11 Dec 97 AFNS

[AFNS]

Celebrating the Air Force's 50th Anniversary:
The Golden Legacy, Boundless Future...
Your Nation's Air Force
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Air Force News Service
This file contains 9 stories
AFNS electronic filename: 11dec97
971572. B-1B accident investigation report released
971577. OC-135B landing gear collapses during landing
971573. Kazakhstan leaders gain insight from Air Force enlisted members
971578. Info agency consolidates mainframe processing sites
971576. 8th Air Force Supports Deployed Airmen
971574. Air Force Academy team doc heads Wilford Hall sports medicine
team
971575. Crime prevention tips for the holidays
971579. Hazardous recall -- Guess womens Polar Fuzz jackets
971580. Hazardous Alert -- Creative Technologies Pasta
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971572. B-1B accident investigation report released

LANGLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Va. (AFNS) -- Air Combat Command recently
released the accident investigation report on the B-1B from Ellsworth
AFB, S.D., that crashed Sept. 19 near Alzada, Montana.

The accident investigation report concluded that the accident occurred
while the crew was performing an authorized, and often practiced,
defensive maneuver where an aircrew evades a threat by slowing down and
sharply turning. During the maneuver, an excessive sink rate developed
resulting in ground impact. The investigation board was unable to
determine which pilot was flying the aircraft at the time of impact.

The aircraft was on a training mission to perform low level defensive
countermeasures and simulated bombing over the Powder River Military
Operations area at the time of the accident.

The four crewmembers onboard the aircraft were killed upon impact.
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971577. OC-135B landing gear collapses during landing

ANDREWS AIR FORCE BASE, Md. (AFNS) -- An OC-135B from Offutt AFB, Neb.,
had its right main landing gear collapse while landing here Dec. 5. None
of the 15 people on board were injured. The aircraft is assigned to the
45th Reconnaissance Squadron at Offutt.

The OC-135B is an observation aircraft which flies unarmed observation
flights over participating parties of the Open Skies Treaty.

The Open Skies Treaty was first proposed by President Dwight Eisenhower
to Soviet Premier Nikita Krushchev at the Geneva Conference of 1955.
The Soviets rejected the concept and it lay dormant for a generation.

In May 1989, the U.S. reintroduced the idea of Open Skies as an
instrument of confidence building.

The treaty enhances mutual understanding and confidence by giving all
participating countries, regardless of size, a direct role in gathering
information about military forces and activities of concern to them. It
permits short-notice, unrestricted aerial observation flights over the
territory of each signatory.

A board of officers will investigate the incident.
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971573. Kazakhstan leaders gain insight from Air Force enlisted members
by 2nd Lt. Dave Huxsoll
89th Airlift Wing public affairs

ANDREWS AIR FORCE BASE, Md. (AFNS) -- In a prime opportunity to showcase
the Year of the Enlisted Force, military leaders from Kazakhstan toured
facilities here recently to see first-hand how the Air Force uses its
enlisted force, and how they might apply similar practices as they
restructure their country's military.

The visit was part of a defense cooperation agreement signed recently in
Washington by U.S. Secretary of Defense William Cohen and Kazakhstan
President Nursultan Nazargbayev. The agreement calls for, among other
things, more than 40 events and exchanges between the two countries'
militaries. Gen. Col. Mukhtar Altynbayev, minister of defense from the
former Soviet republic, headed the delegation that visited the 1st
Helicopter Squadron maintenance section, the enlisted dormitories and
the Federal Aviation Administration tower.

Specifically, Altynbayev was interested in finding out more about the
responsibilities given to enlisted personnel and the supervisory role
they fulfill in the U.S. military. In most militaries worldwide,
including the present Kazakh military, only officers are given important
supervisory positions. "In the old Soviet Air Force, a lieutenant
colonel would do the work that a master sergeant does in the U.S. Air
Force," explained Col. Randall Larsen, 89th Operations Group commander,
who hosted the tour.

At the 1st HS, Altynbayev's group toured a maintenance section that has
111 enlisted authorizations and only one officer authorization. "All of
our shops and sections are managed by enlisted senior NCOs without
direct officer guidance," explained Lacy, 1st HS maintenance
superintendent, "and some maintenance decisions are made at the lowest
level."

Altynbayev first inspected one of the squadron's UH-1s on static
display. The new interior of these aircraft was designed by one of the
squadron's enlisted crew chiefs. The design made it much easier to
reconfigure the aircraft for medevac missions; cutting 15 minutes off
the time needed to reconfigure the aircraft under the old design. Now
all interior work on the aircraft, including upholstery is done
in-house.

The group also observed the phase inspection area where a crew of
mechanics, under the supervision of a technical sergeant shift chief,
removed the rotor head from one the helicopters. Under the present
system in the Kazakh military, an officer would be on hand supervising
these types of activities.

"We train our airmen and NCOs through tech schools and professional
military education to make decisions," said Chief Master Sgt. Joe
Markin, 89th Airlift Wing senior enlisted advisor, who accompanied the
tour. "One of the things we tried to demonstrate to them is that if
it's two o'clock in the morning and a rotor needs to be repaired on a
helicopter, it may be three airmen with less than five years in service
doing that task."

"The general was impressed with how we could get such performance from
an almost 30-year-old aircraft," Chief Master Sgt. Shelton Lacy
remarked. "We explained that our experience levels have a direct impact
on our fully mission capable rate." The 1st HS has flown more than
185,000 hours without an accident.

Altynbayev was surprised to find out that enlisted personnel also
maintain the vice president and president's airplanes, said Larsen. In
addition to the UH-1s, he was particularly impressed with how well crews
maintain the C-137s, some that are more than 30 years old.

The other major area of focus was on the quality-of-life provided to the
enlisted corps. The group took a tour of the new 1+1 enlisted
dormitories, which provide residents with an individual room and a
kitchen and bath they share with a neighbor. The kitchens are fully
functional with stoves, ovens, refrigerators, microwaves and tables.
"The general was amazed with the quality and accommodations found at the
dormitories and commented that such facilities in his armed forces are
reserved strictly for field grade officers," Larsen said.

The delegation was also very interested in the education provided to
enlisted troops and the opportunities they have for furthering their
studies. "I explained to them that we take every person who enlists in
the Air Force and give them an entrance exam," said Markin. "That
entrance exam tells us where their strong and weak points are before we
ever enlist them into the Air Force."

Markin told the group that in addition to technical schools, enlisted
personnel have the opportunity to pursue professional military education
through airman leadership school, NCO academy, and senior NCO academy.
They also have opportunities to pursue college degrees through the
Community College of the Air Force, and other colleges and universities
which offer courses on base.

"The U.S. is in a class by itself in the responsibilities we give the
enlisted and in the level of performance and professionalism we expect
from them," commented Brig. Gen. Arthur Lichte, 89th Airlift Wing
commander, "especially here at Andrews."

Markin added, "The delegation's trip was the perfect complement to our
Year of the Enlisted Force initiatives-what a great way to focus
attention on the professionalism of our enlisted corps." (Courtesy of
Air Mobility Command News Service)
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971578. Info agency consolidates mainframe processing sites

ARLINGTON, Va. (AFNS) -- The Department of Defense will further
consolidate mainframe data processing centers and streamline information
services, Army Lt. Gen. David J. Kelley, director of the Defense
Information Systems Agency, announced Dec. 3.

The consolidation will help DISA exploit new technology, reduce
customers' bills, taxpayers' costs and improve warfighters' use of
information technology, Kelley said. The consolidation is an idea
advanced by the Quadrennial Defense Review and Defense Reform Initiative
published by DOD earlier this year.

Mainframe data processing currently done at 16 sites will consolidate in
the defense "megacenters" in Columbus, Ohio; Mechanicsburg, Pa.; Ogden,
Utah; Oklahoma City; and St. Louis. Defense Megacenter San Antonio was
selected as Unisys legacy site. These centers support such things as
payroll, logistics, personnel, health, supply and transportation.

Agency officials said they expect some downsizing to occur. Defense
Megacenter Sacramento, Calif., will close, but as a 1995 Base
Realignment and Closure Commission action.

The other nine megacenters losing mainframe duties are among 13 U.S.
sites that will stay open and offer regional information technology
support on a full-cost-recovery basis. The centers are in Bremerton,
Wash.; Chambersburg, Pa.; Charleston, S.C.; Dayton, Ohio; Warner Robins,
Ga.; Huntsville, Ala.; Jacksonville, Fla.; Montgomery, Ala.; Norfolk,
Va.; Rock Island, Ill.; Indianapolis; San Diego; and Denver.

A team of agency and contract personnel used base closure and
realignment criteria to evaluate each site. The evaluations were key
elements in the decision making process.

Kelley called this additional consolidation "a logical next step based
on experience gained from past BRAC decisions." (Courtesy of American
Forces Press Service and the Defense Information Systems Agency)
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971576. 8th Air Force Supports Deployed Airmen

BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. (AFNS) -- Communications specialists at
8th Air Force set up an electronic mail address to help family, friends
and coworkers send messages to 2nd Bomb Wing and 8th Air Force troops
deployed to Diego Garcia.

"The holidays can be a stressful time, especially for those away from
loved ones," said Lt. Col. Donna Rogers, flight commander for operations
for the 608th Air Communications Squadron at Barksdale. "This system
helps people keep in touch. It's not only for families, but also for
anyone who wants to send a holiday message to our airmen who are
spending this season away from home."

Aside from providing communications to improve the morale of deployed
members, 8th Air Force communications experts also provide a secure
command and control network, electronic file transfers, access to
intelligence updates and targeting data, as well as secure satellite,
radio and telephone communications.

In addition to these capabilities, 8th Air Force provides the nation's
bomber expertise to help combat planners create synergy between the
deployed bomber and fighter forces by using the unique abilities of each
bomber, whether B-1, B-52 or B-2.

More than 200 people from Barksdale deployed to Diego Garcia Nov. 20 in
response to Iraq's refusal to allow United Nations weapons experts to
search Iraqi facilities for weapons of mass destruction.

Members of the 608th ACS, working with the Navy at Diego Garcia, set up
a server and the e-mail account in a conference room to provide easy
access to those deployed. Received messages are printed out and
distributed. Airmen may also sign-on to send or receive messages
electronically.

To send a holiday message to Barksdale airmen deployed to Diego Garcia,
use "mor...@usaf.nctsdg.navy.mil" (minus quotation marks) as the
address. Include in the "Subject" line the individual's name, rank,
office symbol (if known) and "2nd BW Deployed."

To send a message to any airman there, use the same address but put "To
any service member" in the subject line. These messages will be
available for all deployed airmen to read.

Please keep messages short, 100 words or less, and don't include
graphics or attached files.
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971574. Air Force Academy team doc heads Wilford Hall sports medicine
team
by George Kelling
Wilford Hall Public Affairs

LACKLAND AIR FORCE BASE, Texas (AFNS) -- Military service is a physical
business, and military people often receive the same types of injuries
which afflict athletes. It is natural, therefore, that the Air Force
counts on a small cadre of sports physicians.

One of the five Air Force sports doctors, Lt. Col. (Dr.) Mark Miller,
was recently assigned as the sports medicine physician in the
orthopedics department at Wilford Hall Medical Center. The new sports
medicine chief is trying to get the word out about the services he
provides, "I'm ready to do business, and have special training in
arthroscopy and in shoulder and knee injuries."

Miller and his sports medicine team are available through normal
referral
channels.

"The referral should ask for sports medicine, for me by name or for the
orthopedic 'Ivory Team.' We'll take it from there."

From injuries on the confidence course to turned ankles in pickup
basketball games; sports medicine is available to support the Air
Force's active lifestyle at the turn of the century.

He was a member of the Air Force Academy football team, and graduated
from the academy with a civil engineering degree in the top 3 percent of
his class. After four years service as a line officer, he attended
medical school at the Uniformed Services University for Health Sciences.

He spent five years as a surgical and orthopedic resident at Wilford
Hall and completed a one-year fellowship in sports medicine at the
University of Pittsburgh. More recently, he has been on the medical
staff at the Air Force Academy and was appointed head team physician for
the school's varsity teams.

Miller has specialized training in repair of the meniscus (the key
cartilage of the knee) and performed the Air Force's first meniscus
transplant.

"We want to keep people deployable, and get them back in top shape if
they get hurt. Sports medicine is good for the patient and good for the
Air Force."

Maj. (Dr.) Yolanda Geddes, incoming chief of preventive medicine,
agrees.

"Sports medicine's goal is to keep healthy people healthy. That's what
it is all about. Prevention and health maintenance are more vital every
day."
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971575. Crime prevention tips for the holidays
by Senior Master Sgt. Friedrich Stein
Air Combat Command Security Forces

LANGLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Va. (AFNS) -- The holiday season is here, and
it's the time of year many of us head out to overcrowded stores and
malls to purchase gifts for our friends and relatives. We are also
making plans for holiday trips away from home. All our holiday planning
should also include planning to protect ourselves from holiday
miscreants.

Statistics prove there is an increase in crime around the holidays.
Using some simple crime prevention strategies when shopping for holiday
gifts can thwart a crook's holiday plans -- at least at your expense.

For instance, park in well lighted areas, preferably within close
distance to the store or mall where you intend to shop. Never carry
large amounts of cash; use your checkbook, credit or debit cards to make
most of your holiday purchases. Don't carry your automatic teller
machine or other debit card with your personal identification number.
If carrying a purse, carry it on the inside of your arm, on the side
that is furthest from the street. Inside coat pockets are an excellent
location to carry wallets or checkbooks.

Let someone know where you are going shopping and what time you expect
to return. Shopping with a friend is a relaxing, fun method of
increasing your personal safety while you shop. Avoid known trouble
spots when you shop. Sometimes its better to put off some shopping
trips until the weekend, to do some of your shopping in the daylight.

If you think you are being followed in a shopping center, find a store's
security guard or manager and advise them of your concerns. Many stores
and malls employ additional security people, including off-duty police
officers, during the holiday season to increase the safety of their
customers.

If you think you are being followed in your car, drive to the local
police station or use a cellular telephone, if available. If a robber
approaches you, remain calm and give up the items the robber wants.
Nothing you are carrying is worth risking your life or safety.

If traveling, keep your plans quiet before you go. Only people needing
to know should be informed of your holiday travel plans. There will be
plenty of time to tell them of the wonderful time you had after you get
back.

Ideally, you should consider placing your jewelry and important
documents, including a backup of any computer files, in a safety deposit
box at a bank. Other valuables and firearms should be out of view, and
locked away. A home safe is a good investment for this purpose.

Arrange to have mail and newspaper deliveries either stopped or picked
up by a trusted friend. Schedule someone to check on your home
periodically and to shovel snow, cut grass or perform other work to
avoid having the "on vacation" look.

Your telephone's ringer should be turned down to it's lowest setting to
avoid being heard ringing from outside. An answering machine with a
message that is noncommittal as to whether anyone is home, and when to
expect a return call, is best. Electronic timers that turn radios,
televisions, and lights on and off add to the appearance of an occupied
home. Alarm systems are a good investment for year-round protection of
your home.

Before leaving, ask your local police department to place your home on
their vacation watch list. If someone will be checking on your home
during your absence, pass this information along to the police. Do a
last walk around to insure all your timers are set, and that all doors
and windows are securely locked before departing.

When you return home, do a quick check around the exterior of your house
to make sure everything is in order. If you see something that looks
out of place, go to a neighbor and call the police.

Taking these few extra precautions will help insure you don't become a
victim to a "Grinch" waiting to spoil your holiday fun. (Courtesy of
ACC News Service)
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971579. Hazardous recall -- Guess womens Polar Fuzz jackets

DALLAS (AFNS) -- The Army and Air Force Exchange Service has announced
that Guess? Inc. is voluntarily recalling its woman's "Polar Fuzz"
jacket.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission has found the jackets may be
in violation of flammability standards for clothing textiles.

The recall affects style number 57809T.

Customers should stop wearing the jackets immediately and return them to
their nearest AAFES base exchange or post exchange for a full refund.
(Courtesy of AAFES News Service)
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971580. Hazardous Alert -- Creative Technologies Pasta

DALLAS (AFNS) -- The Army and Air Force Exchange Service in conjunction
with the Consumer Product Safety Commission has announced that Creative
Technologies Corp. of Brooklyn, N.Y., is voluntarily recalling about
50,000 pasta machines to replace some of their lids

When the safety cutoff switch on the lid does not activate, consumers
possibly injure their fingers if their hand is placed into the mixing
bowl.

The lid replacement program involves the Takka Pasta and Dough machine,
model number X1000 and the Pasta Express machine, model numbers X2000,
X3000 and X4000.

Only pasta machines that have serial numbers up to 78209 need to have
the lids replaced. The model and serial numbers are located on a label
on the bottom of machine.

The pasta machines are either beige or white and some of them have
chrome-plated front panels. The words "Pasta Express TM by CTC" or
"Takka Pasta and Dough by CTC" are written on the front of the machines.

CPSC and Creative Technologies are aware of 11 incidents of the machine
unexpectedly turning on, resulting in nine injuries including cut,
crushed and severed fingers.

Creative Technologies will help consumers determine whether their pasta
machine is affected by the recall, and if necessary, provide a free
replacement lid.

Customers should stop using the pasta machines immediately and call
Creative Technologies at (800) 449-3040.

Customers overseas can write to Creative Technologies Corporation,
Attention: Pasta Machine Recall, 170 53rd, Brooklyn, NY.

AAFES sold only the Creative Technologies Pasta Express model number
X2000. It sold for $99 from June 1989 to August 1997. (Courtesy of
AAFES News Service)