AFWEEKLY

[AFWEEKLY]

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 Weekly Summary
Designed to provide a brief look at the past week's Air Force News
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This summary contains 30 stories:
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971545. Joint activities to transfer to U.S. Atlantic Command
971546. Special provision allows payments to flood victims
971547. Air Force to unveil 50th anniversary quilt
971548. Phoenix Raven protects assets
971550. Personnel chief discusses issues, trends during Honduras visit
971551. Holiday packages will reach Southwest Asia
971552. Housing allowances change Jan. 1
971553. Industry leaders discuss expansion of Civil Air Patrol's Cadet
Programs
971555. Holiday greetings from the Ryans
971556. Air Force acknowledges space pioneer
971557. Air Force pioneer dies
971559. Tamanmone Casmir: Lest we forget
971560. Chaplain reflects on true value of life while stranded
overnight on I-25
971561. Latest modified B-2 arrives at Whiteman
971562. Nellis EOD receives new, safer detonation system
971563. General Jumper takes helm of USAFE
971566. Enlisted promotion rates increase second straight year
971568. Two Kadena homes exploit energy from the sun
971569. Air Force leads national heart disease study
971570. Starlifter era comes to end at Travis AFB
971571. Chief of staff announces officer assignment system review
971572. B-1B accident investigation report released
971573. Kazakhstan leaders gain insight from Air Force enlisted members
971574. Air Force Academy team doc heads Wilford Hall sports medicine
team
971575. Crime prevention tips for the holidays
971576. 8th Air Force Supports Deployed Airmen
971577. OC-135B landing gear collapses during landing
971578. Info agency consolidates mainframe processing sites
971579. Hazardous recall -- Guess womens Polar Fuzz jackets
971580. Hazardous Alert -- Creative Technologies Pasta
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971545. Joint activities to transfer to U.S. Atlantic Command

WASHINGTON (AFNS) -- Joint activities at several Air Force bases will
transfer to U.S. Atlantic Command as part of a Department of Defense
reform.

The defense reform initiative announced by the secretary of defense
includes in its goals the streamlining of headquarters organizations.
As of Oct. 1, 1998, the Joint Staff will transfer command and control of
the joint communications support element, MacDill Air Force Base, Fla.,
and Joint Command and Control Warfare Center, Kelly AFB, Texas, to U.S.
Atlantic Command.

Other units similarly affected are the Joint Warfighting Center, Fort
Monroe, Va.; Joint Battle Center, Suffolk, Va.; and Joint Warfighting
Analysis Center, Dahlgren, Va. No physical movement of these activities
or name changes are planned as a result of this action.
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971546. Special provision allows payments to flood victims

WASHINGTON (AFNS) -- A small provision in the fiscal 1998 Defense
Authorization Act permits big payments to military victims of last
spring's floods in North Dakota.

Congressional and military negotiators included funds in the legislation
to pay up to $100,000 for personal property claims filed by flood
victims.

The area around Grand Forks Air Force Base suffered the worst flooding
in 500 years in April and May. About 700 Air Force members who lived
off base suffered some loss not covered under normal claims procedures.
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971547. Air Force to unveil 50th anniversary quilt

WASHINGTON (AFNS) -- The Air Force will unveil its 50th anniversary
quilt at the Pentagon concourse at 9 a.m. Dec. 5. The quilt contains
more than 85 handmade squares from virtually every Air Force base
throughout the world and measures 20 feet by 20 feet.

This heritage quilt, better known as the "Fabric of the Air Force," was
created to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Air Force. After a
one-week display at the Pentagon, the quilt will be permanently
displayed at the Air Force Museum at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base,
Ohio.
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971548. Phoenix Raven protects assets

DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. (AFNS) -- A new initiative in Air Mobility
Command force protection has arrived, bringing security measures into
the 21st century for aircrews and their flying machines throughout the
command.

Phoenix Raven is alive and well here. The Ravens' role is to deploy
with AMC aircraft to austere locations where normal security measures
are not available.

Currently, 12 security forces personnel proudly call themselves Ravens,
after completing specialized training at the Air Mobility Warfare
Center, Fort Dix, N.J. Upon graduation, they are awarded the
distinctive patch designed for the elite group.
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971550. Personnel chief discusses issues, trends during Honduras visit

SOTO CANO AIR BASE, Honduras (AFNS) -- The top personnel officer in the
Air Force was here Nov. 23 to discuss the latest personnel issues and
trends.

Lt. Gen. Michael McGinty, Air Force deputy chief of staff for personnel,
spoke to a packed audience on a variety of topics including drawdown,
retention, operations tempo, and quality of life.

McGinty said he has three priorities in his job: to support commanders
around the world, take care of Air Force people, and make himself
visible.

He also talked about past and future drawdown.

"We have come down the steepest part," McGinty said. "It's leveling
out."

Although the Air Force is looking at cutting a total of 37,442 jobs,
leaving a force of 528,875, McGinty said it doesn't mean doing more with
less.

"It's 37,000 jobs contractors can do. Most of this will happen at the
turn of the century," he said.
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971551. Holiday packages will reach Southwest Asia

SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. (AFNS) -- Most Christmas packages sent to
airmen in Southwest Asia should make it through rain, snow, sleet and
hail -- even customs officials. Despite a widely circulated e-mail that
indicates customs officials will confiscate all holiday items, officials
at U.S. Central Command Air Forces indicate the vast majority of all
mail should make it through.

"There are some U.S. Postal restrictions people should be aware of when
mailing packages to Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and other countries in
Southwest Asia," said Maj. W. D. Martin, 609th Air Postal Flight
commander. Martin is responsible for mail moving to U.S. forces,
Department of Defense, and Department of State people stationed in
Southwest Asia and Eastern Africa.

All parcel mail entering the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is subject to
random inspection at the discretion of custom officials.

"There's simply no truth to the rumor all holiday decorations and
wrapping paper will be confiscated," said Martin. "Last year during the
Holiday season, October through December, more than 580,000 pounds of
mail were sent to U.S. forces in Saudi Arabia, and more than one million
pounds were sent to U.S. Forces throughout Southwest Asia. During that
time period, I don't know of one instance where a Christmas item was
taken."

Martin said he was aware of three instances this season where Christmas
items were taken. "In these instances, the items confiscated were
Christmas trees. This happened once in October, once in November, and
once in December. Whenever random confiscation of this nature does
occur, every effort is made to regain custody of the item for the
intended recipient, or return it to the sender if directed by customs
officials."

"But when you look at the more than 6,400 pounds of mail to our people
arriving daily to Saudi during last year's holiday season, and you
realize we expect to deliver about the same amount every day during this
year's season, you can see these are truly isolated instances," Martin
said.

"Most mail makes it to our deployed forces quickly, and without customs
problems. As long as people mailing packages adhere to the basic
regulations and don't send items prohibited by the U.S. postal service,
our deployed airmen and their families can be confident the mail should
get through," Martin said.

Items prohibited from being sent to Saudi Arabia by the U.S. postal
service include alcohol or distillation equipment; books or magazines
depicting nude or semi-nude people; pornography; religious items
contrary to the Islamic faith such as Bibles or crucifixes; some
electronic equipment such as radio transceivers and cordless telephones;
fireworks; firearms; and pork products. However, items of a religious
nature for personal use only, may be brought with individuals when
deploying.

Items also subject to possible confiscation or censorship by host nation
officials include videotapes, records, and certain publications printed
outside of the host nation.

For more information on postal restrictions, contact your local U.S.
Post Office with the zip code of where packages are being shipped.
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971552. Housing allowances change Jan. 1

WASHINGTON (AFNS) -- A nontaxable basic allowance for housing replaces
the variable housing allowance and basic allowance for quarters Jan. 1.
The basic allowance for housing combines the two older allowances into
one single payment based on rank, with or without dependents, said Saul
Pleeter, Department of Defense assistant director for compensation,
military personnel and policy. Most service members should see no
dramatic changes in total payments, he said.
DOD will introduce the new rates gradually during a six-year transition.
During this time, rates will increase in high-cost areas and decrease in
low-cost areas. Pleeter said personnel will be rate-protected as long
as they remain at their current duty station with no change in
dependency status. Members will also be protected upon promotion, but
not demotion.
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971553. Industry leaders discuss expansion of Civil Air Patrol's Cadet
Programs

MAXWELL AIR FORCE BASE, Ala. (AFNS) -- Civil Air Patrol's Cadet Programs
Director Doug Isaacson recently asked industry delegates "What can Cadet
Programs do to help young people meet aerospace demands in the 21st
century?"

The Aviation Careers Advisory Team for Youth and Industry in the 21st
Century recently met at CAP's national headquarters here to discuss
expanding CAP's Cadet Programs to help meet the future needs of the U.S.
aerospace industry. The team is made up of representatives from the
Federal Aviation Administration; Professional Aviation Maintenance
Association; International Association of Machinists and Aerospace
Workers, or IAMAW; National Transportation Safety Board; and Spartan
School of Aeronautics.

Concerns ranged from safety issues to shortages of skilled technicians.
New aircraft and airport systems are very sophisticated and demand
expert technicians to maintain them. Unfortunately, many high schools
and trade schools are not providing graduates with strong foundations
in aerospace studies.
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971555. Holiday greetings from the Ryans

WASHINGTON (AFNS) -- The following is a holiday message from Air Force
Chief of Staff Gen. Michael E. Ryan and his wife, Jane:

As we approach this holiday season, a time of celebration and joy, many
of us will gather together with friends and family and reflect on our
blessings.

And now, more than at any other time, our thoughts and prayers are with
the more than 90,000 Air Force members overseas, many separated from
their families and friends.

For five decades Air Force people have defended our nation and the
values it stands for. Our people have celebrated the holidays in the
bitter cold of Korea, in the jungles of Southeast Asia, in the sands of
the Middle East and countless other places around the world where we are
needed. During this holiday season, remember those deployed today, and
all before them, who have put service above self.

Happy holidays.
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971556. Air Force acknowledges space pioneer

WASHINGTON -- After 30 years, the Air Force will acknowledge one of its
pioneers in space.

Maj. Robert H. Lawrence, America's first African-American astronaut,
will be added to the Astronauts Memorial Foundation Space Mirror in
Florida during a Dec. 8 ceremony at the Kennedy Space Center.

On this date in 1967, Lawrence lost his life in an F-104 Starfighter
crash at Edwards Air Force Base, Calif. His flight maneuvers data
contributed to the later development of the NASA's space shuttles.
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971557. Air Force pioneer dies

WASHINGTON (AFNS) -- Geraldine Pratt May, the first Air Force woman to
earn the grade of colonel and the first director of Women in the Air
Force, died Nov. 2 at Menlo Park, Calif. She was 102.

Funeral services take place at 10 a.m. Dec. 10 at the old Fort Myer
(Va.) chapel. Interment with full military honors will follow
immediately after at Arlington National Cemetery.
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971559. Tamanmone Casmir: Lest we forget

PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti (AFNS) -- Thanksgiving for most at U.S. Support
Group-Haiti consisted in partaking of the elaborate dinner provided in
Camp Kinzer's and Fairwinds' dining facilities, followed by watching
football on satellite television.

For a young boy born nine days prior, his Thanksgiving was spent
struggling for his life.

Tamanmone Casmir laid semi-comatose in the 355th Air Transportable
Hospital Nov. 27. He was covered in tubes, some for an oxygen tank five
times his size and 50 times his weight. Other tubes were for an IV and
heart monitoring. Tamanmone's crib was a field hospital bed with
makeshift cardboard walls. He was wrapped in blankets.
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971560. Chaplain reflects on true value of life while stranded
overnight on I-25

DENVER (AFNS) -- For Air Reserve Personnel Center Chaplain (Lt. Col.)
David E. Markwalder, celebrating his birthday took on a new meaning Nov.
11. It was not significant simply because he was hitting "the big 5-0,"
but rather he realized how thankful he was to be alive.

The chaplain will probably never forget his experience of spending the
night in his Geo Metro on Interstate 25 in the midst of the Oct. 24-25
"Blizzard of '97" -- Colorado's worst October snow storm since 1923 --
which crippled the Front Range and Eastern Plains with more than 2 feet
of snow.

Markwalder, who was among more than 450 cars stranded on the highway
between Denver and Colorado Springs, was fortunate to escape with only
minor frost bite on his left fingers despite the temperature dropping to
25 below zero with wind chill.
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971561. Latest modified B-2 arrives at Whiteman

WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo. (AFNS) -- 509th Bomb Wing's B-2 fleet grew
to 10 recently as the latest stealth bomber arrived here from the Air
Force Flight Test Center at Edwards Air Force Base, Calif.

Still unnamed, the aircraft -- called "air vehicle 2" -- is the third
Block 30 B-2 bomber to join the Whiteman fleet. It is also the first
B-2 from the six original flight test aircraft to arrive here.

"The Block 30 airplane brings us improvements in avionics capability and
weapons carriage capability," said Col. Bill Percival, 509th Operations
Group commander. "Block 30 modifications improve and increase radar
modes and enhance terrain-following capability. We also gain the
ability to deliver additional weapons, including the Joint Direct Attack
Munition and the Joint Stand Off Weapon."
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971562. Nellis EOD receives new, safer detonation system

NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE, Nev. (AFNS) -- The Air Force's only Laser
Neutralization System was unveiled Nov. 20 here. The system allows
explosive ordnance disposal teams to destroy mines and unexploded
ordnance from a safe distance, as opposed to their more "hands on"
method used today, by using a concentrated laser beam.

"We are going to start destroying things from afar," said Chief Master
Sgt. Ernie Lorelli, chief of EOD. "We're going to do that with directed
laser energy. The laser is zeroed in on a bomb, and the concentrated
light heats it to detonation in about four seconds."

The new laser system will not only reduce costs by saving on explosives
used to destroy unexploded ordinance, but will be safer for EOD people.
Lorelli said the old method of destroying unexploded ordnance involved a
person putting a demolition charge beside the item to destroy it. It
involved more risk since the person had about six minutes to protect
themselves before detonation.
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971563. General Jumper takes helm of USAFE

RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany (AFNS) -- Pledging total commitment to the
mission and its people, the new commander of U.S. Air Forces in Europe
took charge of the organization during a ceremony here Dec. 5.

Gen. John P. Jumper assumed responsibility for USAFE and its more than
32,000 active-duty, reserve and civilian members when he accepted the
command guidon from Army Gen. Wesley K. Clark, commander in chief of
U.S. European Command.

A 30-year Air Force veteran with more than 1,400 combat flying hours,
Jumper also takes over NATO's Allied Air Forces Central Europe. Both
organizations have headquarters at Ramstein.
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971566. Enlisted promotion rates increase second straight year

WASHINGTON -- Air Force personnel officials plan to bring holiday cheer
to noncommissioned officer grades again this year.

For the second consecutive year, promotion rates to staff, technical and
master sergeants will increase, while promotion rates for seniors and
chiefs will remain above the Total Objective Plan for Career Airmen
Personnel, or TOPCAP, minimum promotion rates.

Again this year, the largest increase will come at the technical
sergeant grade with an increase of 2.5 percent from the 1997 rate. The
1998 promotion rate for technical sergeant will be 17.6 percent. This
means the promotion rate for technical sergeant will have increased by
6.4 percent over the last two years.
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971568. Two Kadena homes exploit energy from the sun

KADENA AIR BASE, Japan (AFNS) -- The world has one of the largest
suppliers of free energy within its reach and two base homes here are
exploiting it for the first time in the Pacific.

If the scheduled two-year test produces energy-saving results, then the
gray, photoelectric plates may become a familiar site on the roof tops
of military housing, not only on Okinawa, but around the world,
according to Rex Belleville, 18th Civil Engineer Squadron utilities and
energy management chief.
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971569. Air Force leads national heart disease study

LACKLAND AIR FORCE BASE, Texas (AFNS) -- Healthier lives and a decrease
in heart disease may be the end result of a seven-year study by Wilford
Hall Medical Center.

The study aimed to see if the drug Lovastatin, long used to lower
cholesterol levels, would be effective as a preventive measure for
people whose cholesterol is normal or only moderately high. The
double-blinded study indicated that the drug, plus a healthy diet, would
reduce the risk of first occurrence of certain heart problems. The risk
reduction was 36 percent.
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971570. Starlifter era comes to end at Travis AFB

TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. (AFNS) -- In a few weeks, 1997 will come
to pass. Likewise, so will the Starlifter era at Travis.

Travis received its first C-141 on April 23, 1965. For 32 years, it
hauled people and cargo around the world from the Vietnam War to
current-day humanitarian and global airlift missions.

The decision to retire the C-141 Starlifter, once the Air Force's core
airlift aircraft, was based on recommendations from the 1994 Scientific
Advisory Board. The secretary of the Air Force convened the board in
response to Congressional direction to examine service life extension of
the C-141 fleet.
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971571. Chief of staff announces officer assignment system review

WASHINGTON (AFNS) -- A working group will convene at the Pentagon the
week of Dec. 8 to kick off a review of the officer assignment system.

"Based on feedback from the field, I believe the time is right to
initiate a thorough review to validate or make changes, if necessary, to
the principles and processes of OAS ensuring it fits our current force
structure and composition," said Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Michael
E. Ryan.

In January 1998, the group reconvenes to complete their review and make
any recommendations, if necessary, to Ryan. Any new changes to the
system would be implemented following Ryan's review -- probably in the
March time frame.

More information concerning the review will be released as the review
develops over the coming months.
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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.
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971573. Kazakhstan leaders gain insight from Air Force enlisted members

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.
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971574. Air Force Academy team doc heads Wilford Hall sports medicine
team

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.

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.
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971575. Crime prevention tips for the holidays

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.

Taking these few extra precautions will help insure you don't become a
victim to a "Grinch" waiting to spoil your holiday fun.
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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.

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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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.

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.