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MWD Bruno Retires p 6
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Perseverance pays off By Airman 1st Class Quion Lowe, 49th Wing Public Affairs
HOLLOMAN AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. -A former MQ-9 sensor operator who commissioned and became an MQ-9 pilot, understands the value in asking for help. The process of becoming a commissioned officer for the Air Force was long and challenging for 1st Lt. Shack, 6th Attack Squadron MQ-9 Reaper instructor pilot, but he persevered with the help of many individuals. He hopes to pay forward the assistance he received by molding newer generations. “Do not give up, there is always somebody there to help you,” said Shack. “I know the process for commissioning can seem like a daunting task, but I am willing to break it down and share my experience with anyone who wants help.” While MQ-9 sensor operators and pilots work closely together to complete the mission, there is a distinct difference in the roles they fill. “From the pilot side I think of us as the mission coordinator or manager,” said Shack. “The sensor operator does the vast majority of the target exploitation, and the pilot handles aircraft placement in addition to the majority of communications and weapons work. I am not saying a strong sensor operator cannot handle communications and weapons, but that is the average crew dynamic.” As an Airman, beginning his sensor operator career, Shack realized that due to their added level of responsibility, pilots would have the final say for any ideas for improvement sensor operators might have.” “I was a sensor operator for 11 years,” said Shack. “I got a chance to be operational and teach students. One thing that was a constant was the importance of pilots in the sensor operator 1st Lt. Shack, 6th Attack Squadron instructor pilot, poses for a portrait in an MQ-9 Reaper cockpit simulator, career field. It seemed anytime I wanted to make April 27, 2020, on Holloman Air Force Base, N.M. Shack worked as an MQ-9 sensor operator for 11 years before he See Perseverance, Page 2 commissioned to be an MQ-9 pilot. (U.S. AIR FORCE PHOTO BY AIRMAN 1ST CLASS QUION LOWE) INDEX
Paving the Flight Line...3
Civil Engineer Squadron Powers HAFB...4
MWD Bruno Retires After 9 Years...6
Afterburner...8
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Perseverance Continued from Page 1 a change it had to go through the left seat (pilot). I had great mentors who instilled in me early that I needed to look at the bigger picture to determine what path I wanted my career to be on. I decided I wanted to have as much impact on my own career as I could and became motivated to commission.” With the initial motivation Shack had acquired to become an officer, the assistance he received from those around him proved to be critical in his success. “One of my mentors is now Lt. Col. Michael, we worked together in weapons years ago,” said Shack. “He did a lot to inspire and mold my mentality when it comes to work ethic, leadership and the whole Airman concept, including family. He is definitely a strong mentor I like to stay in touch with every day.” “Another person that really inspired me is my wife,” said Shack. “It didn’t matter what assignment I pulled her to, what base or town I stuck her in, she was always supportive. Living with her and having her push me as much as she does, I wouldn’t be here without her.” Once he was past the selection process and officially becoming an officer, Shack began the training to become an MQ-9 Reaper pilot and was able to make an impact on the other students right away due to his experience. “I got a chance to show the students what this community is all about,” said Shack. “I told them this community stands together based on the bonds that we’re building now. I wanted to show them how to integrate their work and home life. It is one of those things where if the family doesn’t enjoy the people that you work with, working there is going to be a lot harder. I find that getting our families together really helps out.” The leadership and guidance that Shack practiced during training became vital to his next assignment, as he was given the opportunity to immediately become an instructor pilot as part of a new program for students excelling in course material. “Having just been in the shoes of the students, I offer a unique perspective because I just went through the same training,” said Shack. “Also, I am only a lieutenant, so they are not going to be as tense as if they were sitting across from a captain or a major. It is a chance to have a little bit more relatability, and the handful of students I have taught thus far have said it is helping them connect the dots and get where they need to be.” As Shack enters the latter half of his career, he says the mentorship he can give the Air Force’s next generation is what he most looks forward to. He often looks to help Airmen trying to commission in his own career field and offers the same advice to all other Airmen, “do not give up.” “I remember all the talks from chiefs and commanders about building up tomorrow’s Airmen and leaders,” said Shack. “I genuinely get it now. They knew where they were at in their careers and could see the struggles of tomorrow’s Air Force and were trying to prepare the brand new Airmen. It is very satisfying for me to start seeing that in my own career and I want to do what I can to turn today’s Airmen into the leaders needed for the problems of tomorrow’s Air Force.”
CONTACT US Editor: Matt Varns, mvarns@gannett.com Managing Editor: Jessica Onsurez, jonsurez@gannett.com This publication is published by the Alamogordo Daily News, a private firm in no way connected with the U.S. Air Force or the Department of Defense. Contents are not necessarily the official views of, or endorsed by, the U.S. government, Department of Defense or Department of the Air Force. The appearance of advertising in this publication, including inserts or supplements, does not constitute endorsement by the Department of Defense or Department of the Air Force of the products or services advertised. SUBMISSION GUIDELINES All entries must be submitted by 5 p.m. on Monday prior to publication. All entries are published on a space available basis only. The Hollogram staff reserves the right to edit submissions for length, spelling, grammar and accuracy. Articles and pictures can be brought into the Alamogordo Daily News at 518 24th Street or emailed to hollogram@ alamogordonews.com.
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Paving the line for future Holloman operations By Staff Sgt. Christine Groening, 49th Wing Public Affairs
Staff Sgt. Adam Cox, 49th Civil Engineer Squadron pavements and construction equipment operator, saws around a defected area on the flightline on Holloman Air Force Base, N.M., April 11, 2020. Cox and his team replaced a break in the concrete to prevent any safety hazards from occurring during future flightline operations. (U.S. AIR FORCE PHOTO BY
Staff Sgt. Jacob Drake, 49th Civil Engineer Squadron pavements and construction equipment operator, loads fast setting concrete into a pickup truck on Holloman Air Force Base, N.M., April 11, 2020. Pavements and construction personnel are still working around-the-clock, ensuring the airfield and base roads are clear of debris and repaired, allowing F-16 Viper and MQ-9 Reaper aircrew training operations to continue. (U.S. AIR FORCE PHOTO BY STAFF
Staff Sgt. Michael Carico, 49th Civil Engineer Squadron pavements and construction equipment operator, breaks up a defected area of the flight line with a jack hammer on Holloman Air Force Base, N.M., April 11, 2020. The pavements and construction Airmen replaced a break in the concrete to prevent any safety hazards from occurring during future flightline operations. (U.S. AIR FORCE PHOTO BY
STAFF SGT. CHRISTINE GROENING)
SGT. CHRISTINE GROENING)
STAFF SGT. CHRISTINE GROENING)
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Electrical production keeps Holloman powered
Airmen from the 49th Civil Engineer Squadron electrical power production shop reassemble a barrier on the flightline, on Holloman Air Force Base, N.M., April 21, 2020. The Airmen’s daily responsibilities include inspecting and servicing items across base such as the power supply to buildings, anti-vehicle barriers and aircraft arresting system barriers. (U.S. AIR FORCE PHOTO BY STAFF SGT. CHRISTINE GROENING) By Staff Sgt. Christine Groening, 49th Wing Public Affairs
HOLLOMAN AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. -With a mirage looming and mountains peeking through the landscape in the distance, Airmen soak up beaming rays of light while droplets of sweat and oil bead on their skin as they tighten the nuts and bolts of an aircraft safety barrier. The 49th Civil Engineer Squadron electrical power production shop supports Holloman’s missions by providing power supply to buildings and maintaining aircraft arresting systems on the flightline, as well as the anti-vehicle barriers found across the base. “About 97 to 98% of our job is preventative maintenance,” said Senior Airman Jacob Cleveland, 49th CES electrical power production technician. “A lot of it (includes) inspections. We’re checking to make sure that our equipment is in operational status (all year round).” The shop services approximately 50 generators across the base, ensuring the mission would continue in the event of a blackout. These Airmen are currently enabling the 49th Medical Group’s mission of providing trusted care to base personnel and their families by generating power for the contingency facilities outside of the main building. “By providing a generator for the pharmacy tent See Electrical production, Page 6
Senior Airman Wyatt Andrews and Airman 1st Class Curtis Mark, 49th Civil Engineer Squadron electrical power production technicians, perform weekly maintenance and inspections on a BAK-12 Aircraft Arresting System on the flightline, on Holloman Air Force Base, N.M., April 21, 2020. During weekly inspections, Airmen bleed brakes of air and ensure hydraulic pressure is applied to slow down an aircraft safely in an emergency. (U.S. AIR FORCE PHOTO BY STAFF
Airman 1st Class Curtis Mark (left) and Airman 1st Class Sharn Lucas (right), 49th Civil Engineer Squadron electrical power production technicians, reassemble a front sheave housing plate on the flightline, on Holloman Air Force Base, N.M., April 21, 2020. In addition to ensuring barriers are functional, they maintain power supply to buildings, as well as the anti-vehicle barriers found across the base. (U.S.
SGT. CHRISTINE GROENING)
AIR FORCE PHOTO BY STAFF SGT. CHRISTINE GROENING)
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Man’s best friend retires after nine years of service By Senior Airman Collette Brooks, 49th Wing Public Affairs
HOLLOMAN AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. -Military working dog Bruno, 49th Security Forces Squadron explosive detector dog, retired April 24, 2020, at Holloman Air Force Base, N.M. After serving almost nine years in the U.S. Air Force and six of those nine years at Holloman, MWD Bruno ends his military career surrounded by friends, colleagues and tennis balls. MWD Bruno protected and served here for the last year and a half with his handler, Staff Sgt. Chase Feeney, 49th SFS MWD handler. MWD Bruno deployed twice to Al-Udied, Qatar, and once to Al-Jaber, Kuwait with Feeney. “On his most recent deployment, MWD Bruno discovered an improvised explosive device that was placed in the direct route of travel of U.S. Forces,” said Feeney. “He’s also provided security for many high-level government officials to include Secretary of Defense Mattis and President Trump’s inauguration.” Additionally, MWD Bruno and his fellow MWDs supported Security Forces Defenders when faced with threats on and off the installation both locally and in a deployed environment. “The objective of having MWDs work alongside us in the field is to employ MWD assets aggressively and effectively to counter threats,” said Staff Sgt. Jennifer Franco, 49th SFS kennel master. “This instruction provides the framework for employment and utilization to support Integrated Defense as outlined in AFI 31-101, Integrated Defense. This
Staff Sgt. Chase Feeney, 49th SFS military working dog handler poses with MWD Bruno. Feeney is adopting Bruno. PHOTO BY SENIOR AIRMAN COLLETTE BROOKS
will ensure our forces can anticipate, deter, detect, assess, warn, defeat, delay, defend and recover.” To ensure MWD Bruno always maintained readiness, MWD Bruno and Feeney trained daily to keep MWD Bruno’s detection skills sharp and intact, especially his most valuable weapon - - his nose. “MWDs have a keen ability to detect substances that are not perceivable to the human nose,” said Franco. “MWDs are a trusted informant in the presence of contraband and intruders. They are considered a force multiplier to the mission here at Holloman.” “When MWD Bruno started showing signs
Staff Sgt. Jennifer Franco, left, kennel master, and Staff Sgt. William Hale, right, military working dog handler; both with the 49th Security Forces Squadron, toss tennis balls in the air for MWD Bruno, 49th SFS explosive detector dog, during his retirement ceremony, April 24, 2020, on Holloman Air Force Base, N.M. U.S. AIR FORCE PHOTO BY SENIOR AIRMAN COLLETTE BROOKS
that his old age was keeping him from being able to do the things necessary to complete the mission, we immediately brought it to the veterinarian’s attention,” said Feeney. “It’s every handler’s responsibility to be aware of their dog’s health and welfare.” “Once the vet determined he was no longer able to perform his required duties, we immediately started conditioning him to be adoptable,” said Feeney. “I would let him out of his kennel first thing in the morning, and he would just hang out in the office with us
all day. I’m very happy that he is retiring.” “I adopted Bruno, and he is living at home with me now,” said Feeney. “He went straight to the couch as soon as his retirement ceremony was over. I honestly couldn’t not adopt him. We’ve done a lot together in this short amount of time. We were a team, and while I’m sure someone else would have taken great care of him, nobody knows him better than I do. It was my responsibility to take care of him as a working dog, and now I get to care for him as my pet.”
endangering the other responders that may be off to the side waiting for engagement.” For this same reason, aircraft arresting barriers are crucial. In fact, if those barriers are inoperable, the mission is at a standstill until fixed. “Every sortie that’s coming out of this base is dependent on those barriers functioning,” said Cleveland. “You don’t want the military operation at a base to shut down simply because a transformer blew. The mission must keep going, as best as it can, to make
sure operations continue functioning, which is why our job is so important.” Senior Airman Redman also mentioned they’re supporting several agencies across the base to include the air traffic control tower, fire department, command post and fuels distribution center. Although the number of personnel on each shift has reduced, in light of the current COVID-19 pandemic, that limiting factor has not stopped this electrifying team from getting their typical workload accomplished.
Electrical production Continued from page 4 outside of the medical facility, we’re ensuring base personnel are still receiving their medication and (medical support) in a safe and timely manner,” said Senior Airman Blaine Redman, 49th CES electrical power production technician. “It’s great knowing we can make a difference.” In addition to keeping the central portion of base equipped with electrical power, these Airmen also aid in the continuation of base operations by conducting a variety of daily and monthly inspections,
including maintaining the 16 different aircraft arresting systems across the flightline. “During our weekly inspections, (checking) the hydraulics on an aircraft is integral because they are what applies the pressure onto the brakes, allowing them to function properly,” said Cleveland. “(Without this inspection), you’re risking not having the brake pressure applied in stopping the aircraft, and it could be disastrous-- it could result in losing the aircraft, the pilot, or even
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U.S. AIR FORCE PHOTO BY TECH. SGT. EMERSON NUÃEZ
A U.S. Air Force F-15C Eagle assigned to the 48th Fighter Wing, RAF Lakenheath, United Kingdom, breaks away from a KC-135 Stratotanker from the 100th Air Refueling Wing, RAF Mildenhall, U.K., after receiving fuel off the English Coast, April 23, 2020. The 100th ARW provides air-refueling support throughout the European and African areas of responsibility.
AFTERBURNER
