'Tanks' a lot, Mr. Prez

WASHINGTON – Tanks rumbled down Pennsylvania Avenue for Dwight Eisenhower's inaugural parade in 1953. John F. Kennedy deployed them eight years later – as well as missiles. Even a 1939 visit by England's King George VI prompted a splashy display of armored hardware rolling through the nation's capital. Military parades date to the Civil War era. President Donald Trump's demand that tanks be part of his "Salute to America" on the National Mall to celebrate the 4th of July has prompted critics, including Democratic presidential candidate Pete Buttigieg, to call it a jingoistic display befitting a despot. But tanks have long been a part of national moments of celebration in Washington, although mainly associated with presidential inaugurations and military victory parades. The last ones thundered through the nation's capital in 1991 when the nation commemorated victories over Iraq. (Source: USA TODAY 07/03/19)

Sailor home after fatal crash

BATON ROUGE, La. – On the eve of the nation’s July 4th holiday, the remains of a Louisiana native and Navy aviation boatswain mate is returning home for burial 18 months after fatal crash. Louisiana high school valedictorian Matthew Chialastri was serving aboard the carrier USS Ronald Reagan when the C-2A logistics aircraft he was in, along with nine other crew and passengers, crashed into the Philippine Sea on Nov. 22, 2017. Seven survived. Chialastri, pilot Lt. Steven Combs, and Airman Apprentice Bryan Grosso did not. It took a record-setting deep-sea salvage mission 18 months to recover the victims' bodies in 18,500 feet and required, at the time, the deepest recovery attempt ever of an aircraft. The Navy had to call in an additional salvage team from Washington, D.C., to aid in the recovery, according to USNI News. Chialastri's dad, Phillip, said he was told in May that the remains of the trio had been recovered. Early July 2, Phillip and his wife traveled to New Orleans to greet their son's remains at Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport. Phillip said his emotions were mixed: Relieved his son had been found, but sadden about such an immense loss. "They're bringing him home," Phillip said as he traveled to New Orleans. (Source: The Advocate 07/03/19)

Eglin AFB has a new boss

EGLIN AFB, Fla. - The 96th Test Wing welcomed its new commander during a change of command ceremony at Eglin AFB on July 2. Brig. Gen. Scott Cain accepted the wing guidon from out-going commander, Brig. Gen. Evan Dertien. A command pilot with more than 2,800 flight hours, BG Cain is no stranger to the wing’s mission. From June 2010 to July 2012, the 24-year veteran served as Eglin’s 40th Flight Test Squadron commander. Dertien is moving to Wright-Patterson (Ohio) AFB to become director of the Air Force Material Command’s Air Space and Cyberspace Operations. (Source: Eglin AFB 07/03/19)

DoD: Parts producers disappearing

Suppliers of parts critical to the design and manufacture of next-generation combat aircraft are withering away because of the lack of consistent work to keep them in business, according to the May 2019 Industrial Capabilities report on the industrial base. The report warns follow up on a study from last fall that sounded an alarm that domestic producers of some defense-critical products are next to zero, compelling America to rely on foreign suppliers. The Defense Department has suggested several steps that may make a difference in preserving capacity in some key sectors, including laws to rein in counterfeit parts and lifting restrictions on exports. The May report required by Congress – but only released in mid-June - finds that current modernization programs don’t “provide enough opportunities to maintain skills to dominate major design and next-generation development work.” The report says that a coming fivre-to-seven year lull in designing new combat aircraft will greatly worsen the problem, which will be further exacerbated by a coming wave of specialized aerospace worker retirements, and lead to “a shortage of critical design capabilities,” the Pentagon warned. … And it’s not just the Big 6 defense contractors. (Source: Air Force Magazine 06/28/19)

Draft EA to replace TH-57, system

The Navy has completed and released to the public a Draft Environmental Assessment (DEA) for the replacement of the TH-57 training helicopter system with the Advanced Helicopter Training System (AHTS) at Naval Air Station Whiting Field, Fla. The Navy proposes to modernize its rotary-wing and tilt-rotor pilot training program at Commander Training Air Wing (CTW) 5 at NASWF, and its helicopter training Navy Outlying Landing Fields. AHTS would involve the replacement of the TH-57s, replacement of existing simulators, an increase in operational training tempo, changes in operational tactics based on a new curriculum, construction of supporting facilities, and an increase in personnel. The purpose of the proposed action is to address the capability and capacity gaps of the aging TH-57 helicopter training system within CTW-5. AHTS would provide a more capable, reliable helicopter and training system. The proposed AHTS would meet the advanced helicopter and intermediate tilt-rotor training requirements through 2050. Interested parties may view a copy of the DEA at the website www.nepa.navy.mil/ahts or at local libraries in NW Florida. (Source: North Escambia 06/28/19)

First VR for airfield mgmt students

KEESLER AFB, Miss. - The 334th Training Squadron (TRS) incorporated the first virtual reality “hands-on” training for Airfield Management students throughout the Air Force here on June 28. “Innovation and the continuum of learning has always been a priority of AETC (Air Education and Training Command0 to make our Airmen more effective and efficient,” said Chief Master Sgt. Paul Portugal, Airfield Management career field manager at the Pentagon. The simulation includes an airfield setting that allows students to practice their job as if they were operational. “The VR technology gives our students a visual representation of airfield hazards that can be unsafe,” said Portugal. “They don’t need to imagine it, they can visualize cranes, trees or other things that can affect flight safety,” he continued. “The technological jump that we are making in how we create more efficient and effective Airmen is the biggest part of this,” Portugal said. (Source: 81st Training Wing 07/01/19)

Logistics for C-26 includes Miss.

AECOM Management Services of Germantown, Md., has been awarded a $7,497,087 firm-fixed-price, task order (FA8131-19-F-0002) to a previously awarded indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract (FA8131-18-D-0001) for logistics support of the Air National Guard's C-26 Fleet. The task order is to provide sustainment and engineering support for the current fleet of 11 aircraft. Work will be performed at Meridian, Miss.; Fresno, Calif.; Clarksburg, W.Va.; Kirtland, N.M.; Ellington Field, Texas; Des Moines, Iowa; Fairchild, Wash.; Tucson, Ariz.; Madison, Wis., and Montgomery, Ala. It is expected to be completed by June 30, 2020. FY 2019 Air National Guard operations and maintenance funds in the amount of $7,497,087 are being obligated at the time of award. Air Force Life Cycle Management Center of Tinker AFB, Okla., is the contracting activity. (Source: DoD 07/01/19)

MDA biz mission to Chile

The Mississippi Development Authority (MDA) will lead a multi-sector business development mission to Chile from Aug. 26-30. Mississippi companies interested in expanding or initiating trade in the Chilean market are invited to participate. Chile is one of the America’s best South American trade partners due to its open-market policies, zero tariffs, stable and open government and solid business practices. In 2018, Mississippi businesses exported more than $150M in products to Chile - 10.2 percent over the previous year. Grant assistance is available to eligible businesses to defray costs associated with participating in the trip. Space is limited and offered on a first-come, first-serve basis. Early registration is recommended. The deadline to register is July 15. (Source: News Mississippi 07/01/19)

Fourth SECDEF shake-up

President Trump’s decision to slow-walk to the installation of a permanent defense secretary, an obscure federal staffing law - Federal Vacancies Reform Act of 1998 – has left the Pentagon poised to get its fourth leader since the end of December. Acting Defense Secretary Mark T. Esper, who took over two weeks ago, and has been nominated for the permanent post, will soon have to relinquish the “acting” position because that federal law bars nominees from serving in an acting capacity as they go through the Senate confirmation. This new shake-up may leave Navy Secretary Richard V. Spencer to run day-to-day operations at DoD for at least a few weeks. Senate Armed Services Committee Chairman James M. Inhofe (R-Okla.) has long argued that acting defense chiefs simply don’t carry the policy weight internationally and lack the authority of a permanent SECDEF who speaks for the president. Inhofe told The Washington Times that he believes Esper is likely to be confirmed before August. (Source: Washington Times 06/30/19)

Miss. ups ante with Space Initiative

HANCOCK COUNTY, Miss. – Mississippi Gov. Phil Bryant announced a new economic development Space Initiative, and the formation of the Mississippi National Guard Space Directorate. The initiatives are to be used to target and attract space companies to the state, and assist in defense and disaster response using space technology. Bryant made the announcement June 30 here at the INFINITY Science Center. The purpose of establishing the Space Initiative is to create a specific entity to target space companies and attract them to Mississippi. Patrick Scheuermann, former head of Stennis Space Center and Marshall Space Flight Center in Alabama, will be leading the initiative. The MNG Guard Space Directorate will be commanded by Col. Billy Murphy of the Mississippi Air National Guard’s Meridian-based 186th Air Operations Group. He will integrate with current Space Commands, NASA, higher education institutions and aerospace industry partners. Murphy will also develop a Space Task Force responsible for conducting space operations. This Space Force will help ensure Mississippi’s and America’s success in the domain of space, and aligns with President Trump’s Space Force initiative, according to a media release from the governor. It will also be used to create and utilize space technology to develop defense and disaster response strategies. The MNG is “extremely confident that we can grow the space mission here in Mississippi to meet the needs of our nation and state,” said Maj. Gen. Boyles, Adjutant General of the Mississippi National Guard. (Source: Local Memphis 07/01/19)

KAFB volunteers at STEM academy

KEESLER AFB, Miss. - Keesler Air Force Base (KAFB) technical training instructors worked hand in hand with Biloxi School District teachers to participate in a Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) Academy for more than 200 students this month. The Department of Defense Education Activity-funded summer program was designed to teach young students about the possibilities of careers in STEM fields while working on problem-solving, creativity and collaboration skills. Several Keesler instructors volunteered to participate in the program. “STEM fields have an amazing capacity to shape the future of every person on our planet,” said volunteer Master Sgt. Dell-Ray Sackett, a 338th Training Squadron Radio Frequency Transmissions assistant flight chief. “Whether you dream of being the first person to set foot on a new planet, or are hoping to see the cure for cancer, it all starts with STEM.” The STEM Academy was open to all Biloxi public school first-through-seventh grade students and featured three days of interactive activities, culminating in a trip to the Infinity Science Center at Stennis Space Center. Keesler instructors taught weather forecasting, jet propulsion laboratory stomp rocket experiments and built wooden airplanes. (Source: Keesler AFB 06/28/19)

COOL, versatile corpsmen

NAS WHITING FIELD, Fla. - Two Sailors assigned to the Naval Branch Health Clinic (NBHC) at Whiting Field recently completed professional certifications to further their knowledge and skills within the medical community. Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class (HM3) Mansoor Kyemtore and Hospitalman Matthew Hampton utilized Navy Credentialing Opportunities On-line (COOL) to enhance their professional knowledge by earning certifications as a Clinical Medical Assistant and a Phlebotomy Technologist, respectively. Navy COOL provides active duty and reserve sailors a way to map their Navy education, training, experience and competencies to civilian credentials and occupations. It also allows sailors to pursue credentials throughout their military life cycle, from completion of technical training until they become eligible for transition opportunities. HM1 Holly Dean, leading petty officer of the base’s Military Medicine Clinic, noticed an opportunity to help further the professional knowledge and careers of her corpsmen by starting a Navy COOL program for the branch clinic. "When our corpsmen complete Navy COOL certifications they become more versatile and more educated," said Dean. "If laboratory requires assistance, we are confident that a certified phlebotomy technician from another clinic. Shortly after completing certification, HM3 Kyemtore had a chance to put his enhanced patient care to use while treating a respiratory-distressed patient. His training taught him the proper body positioning to allow for a proper reading of the peripheral capillary oxygen saturation. “I am not sure I could have figured out how to get the appropriate reading," said Kyemtore, had he not taken the training. (Source: NH Pensacola 06/26/19) Golden Triangle Note: NBHC Whiting Field is a part of Naval Hospital Pensacola (NHP) and its 10 branch health clinics across five states, including NAS Meridian and NCBC Gulfport, Miss., and NAS/JRB New Orleans. Corpsmen assigned to NHP and the clinics have completed more than 300 national certifications for clinical medical assistant, phlebotomy technicians, patient care technicians, clinical medical administrative assistants, and EKG technicians.

Blues to fly over DC on July 4

The Navy's Blue Angels flight demonstration team will participate in the July 4th celebrations in Washington, D.C., officials confirmed to CNN. The event is being referred to as a "Salute to America," and will include fireworks and a speech from President Donald Trump on the National Mall. The mall is a non-traditional location for other presidents who have used the White House to celebrate the nation's birthday, but typically have not been present at the traditional large celebrations on the mall. Interior Secretary David Bernhardt teased the BA’s participation in the event, tweeting June 27 that a "big announcement," was coming June 28 along with a photo of the Blue Angels. Other military assets are expected, including F-35. Early in his administration, Trump announced intentions to hold a military parade in Washington. However, he canceled plans because the cost estimates came back at $10M. The U.S. military official told CNN that the cost of using military assets in this year's 4th of July celebration was estimated to be less than $1M. (Source: CNN 06/27/19) Gulf Coast Note: The Blue Angels are based out of Pensacola, Fla., during airshow season. The mid-season Pensacola Beach airshow is July 13.

Wounded Warrior medals for AF

TAMPA, Fla. - “Life can change in an instant and sometimes, for some of us, it’s like hitting a brick wall,” said Master Sgt. Melissa Martinez, staff unit deployment manager at Eglin AFB, Fla.’s 33rd Fighter Wing. Martinez suffered a leg injury during an Afghanistan deployment in 2017. Her journey to recovery hasn’t been easy, but she’s excited to share what has really helped her during that journey. “After the injury, she fell into a really dark spot, but the Air Force Wounded Warrior program “showed me that I could still get out there and be competitive.” She went to her first Warrior Camp on Eglin AFB in 2018, where she was introduced to numerous adaptive sports. In March, she was selected to compete with the Air Force team for the 2019 Department of Defense Warrior Games in Tampa where she competed in wheelchair tennis, indoor rowing, and track and field. She left the competition having earned three silver medals and two bronze medals. “(I)t’s not all about the medals and winning,” said Martinez. “It is really all about going out there and doing your best, and watching people push themselves.” With the support of her family, Martinez has made great strides towards recovery through the Warrior Program. Martinez arrived to the Tampa games ready to give her all, and succeeded in making her family, unit and Air Force proud. “To be able to represent the Air Force and the 33rd Fighter Wing and to be part of something that is bigger than myself is truly humbling,” Martinez said. (Source: 33rd Fighter Wing 06/26/19)

CTW-1 civilians of year named

Commander Training Air Wing One announced its two top Civilians of the Year at NAS Meridian, Miss. ‘Senior Civilian of the Year’ was production analyst Gerald F. "Jerry" Boos. CTW-1 ‘Civilian of the Year’ was Candy L. Murren, a Student Control Support Assistant. CTW-1 Commodore, Capt. Nicholas Mungas, presented both with awards at a June 21 ceremony. (Source: NASM Facebook 06/21/19)

Vets portrait project coming to MS

Award winning military photographer, and disabled combat veteran, Stacy Pearsall will be taking complimentary individual photographs of veterans as part of her Veterans Portrait Project. She has photographed thousands of veterans nationwide, archiving their history and service for posterity. She will be at the G.V. “Sonny” Montgomery VA Medical Center in Jackson, Miss., from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on July 27. The medical center is located at 1500 East Woodrow Wilson Ave. (Source: Veterans Portrait Project 06/2019)

Firm’s shield could save astronauts

Geocent, a Metairie, La.-based information technology and engineering firm, has spent years developing new, high-tech coating to protect astronauts and equipment from harmful radiation in space. The technology is headed to the International Space Station (ISS) for testing. The tests, to be overseen by NASA, will also explore how the coating could keep astronauts alive, and equipment functioning, in deep space travel. In addition, NASA will test a separate thermal barrier coating developed by Geocent and its partners. That coating could one day protect parts of NASA’s latest multi-billion-dollar rocket from extreme heat. “It’s really some extraordinary technology that we feel is a major breakthrough,” Bobby Savoie, Geocent’s Chairman/CEO told NOLA.com June 18. “Our tests on the International Space Station will tell us whether we’re correct or not.” For decades, NASA built its rockets and modules at the Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans East. Michoud’s latest project is the Space Launch System (SLS), a new mega-rocket designed to take humans into deep space. Officials aim to land astronauts on the moon in 2024. Geocent, a subcontractor of the Boeing Co. - and the lead manufacturer of the SLS program - has been heavily involved in the rocket’s designs, stress testing and analysis, and 3-D modeling to make sure rocket parts are built to precise specifications. (Source: NOLA.com 06/19/19)

Miss. airports to get FAA grants

Fifteen airports along the Gulf Coast’s I-10 regional corridor will receive 16 airport infrastructure grants totaling $34.5M from the Federal Aviation Administration. They were among 358 grants awarded to 327 airports in 46 states and the Pacific Islands announced June 24 by the FAA. The agency said the $495M in grants is the second allotment of the total $3.18B in Airport Improvement Program (AIP) funding for U.S. airports. Along the Gulf Coast, grants, from highest to lowest were: Eglin AFB/Destin-Fort Walton Beach, Fla. ($11,527,654, expand apron, expand terminal building); Lakefront, New Orleans ($8,505,000, rehabilitate runway 18R/36L); Lafayette (La.) Regional/Paul Fournet Field ($6,449,350, reconstruct apron); Mobile (Ala.) Regional ($2,361,754, rehabilitate taxiway); Mobile Downtown ($1,350,000, update airport master plan study, and $822,207, acquire equipment, rehabilitate runway 14/32); Bob Sikes in Crestview, Fla. ($900,000, rehabilitate runway 17/35); Dothan (Ala.) Regional ($700,061, acquire equipment, acquire safety and/or security equipment, reconstruct apron, rehabilitate runway 14/32); H.L. “Sonny” Callahan of Fairhope, Ala. ($325,000, expand access road); Gulfport-Biloxi International ($319,500, update airport master plan study); Foley (Ala.) Municipal ($305,000, reconstruct taxiway); Peter Prince Field of Milton, Fla. ($300,000, update airport master plan study); Trent Lott International of Pascagoula ($138,308, rehabilitate runway 17/35); Stennis International Airport ($99,061, rehabilitate taxiway); Poplarville-Pearl River (Miss.) ($69,750, improve access road, improve airport drainage). The FAA says airport infrastructure in the United States, with 3,332 airports and 5,000 paved runways, supports economic competitiveness and improves quality of life. According to the FAA’s most recent economic analysis, U.S. civil aviation accounts for $1.6 trillion in total economic activity and supports nearly 11 million jobs. (Source: GCAC 06/24/19) Complete list of grants Golden Triangle Note: Additional non-Interstate 10 facilities in Mississippi include Batesville Panola County ($ 898,671 Rehabilitate Runway); Greenwood-Leflore ($250,000 Rehabilitate Apron); Columbia-Marion County ($300,000 Reconstruct Taxiway); Columbus-Lowndes County ($141,570 Rehabilitate Runway); Iuka Tishomingo Districts ($180,159 Remove non-hazard obstructions); Olive Branch ($150,000 Update Airport Master Plan Study); Tunica Municipal ($159,606 Acquire Land For Approaches); Vicksburg Municipal ($99,558 Expand Apron); West Point McCharen Field ($219,367 Acquire Land For Approaches); Wiggins Dean Griffin Memorial ($310,000 Rehabilitate Apron, Rehabilitate Runway and Taxiway); and Yazoo County ($150,000 Construct Apron, Taxiway, Expand Apron, Reconstruct Apron, Reconstruct Taxiway).

New ‘Fat Albert’ coming to Blues

A new Marine Corps cargo plane will be heading to the Pensacola, Fla.-based Navy Blue Angels from the British Royal Air Force by spring 2020. The Navy awarded a $29.7M contract to the United Kingdom Ministry of Defence for a Royal Air Force C-130J Super Hercules. In a news release, the Navy's Naval Air Systems Command announced the purchasing of a used U.K. aircraft to replace ‘Fat Albert’ as part of the flight demonstration team, and also stated the cost was about $50M less than the cost of a new one. “This is a win-win for the U.S. Navy and the United Kingdom Ministry of Defence,” said Capt. Steven Nassau said in the news release. The Navy announced in May it needed to replace the C-130T ‘Fat Albert’ aircraft. Around the same time, U.K. was divesting itself of an American-made C-130J allowing the replacement to be pursed at a “major cost savings,” he said. ‘Fat Albert’ has been with the team for 17 seasons. The Navy grounded its entire fleet of C-130s in July 2017 after a deadly crash in rural Mississippi that killed 15 Marines and a sailor. Fat Albert hadn't performed since the grounding until the 2018 Pensacola Beach show. Source: Pensacola News Journal 06/24/19) Golden Triangle Note: The special operations group was traveling from Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, N.C., to conduct pre-deployment training at the Naval Air Field El Centro, Calif. - winter training ground for the Blue Angels. The Marine Corps Reserve KC-130T Hercules broke up and crashed in the vicinity of Itta Bena, Miss.

CTW-2 change of command

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas - Commander Training Air Wing (CTW) 2 held a change of command ceremony June 21 onboard Naval Air Station Kingsville, Texas, where Capt. Brett “Ned” Lassen relieved Capt. Richard “Gash” Rivera as commodore. “I’m excited to get back to my roots within Naval Aviation,” Lassen said. He is a Naval Academy graduate and was commissioned in 1996. After graduation, Lassen reported to Naval Air Station Pensacola, Fla., for initial flight training and completed intermediate and advanced strike training with Training Squadron 21 in Corpus Christi, and earned his Wings of Gold in June 1998. VT-21 is a squadron under the leadership of CTW-2. He comes to the Texas base from duty as director of the Commander’s Action Group at Naval Forces Europe-Africa. Chief of Naval Air Training (CNATRA) Rear Adm. Gregory Harris served as the guest speaker for the change of command and presented Rivera, who retired after 25 years of service, with the Legion of Merit. CTW-2 is responsible for providing Strike and E-2/C-2 training to student naval aviators with the “Fighting Redhawks” of Training Squadron 21 and the “Golden Eagles” of Training Squadron 22. (Source: Chief of Naval Air Training 06/24/19) NAS Meridian, Miss., is home to CNATRA’s Training Air Wing One. Subordinate commands under CTW-1 are VT-7 and VT-9 squadrons.