Boeing Provides Training to NATO

The Strategic Airlift Capability (SAC) program will soon train C-17 aircrews at Boeing’s [NYSE: BA] C-17 International Training Centre (ITC) in the United Kingdom under a new $8 million contract.

SAC is comprised of ten NATO countries and two NATO Partnership for Peace countries. The program will begin training its multinational aircrews early this year. Prior to this contract, the SAC program sent aircrews to the United States for training.

“Boeing met the customer need to have access to affordable, high-quality training for aircrews from smaller countries with limited resources,” said Larry Sisco, C-17 training program manager. “Having regional training is a big cost and time savings for the SAC Program.”

As part of the contract, the U.S. Air Force inspected and recognized Boeing’s C-17 training simulators at the ITC as being fully able to train C-17 aircrews. The ITC houses a weapons systems trainer, loadmaster station and an integrated maintenance procedure trainer.
“The U.S. Air Force gave us their stamp of approval,” Sisco said. “They were thrilled with our simulator capability and how concurrent the simulators are with the C-17 aircraft.”

On behalf of the SAC program, the NATO Airlift Management (NAM) Programme Office requested this capability to meet the requirements of nations who make up this multinational program. In addition, the NAM Programme Office has ownership and is responsible for acquiring, managing and supporting NATO’s Strategic Airlift Capability aircraft, including three Boeing C-17 Globemaster III airlifters, that member nations can call upon to fulfill national operational needs.

“This contract to deliver training to NATO forces demonstrates Boeing’s commitment to the C-17 fleet and a truly global approach to our training service,” said Joanne Finch, head of Boeing Defense United Kingdom Training Systems and Government Services.”

USAF Also Seeks Rebalance in Civilian Jobs

In a continuing effort to meet Defense Department funding targets and rebalance the civilian workforce, some Air Force installations will implement civilian reduction in force authorities effective through April 4.

Following a major command needs assessment in early August, more than 1,000 civilian overages were identified across 48 Air Force installations going into fiscal year 2016. Having the RIF authorities will assist in the placement of employees not assigned against funded positions and allow greater flexibilities for employees to be placed at their installations while retaining their grade or pay.

“Voluntary efforts to balance the civilian workforce since fiscal year 2014 have moved us significantly closer to our target manning levels,” said Lt. Gen. Gina Grosso, the deputy chief of staff for manpower, personnel and services. “We have reduced the number of affected employees through several rounds of voluntary separation and retirement programs as well as reassignments to vacant positions.”

Overage positions have been reduced through pre-RIF placements, hiring controls and several rounds of Voluntary Early Retirement Authority and Voluntary Separation Incentive Pay in fiscal years 2014 and 2015. The Air Force no longer has the ability to carry overages when the position is not funded and will use RIF authorities to help place most of the remaining civilians on funded positions.

The RIF authority allows each location to use additional placement options such as: change to lower grade, retain pay/retain grade protections, and waiver of qualifications to place additional affected employees. The remaining employees will be offered registration in the DOD Priority Placement Program and receive consideration for future vacancies according to their registration.

“Although we have made great strides, we still have a number of affected employees to place into funded vacancies, and RIF authorities will enable us to achieve that goal,” said Debra Warner, the director of civilian force management policy. “The Air Force recognizes and strives to balance the invaluable contributions of our civilian workforce with the fiscal realities under which the DOD and the government as a whole are operating.”

The processes available use RIF procedures to determine employee placement rights into vacancies as well as provide the flexibility to waive qualifications to create more placement options.

“We will take care of our civilian Airmen by using every possible measure to minimize personal financial hardship for our civilian workforce and their families,” Grosso said. “We are committed to assisting each individual through this transition.”

The fiscal 2016 civilian RIF implementation is separate from sequestration actions.

Noteworthies with a Local Link

The president (as Commander in Chief) has made the following nominations:

Air Force Col. Charles S. Corcoran has been nominated for appointment to the grade of brigadier general.  Corcoran is currently serving as commander, 3rd Wing, Pacific Air Forces, Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska.

Air Force Col. Michael P. Winkler has been nominated for appointment to the grade of brigadier general.  Winkler is currently serving as commander, 354th Fighter Wing, Pacific Air Forces, Eielson, Air Force Base, Alaska.

Noteworthies with a Local Link

Secretary of Defense Ash Carter announced today that the president has nominated Air Force Col. Tyler D. Otten has been nominated for appointment to the rank of brigadier general.  Otten is currently serving as the mobilization assistant to the commander, 11th Air Force, Pacific Air Forces, Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska.

WA Ranks 7th in Defense Receipts

A two-volume DoD report on 2014 military spending reveals Fairfax County, VA, is the top recipient for defense dollars, raking in $19.1 billion on contracts and money earned by uniformed and civilian workers. Rounding out the top five are San Diego County, CA; Tarrant County, TX; Los Angeles County, CA, and Santa Clara County, CA.

The report shows why states fight so hard for military bases and business. On average, states received $8.2 billion in defense spending. Virginia received $54.7 billion, making up 11.8 percent of the state’s gross domestic product.

Read the report: Part 1 and Part 2 .

(Click on Image for a Larger View)

Air and Space Conference and Technology Exposition 2015

The Air Force Association's annual Air & Space Conference and Technology Exposition runs Sept. 14-16, 2015, in National Harbor, Md.

It features a range of speakers, including Defense Secretary Ash Carter, Air Force Secretary Deborah Lee James, and Chief of Staff Gen. Mark Welsh, as well as many industry leaders.

Topics range from the challenges of sequestration to opportunities in artificial intelligence, all focused around aerospace, cyberspace, and the US Air Force.

For up-to-date information from AFA about the conference, click here. Track the conference on social media by following us on Twitter and Facebook or by using #ASC15.

Opportunity with Government Contracting

Businesses looking to win government contracts will have the opportunity at the Greater Pierce County Purchasing Forum on Wednesday, Oct. 14, from 8:00 a.m. to noon at the STAR Center, 3873 S 66th St in Tacoma. Click here for map and directions.

Learn first-hand how to register and compete for contracts with federal, state, and local government agencies, meet one-on-one with purchasing agents, network with other Pierce County business owners and managers, and participate in breakout sessions.

• Panelists and exhibitors include 
• Pierce County
• City of Tacoma
• Port of Tacoma
• Washington State Department of Transportation
• Washington State Department of Enterprise Services
• Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC)
• Native PTAC
• NAVSUP Fleet Logics Center-Puget Sound
• U.S. General Services Administration (GSA)
• U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
• Joint Base Lewis-McChord
• Tacoma Public Schools
• Pierce Transit
• Northwest Minority Supplier Development Council
• King County Director Association (KCDA) School Purchasing Consortium
• Washington State Office of Minority and Women’s Business Enterprises

Register online or contact Hans Kueck at (253) 798-2335 or email.

The Beast Mode Flies Again

Be careful what you wish for. You asked for it; the Beast will rise again!

Your Air Force Reserve and 446th Airlift Wing give you the Subway Beast Mode Challenge, Aug. 15, 2015 at Dirtfish Rally School in Snoqualmie.

Like last year, the Challenge will be composed of a 3.5-mile mud-ridden obstacle course - with 12 football-themed trials of hills, blockades, water, and sludge, created to trigger one's inner Beast Mode.

Airmen from the 446th have begun assembling teams. However, individuals can register solo or on teams.

Department of Defense ID card holders, to include Reserve, [Air] National Guard, and active-duty service members [from all branches], civilian employees, contractors, retirees, and families, can take advantage of the Reserve's $5 discount on registration by entering the "JBLM" promotion code when they sign up HERE.

The Challenge also rewards its participants with live entertainment, Beast Mode contests throughout the day, photo booths, festival activities, and more.

Air Force Reserve recruiters will also be on hand to address Reserve-targeted questions and concerns.

Event proceeds go to the Fam 1st Family Foundation, created by San Francisco 49ers Joshua Johnson, and the Seahawks' own Marshawn Lynch, to keep underprivileged youth on a positive path.

For additional information, please contact the 446th Airlift Wing Recruiting Office at (253) 982-3501, or go HERE.

Public Hearings Set for JBLM's Joint Land Use Study

The Joint Land Use Study for Joint Base Lewis-McChord is nearing completion, and open houses will be held in July to seek public input.

The JBLM JLUS is a collaborative process among federal, regional, and local governments and agencies; tribes; the public; and the south Puget Sound region’s military installations, Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM) and Camp Murray. The study is designed to create a collective regional dialogue around sometimes complex issues of balancing military operational demands and mission changes with the region’s and local communities’ land use plans, economic development and infrastructure needs, and goals for environmental sustainability. The study area generally encompasses those communities within two miles of the JBLM boundary.

Please mark your calendars and plan to attend -

Public Hearing Dates and Locations:
Joint Base Lewis-McChord Joint Land Use Study
20-22 July 2015, Various Locations, 5:00-7:00pm
South Sound Military & Communities Partnership and AECOM (contractor) staff will be on hand to answer questions and receive feedback from the public on the currently ongoing Joint Land Use Study.

Three open-house style meetings will be held at:
• Monday, 20 July, 5-7pm at the Sprinker Recreation Center, 14824 C St S, Tacoma, WA 98444
• Tuesday, 21 July, 5-7pm at Yelm Public Safety Bldg., 206 McKenzie Ave., Yelm, 98597
• Wednesday, 22 July, 5-7pm at Lakewood City Hall, 6000 Main St SW, Lakewood, WA 98499

For more information, check out the JBLM JLUS Website.

AFA's Airmen Support Golf Tourney Open

The Air Force Association, McChord Field Chapter, Tee it High and Let it Fly Airmen Support Golf Tournament is scheduled for July 17, 2015, at Eagles Pride Golf Course.  The proceeds raised will support scholarships for Air Force JROTC students, and Airmen on Joint Base Lewis-McChord and Camp Murray. 

Like previous years, the chapter is requesting your financial support to help achieve their fundraising goal.    There are three ways you can support the chapter:  1) sponsor a hole/team, 2) Enroll a team, or 3) donate an item for a door prize.  More information can be found on the attached fliers.

Questions?  Contact Bill Striegel at whstriegel@comcast.net or you may call him at (253)906-7369

(Click on Image for a Complete View)

Noteworthies with a Local Link

Secretary of Defense Ash Carter announced today that the president has nominated Air Force Gen. Darren W. McDew for appointment to the rank of general and for assignment as commander, U.S. Transportation Command, Scott Air Force Base, Illinois. 

Gen. McDew is currently serving as commander, Air Mobility Command, Scott Air Force Base, Illinois.  He served as 62nd Ops Group Commander in 2001 at McChord AFB, now JBLM-McChord Field.
  

Noteworthies with a Local Link

Brig. Gen. James B. Jarrard, deputy commanding general, operations, 7th Infantry Division, Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington, to director, Pakistan and Afghanistan Coordination Cell, J-5, Joint Staff, Washington, District of Columbia.

Brig. Gen. Kurt J. Ryan, commanding general, 593d Sustainment Command (Expeditionary), Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington, to commandant, U.S. Army Ordnance School, U.S. Army Sustainment Center of Excellence, Fort Lee, Virginia.

Army Command Sgt. Maj. Timothy S. Dotson, currently assigned to 2nd Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division, Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington, has been selected to replace Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Joseph Sluder as the command senior enlisted leader for Joint Task Force-North, Biggs Army Airfield, Fort Bliss, Texas.

Maj. Gen. Terry R. Ferrell, commanding general, 7th Infantry Division, Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington, to chief of staff, U.S. Central Command, MacDill Air Force Base, Florida.

Maj. Gen. Thomas S. James Jr., deputy chief of staff, G-3/5/7, U.S. Army Forces Command, Fort Bragg, North Carolina, to commanding general, 7th Infantry Division, Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington.

AMC Cancels Rodeo

Today, the 62nd AW shared with community leaders, civic leaders, honorary commanders and congressional delegates, the disappointment of cancellation of AMC Rodeo for 2015 at Joint Base Lewis-McChord.

Today was the actual official release.  Col. Kumashiro says an event of this magnitude could not be successfully completed without the strong relationships built together with McChord's  community partners and businesses that support Joint Base Lewis-McChord.

He said, "We value and appreciate our continued partnerships and very much look forward to the day when we can bring this event back to JBLM and our surrounding communities."

Attached is the official press release for your information.

SMS Scott Dellinger 34th Citizen-Servicemember

Photo: SMS Dellinger reflects after receiving Scott Citizen-Airman Award. Courtesy Flavia Hulsey, WRMC.

The Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber’s Military Affairs Committee (MAC) joins Tuesday with the Kiwanis Club of Tacoma in presenting the 34th Howard O. Scott Citizen-Servicemember of the Year Award.

ACU (America’s Credit Union) is sponsoring the annual award for the Chamber’s Military Affairs Committee selection of an outstanding individual who is a member of the National Guard or a Reserve unit; a person who is an exemplary volunteer in the community.  Additionally, the recipient must be professional in civilian and military occupations and a resident of Tacoma-Pierce County.

This is the 34th Anniversary presentation of the Howard O. Scott Citizen-Servicemember of the Year Award – this year to a Citizen-Airman: Marshall “Scott” Dellinger II.

Senior Master Sergeant “Scott” Dellinger, assigned to the 446^th Airlift Wing, serves as examiner loadmaster in the Standardization and Evaluation Office and superintendent of the 728^th Airlift Squadron loadmaster section.

He was loadmaster superintendent for Operation DEEP FREEZE for the past eight years.  He has 5,500 flying hours including 340 combat hours.  He averages 120 days annually training other airmen and supporting operational missions around the world.

Senior Master Sergeant Dellinger is a 17-year resident of Lakewood, and has served with the Kent Fire Department for 17 years. He’s been a captain since 2010. As a firefighter he has earned the GEICO Military Service Award.

For his community, he has volunteered for the Puget Sound Pipes and Drums (formerly the Pierce County Pipes and Drums) as a bagpiper for two years, performing for many special or solemn occasions in the community.

Scott Dellinger has been a member of the organizing committee for the Daffodil Festival for two years, as float director since 2014 and committee member since 2009, working coordinating float entrants, support for VIP guests and ensuring 400 military personnel and 74 parade units were included.. And he and his wife Susan also help chaperon the Festival Royalty.

With all of his activities and tireless devotion to making his community a better place for children and adults alike, Marshall Dellinger’s compassion, commitment and community impact as a Captain in the Kent Fire Department, dedicated service in the Air Force Reserve and a volunteer makes him deserving of the Citizen-Airman of the Year Award!

Firefighter and Senior Master Sergeant Dellinger, from all of us, thank you for your service and your service to your nation and your support to your community and your nation.

Noteworthies with a Local Link

The 446th Airlift Wing, the sole Air Force Reserve flying unit in Washington state has selected Col. Gerry Signorelli to be its vice commander, effective April 6.

62nd Annual Award Banquet Soon

Team McChord Civic Leaders, Honorary Commanders, PMBA members, commanders and members of our communities:

It is that time to recognize the 2014 Best of the Best for Team McChord!

Please join us for the 2014 Annual Awards Banquet, "Commitment to Excellence... Celebrating Team McChord's 2014 MVPs,"  which is scheduled for March 6, 2015 at the McChord Colocated Club starting with an 1800 social hour. Uniform is Mess Dress or Semi-formal for military and formal for civilians.

Please see the below link for event details. The payment options are cash, debit/credit, or club card. There will be a cash payment table at the event but please try to bring the correct amount as change may be limited.

Please see the e-invitation for RSVP/Payment POCs HERE.

If you are unable to click on the above link, please copy and paste into your browser:
https://einvitations.afit.edu/inv/anim.cfm?i=223528&k=0063410C795F

Please let MSgt. Wivell know if you have any questions about the March 6th event.

MSgt Todd Wivell
Chief of Public Affairs, 62d AW
McChord Field, Joint Base Lewis-McChord, WA
253-982-5645; DSN 382-5645 Cell 253-229-4515

Military Affairs Forum Welcomes New CO

Military Affairs Committee

Date & Time:  Wednesday, Feb. 11, 7:30 – 9:00 a.m.
Place:  La Quinta Inn | 1425 E. 27th St. | Tacoma 98421
Register: REGISTER HERE.
Event Sponsor:

The event fee will be complimentary for invited Military Personnel who reserve with Janice Hutchins, (253) 683-4882





AGENDA Items:

WELCOME THE NEW CO AND LEARN HIS LEADERSHIP PLANS
Col. Scott McLaughlin, Commander, 446th AW, JBLM


The 446th Airlift Wing, Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington, is the state's only flying Air Force Reserve wing. He is responsible for the organization, training, equipage and worldwide readiness of a combined Reserve and civilian wing of nearly 2,100 people at JBLM, McChord Field. The 446th Airlift Wing flies and supports the C-17 Globemaster III weapons system. Under Colonel McLaughlin’s command, Air Force reservists are capable of deploying anywhere in the world, 365 days a year for training, humanitarian efforts or combat.


ARMY COMMUNITY LISTENING SESSION
Roel A van der Lugt, Director of Military Affairs & Senior Policy Advisor Office of Congressman Denny Heck & Tiffany Speir, Program Manager, South Sound Military & Communities Partnership

We had a great success, but what did we accomplish?  Roel and Tiffany will share with you the communities’ achievements at the Army Listening Session, what are the next steps and when will we know?


UPCOMING MEETING
April 21, (11:45 am – 1:15 pm, La Quinta Inn & Suites) Howard O. Scott Citizen-Soldier of the Year.
AMC RODEO  
The AMC Rodeo returns again to host site JBLM-McChord Field in August, 2015.

ANNOUNCEMENTS
C-9 Blog, the Chamber’s military-community blog which focuses on the armed forces and civilian relationships, with an emphasis on the Pacific Northwest.
Veteran & Business Service, at its Facebook page, works with businesses to seek the "Veteran Advantage," promoting, encouraging and facilitating Veteran employment across the business community.

McChord Takes Half of C-17 Manpower Reductions

The Air Force announced the inactivation of two C-17 squadrons– one at Joint Base Charleston, S.C and one at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash. These inactivation’s were part of the FY15 President’s Budget submission released in March 2014 and will occur over the course of the next two years.

The Air Force plans to make adjustments over the next few years to the active duty, Reserve, and Guard components to ensure successful transitions to a leaner force that remains ready for future operations. The FY15 President’s Budget converts 16 AMC C-17s (eight from each base) from primary mission aircraft inventory to backup aircraft inventory. As a result, AMC will inactivate the 17th Airlift Squadron at Joint Base Charleston, S.C., in FY15; and the 10th Airlift Squadron at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash., in FY16. These inactivations are not new actions, but additional detail on the previously announced budget submission released in March.

“The 10th Airlift Squadron Pathfinders have a storied legacy of outstanding performance,” said Col. David Kumashiro, 62nd Airlift Wing commander. “Their legacy…their DNA…will not be lost. It will forever be part of our Air Force.”

“The men and women of the 62nd Airlift Wing and our United States Air Force are the best trained Airmen in the world. Make no doubt about it, your Airmen here at Joint Base Lewis-McChord remains ready, committed, and able to meet all of our worldwide taskings.”

“In this fiscally constrained environment, we have to balance readiness, capability and capacity,” said Major Gen. Michael S. Stough, AMC’s Director of Strategic Plans, Requirements and Programs. “To best preserve this capability, the intent is to fund these aircraft back into primary mission aircraft inventory in future years, and transfer them to the Reserve Component – and we’re working with our Air National Guard partners to do that, perhaps even as early as FY16. We rely on our Total Force partners every day to meet our global mobility requirements; we couldn’t do the mission without them. Our goal is to continue to leverage the unique strengths of the active and Reserve components to meet current and future requirements with available resources.”

Backup aircraft inventory are assigned with no manpower or flying hours. However, they will continue to receive funding needed to support weapon system sustainment. Converting 16 aircraft to BAI removes funding for the personnel and flying hours associated with those aircraft, for a savings of approximately $110M per year.

AMC's goal, reports the Air Force Magazine, is to return these C-17s to PAI status at some point and transfer them to the reserve components, said Maj. Gen. Michael Stough, AMC's director of strategic plans, requirements, and programs. "We're working with our Air National Guard partners to do that, perhaps even as early as Fiscal 2016," he said.

Veterans, thank you for your service

Thank you for your service.

Air Force Announces Changes to Headquarters Organization

Air Force leaders announced changes to headquarters staff manning and organization today.

The Air Force will create efficiencies by deactivating and realigning organizations at headquarters Air Force, major commands (MAJCOMs), numbered air forces and field operating agencies, resulting in savings of $1.6 billion across the Air Force in the next five years.

"I will work to ensure the world's best Air Force is the most capable at the lowest possible cost to the taxpayer," said Secretary of the Air Force Deborah Lee James. "Everyone knows our economy is still not where it should be; we have a responsibility to ensure that every dollar adds value to the taxpayers and our national defense."

The changes are a result of a comprehensive effort to reduce overhead costs, increase efficiencies, eliminate redundant activities and improve effectiveness and business processes (also known as Air Force Management Headquarters Review). The efficiencies created through the reorganization will also help meet the Department of Defense's directive to reduce costs and staff levels by at least 20 percent, eliminating 3,459 positions at headquarters across the Air Force, both in country and at overseas locations. As part of ongoing cost savings initiatives, the Air Force will also continue to reduce contract spending, operating budgets and travel expenditures.

To minimize the effect on civilian personnel, the Air Force will initiate Voluntary Early Retirement Authority programs and Voluntary Separation Incentive Pay to foster voluntary reductions before pursuing involuntary measures. As part of ongoing efforts to responsibly shape the force, military members were offered a variety of voluntary incentive programs.

"We are aggressively pursuing reductions within the first year, rather than spread them out over five years as allowed by DoD," said James. "It's better for airmen because it provides them predictability and allows us to re-stabilize our workforce sooner. It also allows us to harvest the savings earlier so that we can plow it back into readiness and some of our key modernization programs."

The Air Force's goal is to go beyond the 20 percent reduction mandated by the DoD so any additional savings can be achieved from staff functions above the wing level, and set to provide additional combat capability to the combatant commanders.

"The Air Force has been making incremental changes in our business practices for the last several years, but we must change the way we are doing business if we are to meet the Air Force's goal to reduce staffing functions by more than 20 percent," explained Bill Booth, Air Force acting deputy chief management officer. "Reducing higher headquarters' staffs means we can save money that can be re-invested in getting ready for combat missions at the wing level."

The largest initiative will include centralizing policy and oversight of installation and mission support activities within a newly created Air Force Installation and Mission Support Center (AFIMSC), which will report to Air Force Materiel Command. Execution will remain at the local level.

"The current and projected fiscal climate make it essential to centralize management and streamline support to the maximum extent possible in order to improve efficiency and effectiveness, as well as deliver more standardized levels of service across the Air Force," Booth said. Support functions currently spread across the MAJCOMs' staffs will be centralized at the AFIMSC.

The Air Force will also make changes to the headquarters Air Force staff organization by splitting Operations, Plans and Requirements (A3/5) and Strategic Plans and Programs (A8) and reorganizing them into the new Operations (A3) organization which will stand alone and merge the planning staffs into the new A5/8 organization.

Also, the current programming functions from A8 will be merged into the service's financial management organization (FM).

"We will now have an organization, A5/8, that is responsible for developing, managing and constantly assessing an Air Force strategy that is bounded by long-range resource projections and another organization, FM, that deals primarily with the day-to-day budget activities involved in running the Air Force," Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Mark A. Welsh III explained. "Keeping organizations aligned will ensure we keep moving towards our long-range strategic goals despite the short-term budget upheaval we face regularly."

The Air Force will also realign several functions that currently report to the headquarters in an effort to better support combatant commanders and realign some field operating agencies to operational MAJCOMs, merge FOAs with similar missions and deactivate others.

The Air Force Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance Agency is also being realigned from headquarters Air Force as a FOA to become part of a new operational numbered air force under Air Combat Command.

Realigning the Air Force ISR Agency into the new 25th Air Force within ACC ensures warfighting commands will have the best possible intelligence from integrated national and tactical ISR capabilities, while appropriately realigning operational activities and "organize, train and equip" responsibilities of the AF ISR Agency from execution by Headquarters AF to a MAJCOM.

For more information, please contact Ann Stefanek or Capt. Erika Yepsen, Air Force Public Affairs/Media Operations/Pentagon/ 703-695-0640.