24dec97-afns
AFNS
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Air Force News Service
This file contains 7 stories and 2 image cutlines
AFNS electronic filename: 24dec97
971637. C-141/TU-154 salvage operation complete
971633. AWACS outfitted with new communications systems
971635. Air Force chief of staff aces 'Bomber 101'
971634. Air Force awards ICBM Prime Integration Contract
971631. Reservist receives Silver Star for Vietnam service
971632. Marathon runners selected Air Force Athletes of the Year
971636. Impact statement covers transfering Homestead AFB
971632a,b. Marathon runners selected Air Force Athletes of the Year
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971637. C-141/TU-154 salvage operation complete
SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. -- The Joint U.S.-German search team has
successfully completed its search and salvage operations for the U.S.
Air Force C-141 and German TU-154M aircraft involved in a mid-air
collision Sept. 13 off the west coast of Africa.
The U.S. European Command conducted the search and salvage operation in
conjunction with the German Defense Ministry to recover significant
wreckage items and gain information about the accident in order to help
prevent future tragedies.
Salvage operations were successful in recovering all data recorders from
the C-141 and the TU-154M. The flight recorders, which are commonly
referred to as "black boxes," are currently being analyzed as part of
the accident investigation.
Based on the recovery of these black boxes, U.S. Air Force and German
Ministry of Defense officials have jointly decided to discontinue
salvage operations for the two aircraft. The accident claimed 33 lives
-- nine aboard the C-141 and 24 aboard the TU-154M.
During the search and salvage operations, human remains were identified
and recovered. The human remains of American servicemen discovered near
the C-141 will be shipped to Dover Air Force Base, Del., where Air Force
forensic experts will attempt to identify them.
Both the United States and Germany are continuing their separate
investigations.
For more information, view Air Mobility Command news releases, photos
and fact sheets on the Internet at www.safb.af.mil/hqamc/pa/.
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971633. AWACS outfitted with new communications systems
by Senior Airman Jennifer Ferrau
552nd Air Control Wing Public Affairs
TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. (AFNS) -- A 552nd Air Control Wing E-3
Airborne Warning and Control System aircraft received two new
communications systems recently.
A new Identification Friend or Foe system and high-frequency radio were
installed on the AWACS aircraft to improve its reliability,
maintainability, interoperability and increase its operational
capability, according to Lt. Col. Terrence Maher, 552nd ACW director of
requirements.
The IFF system fixes a long-standing problem the with stability of IFF
data, according to Master Sgt. Doug Mace, sensor systems superintendent
for operations group requirements.
Any time a plane flies, pilots put a code into their IFF system which
E-3s can identify as a friendly aircraft. Mace said the old IFF system
received codes from aircraft that weren't always processed correctly.
There was also a chance the codes could get garbled, which made it more
difficult to identify the aircraft as friend or foe.
The new system has an improved reliability to correctly identifying the
codes and improves the ability to determine the location of an aircraft
under surveillance, which will help ensure E-3 operators give accurate
IFF information to higher headquarters or other aircraft, Mace said.
The second system installed on the aircraft was the high-frequency radio
which is much more reliable than the previous system, according to Tech.
Sgt. Terry Dicken, product improvement technician.
"The mean time between failures will jump from 50 to more than 600 hours
with the new high-frequency radio," he said. The system can now get
about 610 hours of flight time, with each mission lasting about 9-13
hours, without an expected breakage. Annual savings in maintenance
costs are $3.5 million.
The HF radio is capable of transmitting AWACS track data to a receiver
4,000 miles away or when out of range of normal communications.
Along with improvements in maintainability and performance, the HF radio
also has an automatic link establishment. The new ALE gives users an
85-90 percent first time connectivity rate, an improvement from the
20-30 percent rate with the old system, according to Tech. Sgt. Tony
DeJoy, E-3 communications systems requirements noncommissioned officer
in charge.
The connectivity is similar to speed dialing -- radios communicate with
each other and once the connection is made, a signal is given to the
operators.
The new systems are part of the Extended Sentry program which will take
AWACS into the year 2025. The remaining aircraft in the fleet should be
fitted with these systems by the end of 1999. (Courtesy of Air Combat
Command News Service)
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971635. Air Force chief of staff aces 'Bomber 101'
by Capt. Mark R. Phillips
8th Air Force Public Affairs
BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. (AFNS) -- Following in his father's
footsteps as a bomber expert, Gen. Michael E. Ryan, Air Force chief of
staff, recently completed a rapid-fire orientation in bomber aircraft
strategic power projection.
During the three-day bomber orientation, Ryan flew in a B-1B from Dyess
Air Force Base, Texas, a B-52H from Barksdale AFB, La., and a B-2 from
Whiteman AFB, Mo. During the flights, he experienced the unique
capabilities each bomber brings to the fight.
"This was a great opportunity to see, up close and personal, how our
bomber force operates and to be with the super people who are so expert
in the employment of the most formidable weapons in America's arsenal,"
Ryan said.
"The Lancer (B-1B) has amazing speed and maneuverability, like a huge
fighter that can deliver a powerful punch," Ryan said. "The venerable
Stratofortress (B-52H) is still an awesome aircraft. It can deliver a
massive amount of ordnance quickly, anywhere in the world. It's proven
its worth time after time since the 1950s. If you want to get someone's
undivided attention, the Stratofortress will do it."
When discussing his experience aboard the B-2 Spirit, he said, "Global
range, massive payload, precision munitions and targeting that allows us
to attack multiple targets with a single bomber, and stealth to keep our
pilots out of harm's way -- the Spirit has it all. No other country in
the world can field such a revolutionary weapons system.
"Interestingly, both the B-52 and B-2 that I flew were from units my
father once led -- the 2nd Bomb Wing and the 509th Bomb Wing," he said.
The late Gen. John D. Ryan also commanded the 5th Bomb Wing, which
operates B-52H's at Minot AFB, N.D.
"The trip to Barksdale really brought back memories," Ryan said,
recalling much earlier visits to Barksdale, where his father commanded
2nd AF, as an Air Force Academy cadet.
During the orientation visit, Ryan remarked how his father once served
as the director of operations for the "Mighty Eighth" following World
War II. He was struck by how closely his father's career was tied to
8th AF and its bomber wings.
"The 'Mighty Eighth' has long been known as America's bomber command,"
said Lt. Gen. Phil Ford, 8th AF commander. "That's still true, but
that's not the whole story. Today, we bring the most versatile force to
the fight. In addition to operating all of the nation's B-2s and B-52s,
and most of the B-1s, 8th Air Force provides a fighter force of nearly
300 F-15s, F-16s, and A-10s. We also provide a bomber and fighter
combat planning and execution capability." (Courtesy of Air Combat
Command News Service)
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971634. Air Force awards ICBM Prime Integration Contract
WASHINGTON (AFNS) -- Air Force officials announced Dec. 22 the award of
the Intercontinental Ballistic Missile Prime Integration Contract to TRW
Strategic Systems Division, Systems Integration Group, San Bernadino,
Calif. The contract will result in a significant change in life-cycle
management for the nation's ICBM force, say officials.
The contract effort has a potential estimated value of $3.4 billion over
a 15-year period. It consists of a basic contract with 14 one-year
options. The basic year award value is $84.9 million.
The ICBM Prime Integration Contract is projected to achieve improved
efficiencies in the sustainment of the nation's ICBM weapon systems
while continuing to meet or improve warfighter operational requirements.
The ICBM Prime Integration Contract represents a fundamental shift in
management philosophy for ICBMs. In the past, the ICBM System Program
Office at Hill Air Force Base, Utah, has contracted individually with
equipment manufacturers, and in conjunction with a systems
engineering/technical assistance contractor, functioned as the system
integrator to assemble the components into a weapon system. With this
contract, the system program office will contract with one prime
contractor, who will subcontract for weapon system components and
engineering support.
This contract is a result of acquisition reform and has implemented
numerous acquisition reform initiatives to arrive at a best value
contract for the Air Force. The entire source selection process for
this contract is marked by unprecedented levels of openness and
communication between the government and contractors resulting in
excellent proposals, according to Air Force officials.
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971631. Reservist receives Silver Star for Vietnam service
WASHINGTON (AFNS) -- The pen is mightier than the sword when it comes to
recognition for Col. Paul A. Curs. The Vietnam War veteran received the
Silver Star, the nation's third highest award for valor in combat, in a
Pentagon ceremony recently.
Rodney A. Coleman, assistant secretary of the Air Force for manpower,
reserve affairs, installations and environment, presented the award.
Curs is mobilization assistant to Coleman.
Curs received the Distinguished Flying Cross for his actions in the
rescue of a U.S. Special Forces reconnaissance team during the Vietnam
War. The award was upgraded to the Silver Star after the incident was
brought to light in a book, "SOG," by John Plaster, a retired Green
Beret major who was with the rescue party.
While flying an O-2A over Vietnam's Ia Drang Valley near the Cambodian
border Oct. 11, 1971, Curs was contacted by the recon team under attack
by North Vietnam Army regulars.
Despite forbidding terrain and marginal weather conditions, he located
the team and coordinated an emergency evacuation for them.
With fighter support not available, he used his target marking rockets
to strafe the enemy positions. Under constant enemy small arms fire, he
continued to make low passes, even after expending his rockets, to keep
the NVA away from the American soldiers. Curs stayed overhead and
vectored the helicopters to the site, departing only when a critical
lack of fuel required his return to Pleiku Air Base. His actions were
critical to the safe extraction of the entire recon team.
Today, Curs continues to serve his country as a member of Air Force
Reserve Command. In civilian life, Curs is a Boeing 737 captain and
check airman with Continental Airlines.
Besides the Silver Star and Distinguished Flying Cross, his other
decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal with one oak leaf
cluster, Air Medal with eight OLCs, Air Force Commendation Medal, and
Air Force Achievement Medal. (Courtesy of AFRC News Service)
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971632. Marathon runners selected Air Force Athletes of the Year
RANDOLPH AIR FORCE BASE, Texas (AFNS) -- Capt. Mark T. Cucuzzella, U.S.
Air Force Academy, Colo., and Staff Sgt. Lori Eppard, Wright-Patterson
Air Force Base, Ohio, have been named the 1997 Air Force Male and Female
Athlete of the Year.
Cucuzzella, a family practitioner with the 10th Medical Group, is a
marathon competitor. He runs nearly 100 miles each week when training
for a competition, and competed in several major races over the past
year. Cucuzzella finished second at the inaugural Air Force Marathon
out of a field of 2,700 participants. He also finished 47th out of a
field of 14,000 in the Boston Marathon, and he was the fourth overall
finisher from a field of more than 19,000 runners in the Marine Corps
Marathon.
Eppard, a paralegal with the 88th Air Base Wing, is also a marathoner
and compete in various long-distance races. She runs an average of 85
miles each week. Eppard won numerous local events and is the current
armed forces champion in the 10,000 meters. She won the 3,000- and
1,500-meter events at the U.S. Track and Field Ohio games. She also
placed second in the Army Ten Miler, which had a field of more than
4,000 women. Eppard finished her year by winning the women's division
of the Air Force Marathon and was 21st out of a field of 2,700 runners
(men and women).
Cucuzzella and Eppard will attend the United States Military Sports
Association's 1997 Armed Forces Athlete of the Year Pride of the
National Reception and Award Banquet, Jan.15-19 in Washington. At this
banquet they will compete against the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, and
Coast Guard Athletes of the Year for the 1997 Armed Forces Athlete of
the Year award.
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971636. Impact statement covers transfering Homestead AFB
WASHINGTON (AFNS) -- The Air Force and the Federal Aviation
Administration will prepare a Supplemental Environmental Impact
Statement on the proposed transfer of the airfield facilities at the
former Homestead Air Force Base, Fla., to Dade County.
The administration seeks to transfer surplus property in a manner that
supports local plans for economic revitalization of South Florida and
protects Biscayne Bay and the nearby national parks.
The underlying goals of the SEIS are to: inform decision-makers of the
consequences of the proposed transfer and alternatives for decision
making; and inform and involve other government agencies and the public
in the decision making process. Involvement from Dade County and
Florida, as well as other entities and interest groups, and the public
will be sought and encouraged throughout the SEIS process.
The SEIS will address the proposed transfer of a one-runway airport at
the former base. Possible future construction of additional runways
some 15 to 40 years in the future will require additional analysis and
federal approvals at that time, if and when additional runways are
proposed.
Preparation of the SEIS will not affect the property transfers that have
already occurred. Property has been transferred to the Department of
Labor, U.S. Customs, the Dade County Homeless Trust, Florida Power &
Light, a bank, and a credit union. The Air Force and the Department of
Interior will continue with plans to transfer 213 acres to Dade County
for park and recreation purposes. Transfers of property for other
non-airport uses also will be considered if opportunities arise.
The decision to prepare an SEIS was made as a result of the review that
began this spring of the Air Force's 1994 final EIS, "Disposal and Reuse
of Homestead Air Force Base, Florida." Participating in the review with
the Air Force and the FAA were the Department of Interior, Department of
Justice, Environmental Protection Agency, and the Council on
Environmental Quality. The review was begun in response to questions
raised about the continuing adequacy of the 1994 EIS in light of
changing plans for the airport. The purpose of the review was to
determine whether the 1994 EIS adequately addressed the issues currently
associated with the proposed transfer and development of facilities for
a one-runway civil airport.
It had been hoped that the review process would permit the Air Force and
FAA to conclude that an SEIS was not required, allowing transfer of
airport facilities to occur immediately, subject to appropriate
conditions. However, after considering fully a contractor's draft
report, the Air Force and FAA have concluded that the potential
environmental issues need to be addressed further, including potential
mitigation measures, and that best course of action is to proceed
immediately with preparation of an SEIS.
The decision that further studies are warranted does not imply any
decision on the proposed commercial use of the airfield. Decisions on
the transfer, including appropriate conditions, will be made at a later
time.
Work on the SEIS, which will comprehensively address potential
environmental impacts of the airport property transfer, will begin in
January. The Air Force and the FAA will be the lead agencies for
preparing the SEIS. The National Park Service, the Fish and Wildlife
Service, and the Environmental Protection Agency will be cooperating
agencies.
The process will begin with extensive consultation with government
agencies and the public on the scope of the SEIS. There also will be
opportunities for interested parties to review and comment on the draft
SEIS after it is published, including participation in public hearings.
In addition, informal meetings will be held upon request, and written
input is welcome at any time. The times and locations of public events
will be announced in the local area.
State and local agencies and the public have been intensely interested
for the last year in the environmental and economic issues surrounding
this airport transfer. The federal agencies involved in this process
are very appreciative of the significant work that has been accomplished
in Florida, and the administration strongly wishes to encourage
continued interest and participation.
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971632a,b. Marathon runners selected Air Force Athletes of the Year
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971632a.gif and 971632a.jpg
Captain Mark T. Cucuzzella, of the U.S. Air Force Academy, Colo., is the
1997 Air Force Male Athlete of the Year. (Courtesy photo)
971632b.gif and 971632b.jpg
Staff Sgt. Lori Eppard, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, is the
1997 Air Force Female Athlete of the Year. (Courtesy photo)