to fully qualified, prior-service enlisted airmen who sign up to fill open positions and agree to a

One of several incentives available to those who join the Air Force Reserve, this particular program opens a wider aperture for recruiters to capture qualified airmen separating from the active-duty Air Force.

“The Air Force Reserve affiliation incentive is a clear demonstration of how we value those who continue to serve and are ‘ready for more,’” said Brig. Gen.

Lisa M. Craig, Air Force Recruiting Service deputy commander.

“Ready for more time with family, work-life balance, community involvement, educational goals and connections. At the same time, we get to retain the knowledge and experience of that prior-service Airman.”

Historically, the Air Force Reserve has targeted a recruiting mix of 70% prior-service and 30% non-prior-service members. This

“This bonus is one of many policies and incentive adjustments to help the Air Force Reserve ensure we can recruit the quality airmen we need to safeguard our combat readiness,” said Maj. Gen. Ed Thomas, AFRS commander. “The move is also important to encourage our airmen separating from active service to ‘stay blue’ and continue to use their skills and training for the nation as part of the reserve.”

As recruiting continues to be

a challenge across all services, the Air Force Reserve missed last year’s goal of 8,200 by nearly 2,000 accessions. Providing an incentivized opportunity for fully-qualified enlisted prior-service members or Inactive Ready Reserve members to transition to the Reserve Component is one tool to help close the gap in reaching this year’s goal of 9,300 accessions.

“In order to compete with the private sector and other military services in appealing to and retaining qualified talent, we need to have all available resources at our disposal,” said Col. Ephod

See BONUS Page 15

Master Sgt. Bobby

367TH RECRUITING GROUP, AIR FORCE

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aircraft with a great crew from throughout the KC-10 community was a perfect ending to my Air Force career.”

Ironically, July 2023 is the expected arrival month for the KC-46A Pegasus, and the last KC10A Extender will be retired in September 2024.

Hinton said, “I have been flying on this aircraft for a long time. But it’s good to have closure as the new planes come in, so we can train and be ready now and learn new capabilities.”

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Dennis Santarinala/U.S. Air Force

Travis Air Force Base, one of two AFB’s that operate the plane, will fly its last KC-10A in September 2024.

military base. Afterwards, the students were taken to the flight line to see a KC-10A Extender up close, look out the cockpit windows, and sit in the boom pod. The final stop included the Monarch Dining Facility for chow.

“The flight line was such a huge hit. Some of these kids have never been on an aircraft before,” Cramer said. “So, this is the first aircraft that they have ever been on, which is a really cool story to go back and tell their families about.”

Most students reacted positively to the day’s events, from admiring the KC-10A to loading up their plates at the DFAC.

Bonus

From Page 11

Shang, 367th Recruiting Group commander and director of AFRC Recruiting. “The Air Force Reserve is such an attractive option to continue to fulfill one’s desire to serve and maintain some very tangible benefits, all while performing on a part-time basis. I highly encourage individuals separating from the active

duty to engage with a recruiter to learn more about what additional benefits and incentives they may qualify for.”

Active-duty and IRR Airmen interested in joining the reserve should contact a recruiter using the Aim High app, visit AFReserve.com or call 800-257-1212 to learn more about this and many other opportunities to serve in the Air Force Reserve.

Several students reached out to our recruiter for further information.

“It’s been a really cool experience. I loved getting to see all the planes,” said Jesse Neal, a 17-year-old student with plans to enlist. “Just seeing how everything works on base and how everything comes together, makes me want to join the military way more.”

The D&TF hopes to make this a regular event in cooperation with the local school district.

“This was the first year we’ve done something like this, and it probably won’t be the last,” Cramer said. “I think if we develop it and come up with more ideas, as far as what to showcase to these kids, it will be more of an eye opener for them on what the military can provide.”

Capt. Casey Staheli/U.S. Air Force Basic Airborne Course students conduct an airborne jump July 14, 2015 at Fryar Field drop zone in at Fort Benning, Ga. July 13, 2015.

Tech. Sgt. Daniel Peterson/U.S. Air Force photos

The 349th Air Mobility Wing Development and Training Flight hosted students in the local school district for a tour of Travis Air Force Base, March 24. The primary goal of the tour was to generate interest in young people unfamiliar with the military and give them a broad look at the Air Force.

The 349th Air Mobility Wing Development and Training Flight hosted students in the local school district for a tour of Travis Air Force Base, March 24.

From Page 2

Guests then transitioned to the Travis Aviation Heritage Center to tour relics from the Vietnam War and hear from the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency.

Members of Team Travis were invited to attend an afternoon event with keynote speaker retired U.S. Navy Capt. Charlie Plumb, fighter pilot and former Vietnam POW, who was held captive for 2,103 days.

“You have to be strong; you have to have courage. This POW stuff is not for the faint of heart,” said Plumb. “Return with honor. Every decision you make has to be filtered through those three words.”

After Plumb’s speech, the audience had the opportunity to ask questions to a roundtable of four Vietnam veterans. Members included three former POWs: Capt. Plumb, retired U.S. Navy Cmdr.; Bill Tschudy, naval flight officer; and retired U.S. Air Force Maj Lynn Beens, pilot. Also included was retired U.S. Air Force Capt. Don Wyllie, pilot of one of the C-141 Starlifters that transported POWs home to the U.S.

O

peration

Homecoming marked the official termination of U.S. involvement in the Vietnam War. For more information about the commemoration events, visit https://www.travis.af.mil/ Information/Operation-Homecoming/

Heide Couch/U.S. Air Force Retired U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. John Gonge, is escorted out to the flight line during the terminal renaming and flight line monument marker dedication ceremony at Travis Air Force Base, March 31.