COMMANDER’S CORNER: NARROW THE SCOPE, IMPROVE THE FORCE - PAGE 2 Peterson Air Force Base, Colorado
Thursday, October 5, 2017
Vol. 61 No. 40
Colorado AF Reservists, C-130s join hurricane disaster relief efforts 302nd Airlift Wing Public Affairs
PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. — Two C-130 Hercules aircraft and 18 Reserve Citizen Airmen assigned to the 302nd Airlift Wing are providing airlift in support of disaster relief and humanitarian assistance operations in the eastern Caribbean areas. Since their departure from Peterson Air Force Base, Sept. 23, the Reservists have flown airlift missions transporting cargo and supplies in support of the movement of Joint Task Force Leeward Islands’ (JTF-LI) base of operations from Puerto Rico to three Caribbean locations in the wake of Hurricane Maria. JTF-LI is the U.S. military task force supporting U.S. foreign disaster relief to St. Martin and Dominica. The relocation was necessary due to the impact of Hurricane Maria on Puerto Rico and the need to have supporting U.S. forces closer to St. Martin and Dominica. JTF-LI had been primarily operating out of Muñiz Air National Guard Base in San Juan. The move includes about 300 military personnel, eight helicopters, and four C-130 Hercules aircraft. Joint Task Force — Leeward Islands is a United States military organization composed of Marines, Sailors, Soldiers, and Airmen. As U.S. Southern Command’s primary response capability, JTF-LI provides unique disaster relief capabilities, including command and control, humanitarian assessment, water production, engineering, and aviation heavy lift. “Our Reservists have made a quick turn to make the shift from aerial firefighting missions in California to disaster relief support,” said Col. James DeVere, commander of the 302nd Airlift Wing. The call to support hurricane relief efforts came one week after the 302nd AW ended its support of Modular Airborne Fire Fighting System missions in California. MAFFS-equipped C-130s from the Peterson-based reserve wing spent seven weeks supporting the U.S. Forest Service fire suppression efforts on more than 20 wildland fires in California.
(U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Jesse Pabon)
SAN JUAN INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT, Puerto Rico — A 302nd Airlift Wing loadmaster guides a cargo load onto an Air Force Reserve Command C-130 Hercules aircraft Sept. 25, at the San Juan International Airport, Puerto Rico. Two C-130 Hercules aircraft and 18 Reserve Citizen Airmen assigned to the 302nd AW are providing airlift in support of disaster relief and humanitarian assistance operations in the eastern Caribbean areas.
18TH SPACE CONTROL SQUADRON
Honoring Staff Sgt. Bieren’s memory
Keeping watch up above
By Steve Kotecki 21st Space Wing Public Affairs
PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. — On a cold, rainy morning Airmen from the 21st Security Forces Squadron and the 4th Space Control Squadron, known as the “Warhawks,” gathered to honor the passing of Staff Sgt. Austin Bieren on the 6th month anniversary of his death by doing what Bieren loved, working out. At the Capt. David Lyon Memorial Park, Peterson Air Force Base, Colorado, Sept. 28, 2017, about 50 Airmen performed a workout of the day inspired by Bieren. The work out consisted of squats while holding See Memory page 6
By Dave Smith 21st Space Wing Public Affairs staff writer
(U.S. Air Force Photo by Steve Kotecki)
PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. — Lt. Col. Chris Fernengel, 4th Space Control Squadron commander (left) and Capt. Brett Stephens, 4th SPCS engineering flight commander current operations presented a plague during the weekly roll call for the 4th SPCS in Elbert, Colo. Sept. 28, 2017. The plaque will hang in the 4th SPCS building so that future squadron members can honor and pay their respects to Bieren.
INSIDE News Briefs Crossword Classifieds
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Action Chaplain Page 3
VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. — While the everyday activities of life continue down below, what is taking place overhead doesn’t usually warrant a thought. The 18th Space Control Squadron located at Vandenberg Air Force Base, California, is a geographically separated unit of the 21st Space Wing, Peterson AFB, Colorado. The squadron provides situational awareness on thousands of items filling the skies while life moves along for those on Earth’s surface. “We have crews of eight people,” said 1st
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AWARENESS MONTH: Will you stand up? Page 5
See Squadron page 10
21st Space Wing Command Structure Page 14