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.
  

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.

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.

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.

State Receives DOD Grant for Military Downsizing Impact Preparation

Washington state has received a $4.3 million Department of Defense (DOD) grant to support local efforts to address the impact of potential downsizing of the state’s defense industry, Gov. Jay Inslee announced today.

The funding, from the DOD Office of Economic Adjustment’s Defense Industry Adjustment program, is matched by more than $500,000 in state and local dollars through the newly-formed Washington Military Alliance. The alliance was convened by the governor to prepare for military downsizing and includes a diverse group of military and defense stakeholders that represent industry, veteran, workforce and economic development interests across the state.

In 2012, Washington’s military industry accounted for 136,000 jobs and $15.7 billion in economic activity. There are more than 1,500 companies doing defense work in 35 of 39 Washington counties. Washington has the sixth largest military presence in the nation with personnel at bases and assets throughout the state. The industry supports military personnel as well as civilian jobs in cybersecurity, aerospace, advanced manufacturing, clean technology, and information and communications technology. 

“The military and defense sector is an economic backbone for many Washington communities and a driver of economic development statewide,” Inslee said. “As the DOD reduces military assets around the country, we want to make sure we are prepared and ready. By planning ahead, we will ensure Washington remains in a strong position to support our military and defense infrastructure, its diverse industry supply chain and the tens of thousands of jobs associated with this industry.”

The DOD grant will help implement a plan to minimize the impacts of military downsizing on regional businesses and communities. The plan, called the Washington State Military and Defense Sector Industry Adjustment Analysis and Strategy, was developed in collaboration with the Washington Military Alliance and the Department of Commerce. It will:

•    Assess the extent of the military and defense contracting footprint in the state,

•    Create a strategy and support system to reduce the exposure of regional businesses that are overly reliant on military and defense spending,

•    Support capability for technology transfers and advanced commercial spin-off of DOD programs to the private sector,

•    Generate a seamless transition to retrain and place dislocated defense contract employees in new jobs,

•    Study future opportunities for industry growth in both the public and private sector in order to meet defense needs, and

•    Focus on retaining and strengthening Washington state’s defense sector businesses and workforce.

Jorgensen Forge, a Tukwila company doing U.S. Navy contract work, is a prime example of the type of company that can benefit from the grant, said Kristiné Reeves, the state Department of Commerce’s military and defense sector lead.  The company, like several others in the state, has reduced its workforce as defense contracts have declined.

“This plan was fostered by the state’s Department of Commerce in response to community need and involves a partnership with eight local private organizations and several state agencies,’’ said Rich Hadley, president emeritus of Greater Spokane Inc. “This will touch all corners of Washington and demonstrates great public/private collaboration and a coordinated effort to keep this important industry an economic driver.”

“One core tenet of our statewide economic development and competitiveness strategy focuses on developing opportunities in key industry sectors,” said Commerce Director Brian Bonlender. “This is the same approach we take with the aerospace, life sciences and other key industries and provides the focus we need to ensure that Washington remains highly competitive for jobs today and well into the future.”

“As we work to represent four of the five largest defense communities in our state, the Puget Sound Regional Council is proud to partner with the Governor’s office, the state Department of Commerce and others to marshal our resources and strategically focus our efforts on understanding the defense supply chain in our state and then working to ensure that supply chain is prosperous and can grow for years to come,” said Pat McCarthy, president of the Puget Sound Regional Council.

About the Washington Military Alliance
The WMA provides a forum for collaboration in the state between local governments, military installations, state agencies and federal agencies. It serves as a policy advisor to the governor, other state agencies, the Legislature and others. Inslee signed a memorandum of understanding with Washington’s congressional delegation and more than 30 military, business and economic development organizations from across the state.

The group was originally convened to collaborate on production of the Washington Military Alliance Report, which identified impacts to Washington’s military and defense infrastructure and develop initial recommendations in response to a possible Base Realignment and Closure Commission action. Inslee reconvened the group to ensure the state’s ongoing response and preparation during DOD deliberations.

For More Information about the military and defense sector or the Department of Defense grant, please contact Kristiné Reeves at 206-910-1624 or Kristine.reeves@commerce.wa.gov.

from Office of the Governor press release 9-25-14

McChord Included in C-17 Reduction Plans

The president's budget proposal announced earlier this month outlines a future rapid global mobility force structure that includes the retirement of the C-38 fleet and reduction of the C-130H, KC-135 and C-20 programs reports Capt. Kathleen Ferrero, Air Mobility Command Public Affairs and Claudette Ruolo, American Forces Press Service, who contributed to the article.

In addition, officials note the planned movement of 16 aircraft into backup inventory during fiscal year 2015 (see map for state-by-state data).  (Click on Image for a Larger and Complete View)



Over the next five years, the Air Force plans to remove almost 500 aircraft from its entire inventory to transition to a leaner force as it faces about $12.5 billion in budget cuts, according to officials.

Col. Todd Cargle, Air Mobility Command Programs Division chief, said the budget cuts are forcing the Air Force to make hard choices to meet rapid global mobility mission requirements within budget constraints.

"We needed to make sure we were putting forward the best possible recommendation to support the warfighter," Cargle said. "Every stakeholder -- four other major commands, the Air National Guard, and Air Force Reserve -- at every level was at the table to shape this recommendation."

The budget calls for the closure of four active associate units (three existing units and one that was in the planning phases). Active associate units combine active duty with Air National Guard or Air Force Reserve resources.

Maj. Gen. Maryanne Miller, deputy to the chief of the Air Force Reserve, told Congress this month that the fiscal year 2015 proposed budget was "a transparent, collaborative Total Force planning effort maximizing the contributions of all three components."

It was also a collaborative decision to retire the C-38 fleet.

The Air Force argues that retiring entire fleets can save billions of dollars, because it saves the costs associated with infrastructure, logistics, personnel and base operating support. For example, the future retirement of the KC-10 fleet could save the DoD more than $2 billion across the Future Years Defense Plan, Cargle said.

Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Mark Welsh described the enormity of what $12 billion means to the budget in his latest "Airman to Airman" message.

"If we stop flying for the next two years ... completely, no flying hours at all in our AF for two years, we can pay [only] one year of the sequestration bill," said Welsh. "It's a big problem. ... we're working hard to fix it, but there's going to be tough choices that have to be made."

To face the challenge of the future security environment and dwindling budgets, Air Force senior leaders plan to shrink "capacity"-- or how much it can do at any one time, in order to maintain "capability"-- what the Air Force can do at any time.

For example, if the Congress agrees to the changes when they pass next fiscal year's National Defense Authorization Act, C-17A capacity will be reduced by placing some C-17s into backup inventory to not fly daily, but to still preserve strategic airlift capability if needed, Cargle said.

The fact that sequestration budget limits are scheduled to return in fiscal year 2016 cannot be ignored, Gen. Welsh told the House Armed Services Committee March 14.

"Every major decision reflected in our (fiscal 2015) budget proposal hurts," Welsh said. "Each of them reduces capability that our combatant commanders would love to have and believe they need. There are no more easy cuts."

AFA & Daedalians Offer Charity Golf Tourney

(Click on images for a larger and complete view)

Army Listening Session on Forces Realignment

All community businesses and partners are invited to attend a Listening Session on the Army's future force structure and the potential impact on our local community.

Who: Community & JBLM/I Corps

What: Community Listening Session on the Army's future force structure changes

When: 18 April 10 a.m. until noon.

Where: Eagle's Pride Golf Course, I-5 exit 116 (Mounts Road)

Why: To address the Army force structure realignment process and receive input from the community

Questions?  Please contact David G. Johnson Colonel, US Army Director, I Corps Public Affairs Office: 253.477.0161

Consider this an open invitation.

220th C-17 for JBLM-McChord Field

McChord Field is scheduled to receive its last C-17 Globemaster III March 27. In addition, there will be a small ceremony to celebrate the 14 years of the C-17’s role in the 62nd and 446th Airlift Wing's mission.

The aircraft delivery is part of a normal rotation to maintain the fleet at an authorized level. It is the 220th out of 224 that was ordered by the U.S Air Force. The C-17 will be delivered straight from the Boeing production facility in Long Beach, Calif.

AMC Cancels Rodeo for JBLM-McChord Field

Today, the U.S. Air Force announced that the Air Mobility Command’s (AMC) biennial Rodeo readiness competition has been cancelled this year because of budget shortfalls.  

(click on images for a larger view)

WA AFA Chapter Presents Awards

The Washington State Air Force Association honored several of its leaders with special recognition at their last meeting.  Pictured are the recipients (l to r) as Mary Moss, Washington State Chapter President, presents the awards:

 

Rick Sine is the Regional AFA President, received the Exceptional Service Award. In 2010 when Rick became Regional President, one of his biggest challenges was the Greater Seattle chapter's loss of a very active president.  Mr. Sine promptly enlisted the assistance of other chapter leaders to keep the Seattle Chapter functioning.  At one point, when the chapter might fold, he contacted Seattle chapter’s general membership as well as specific groups within the chapter for help. His leadership led to continuation of the Greater Seattle Chapter.

Mary Moss, Washington State AFA Chapter President presenting awards.

Bill Striegel, President for the McChord Chapter and Vice-President for State Chapter, received the Medal of Merit Award. Bill accepted the role as Co-Chairman for the Chapter Foundation Scholarship Golf Tournament, the Foundation’s primary fund raising activity.  His oversight, initiatives and personal efforts last year insured the most successful tournament in the last decade. His dedicated efforts were responsible for finding new donors in both areas.  He also assisted the Community Partner Chairperson in identifying several new Corporate Partners members.

Gary Brackett, the State AFA Government Affairs Officer, was honored for the role he played in the 2011 Air Mobility Command (AMC) Rodeo, especially insuring a warm welcome specifically to the international teams.  Gary’s work coordinating and assisting resulted in a very successful International Team Reception, held at the Foss Waterway Seaport Museum. Volunteers in the effort raised $12,000, coordinated the meals, obtained entertainment, sent out invitations and worked with JBLM to transport the teams to and from the event.

USTRANSCOM commander to deliver new C-17

Gen. William M. Fraser III, U.S. Transportation Command commander, will be delivering a new C-17 Globemaster III July 17 at JBLM-McChord Field.

The aircraft delivery is part of a normal rotation to maintain the fleet at

an authorized level. USTRANSCOM is the single manager for global air, land and sea transportation for the Department of Defense. The 62nd Airlift Wing reports to Air Mobility Command which is a subordinate command of USTRANSCOM.

The C-17 Globemaster III is the newest, most flexible cargo aircraft to enter the airlift force. It is capable of rapid strategic delivery of troops and all types of cargo to main operating bases or directly to forward bases in the deployment area.

JBLM Air Expo

Cargill Receives Bryce Lilly Award

The 62nd Airlift Wing's 2011 Bryce Lilly Service Award winner is Mr. George Cargill.

Photo:  (l to r) Colonel R. Wyn Elder, Commander, 62d Airlift Wing, George Cargill, Chief Master Sergeant Greg Warren, Command Chief, 62d Airlift Wing

As the Northwest TriWest Vice President, Mr. Cargill has had an opportunity to be involved in multiple community activities.  He is on the Board for the Tacoma-Pierce Co.  Chamber and is the Vice-Chair for Business and Trade.  He is a member of the Chamber’s Military Affairs Committee and able to be part of several opportunities to recognize the military in the community.

He was the Chair for the USO Puget Sound Area Board of Directors and recognized by the The News Tribune and University of Washington Non-Profit Leader of the Year.  He has been instrumental in supporting the military family through AFA, AUSA, MOAA and Navy League.   He recently joined the board for the WA National Guard Youth Challenge Academy.

The Bryce Lilly Service Award is awarded at the discretion of the Wing Commander to the military member, civilian employee, local business leader, community supporter or any other person directly involved in enhancing the quality of the military community at McChord Field.

Rodeo International Teams Reception

The Air Mobility Command's Rodeo International Teams Reception was held for hundreds of competing and observing teams from around the world at the Foss Waterway Seaport. 

Airmen from Belgium, the Netherlands, Pakistan, South Korea, Saudi Arabia, Spain and Sweden are participating this year, while representatives from more than 20 other countries are observing the event, which kicked off on July 24 and runs through July 29. Among the observing nations are first-timers Algeria, Botswana, Ethiopia, Nigeria and South Africa.

The Chamber posted an album on Facebook, which is available linked here.

Noteworthies with a Local Link

Col. R. Wyn Elder takes command of the 62nd Airlift Wing from Col. Kevin J. Kilb in a change of command ceremony at 10 a.m. Tuesday.

Colonel Elder arrives at McChord Field from Altus Air Force Base, Okla., where he served as Vice Commander of the 97th Air Mobility Wing.

As the 62nd Airlift Wing commander, Colonel Elder will be responsible for nearly 2,500 active-duty military and civilian personnel, along with 42 permanently assigned C-17 Globemaster III aircraft, to deliver global airlift, focused logistics, and agile combat support for America. The wing provides mission support to the 446th Airlift Wing, a Reserve Associate wing.

Colonel Elder entered the Air Force in 1991 as a graduate of the ROTC program at the University of Virginia. He is a senior pilot with more than 2,800 hours experience in the C-17, KC-135 Stratotanker, T-1 Jayhawk, T-38 Talon and T-37 Tweet.

During his distinguished career he has served as commander of the 817th Airlift Squadron at Incirlik Air Base, Turkey; commander of the 4th Airlift Squadron, McChord AFB; and special assistant to the commander, US Joint Forces Command, Norfolk Naval Station, Va.

After more than 22 years of dedicated service in the Air Force, Colonel Kilb is retiring to his home state of Arizona with his family.

Airmen Safe at Christchurch

The 62nd AW Public Affairs reports that all 18 active duty members from McChord Field, currently deployed in support of Operation Deep Freeze, are safe and unharmed after a 6.3-magnitude earthquake struck the New Zealand capitol of Christchurch Feb. 22.

Based in Christchurch with a C-17 Globemaster III to support Operation Deep Freeze, the Airmen are all accounted for and uninjured. Likewise, the C-17 deployed to support the mission sustained no damage.

Operation Deep Freeze, which runs from mid-October to mid-February, supports the National Science Foundation in Antarctica. Christchurch is a maintenance and re-fueling location for Operation Deep Freeze.

"Our primary concern is that our people and our civilian employees are safe and sound," said Lt. Col. Brent Keenan, 62nd Operations Group deputy commander, and next year's commander of Operation Deep Freeze. "We are helping locally, coordinating with the Joint Task Force, U.S. Embassy, National Science Foundation and the New Zealand Royal Air Force. It will be some time before airfield operations will resume normally scheduled activities."

Boeing Puts New Trainers at McChord, W-P

The Air Force Magazine Online reports the Air Force has awarded Boeing a $44 million contract to supply C-17 integrated training centers to three Globemaster bases, the company announced.

Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio, will receive the first ITC in the first quarter of 2012. JB Lewis-McChord, Wash., which has 54 C-17s, will receive the second system in the third quarter of 2012, and an undisclosed third location will receive the third in early 2013.

"We are proud to add to the Air Force's training capability and support warfighter readiness with these new devices," said Mark McGraw, who oversees Boeing's training systems.

The ITCs consist of a weapon systems trainer, pilot and co-pilot station, loadmaster station, and related courseware and support equipment. The contract could be worth up to $72 million if two options are exercised. Wright-Patt is set to receive next year the first of eight C-17s that the Air Force will bed down there.