BY JENNY GORDON [email protected]Word was received earlier this week that four C-130 Hercules aircraft would be need- ed to fight wildfires currently raging across the Rocky Mountains and southwest regions of the U.S. Following the request and approval from the U.S. Forest Service and U.S. Northern Command, two aircraft were deployed from the Air Force Reserve Command’s 302nd Airlift Wing at Colorado Springs, Colo., and two from the Wyoming Air National Guard’s 153rd Airlift Wing in Cheyenne. All will be operating from Peterson Air Force Base in Colorado Springs. These planes are equipped with fire suppression capabilities known as Modular Airborne Fire Fighting Systems. MAFFS, which fit inside the planes without requiring special modification, can discharge 3,000 gallons of fire retardant or water weighing 28,000 pounds in less than five seconds. They can be refilled and air- borne again in less than 20 min- utes. The retardant can cover an area one-quarter of a mile long and 60 feet wide in planes flying from an altitude of about 150 feet. The C-130s’ presence pro- vides surge capability used to boost wildfire suppression when commercial air tankers aren’t available. At the Warner Robins Air Logistics Center, one of the depot’s missions is programmed depot maintenance of C-130s. While Robins doesn’t main- tain all MAFFS-equipped air- craft in the fleet, there are regu- lars which come in for PDM, including those from the 145th Airlift Wing, North Carolina Air National Guard in Charlotte. There is currently one plane on station that arrived May BY JENNY GORDON [email protected]I I n the next six years, hush houses throughout the Air Force will be retrofitted with new fire suppression systems that will have a significant impact on the way operations are conducted. The Support Equipment & Vehicles Division of the Aerospace Sustainment Directorate at Robins oversaw successful testing of the new system last May at the Alabama Air National Guard’s Dannelly Field in Montgomery. Hush houses – about 180 of them worldwide – are enclosed noise-suppressing facilities where fighter jet engines are tested. Should a fire occur inside, eight Halon-based tanks are triggered to put it out. Working with the 3M company, Robins engineers and program managers have finalized efforts to implement a new agent known as Novec to replace Halon. The move will not only have a considerable impact on personnel safety and the environment, but will be more cost-effective, save time and open the door for future fire suppression opportunities in the Department of Defense. “We need to save money in the Air Force. That has to be a priority,” said Col. Michael Holl, SE&V division chief. “However, we had to do some convincing to spend $800,000 to make this change. “But, having this more reliable, stable alternative helps make you more effective at producing air power.” Novec has several advantages over its predecessor. In terms of safety, it is a colorless, odorless liquid that when vaporized to control a fire is harmless to humans. For the average team of five operators inside a hush house, this is especially noteworthy. It is not harmful to the touch or lethal if breathed in. Even if the liquid is poured on a paper document, for example, Novec will dry within seconds, and ink will not smear. It also leaves zero residue and does not damage expensive electronic equipment once dis- persed. “This was clearly the answer,” said Mick Randall, Hush House engineer. “There is nothing else on the market that has these properties.” Halon also posed a problem with its ozone-depletion concerns. With Novec, once released into the atmos- phere, there is zero ozone-depletion potential. It has an Warner Robins area public transit meeting Warner Robins Area Trans- portation officials are looking for public input on a transit feasibility study being conduct- ed for the Warner Robins met- ropolitan area. There will be an information meeting July 12, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at Middle Georgia Technical College, 80 Cohen Walker Drive. The purpose of the meeting is to provide the public an opportunity to ask questions and offer comments on the need for public transit in the Warner Robins metro area. The public is invited to attend this meeting, which is the sec- ond in a series of meetings on the study. Meeting topics will include a summary of a public transit survey conducted during the last two months, potential tran- sit service options and possi- ble transit routing alternatives. There will be a formal pres- entation at the beginning of the meeting, followed by a discus- sion period to answer ques- tions and address concerns interested people may have. Public comment will help eval- uate transit service options and possible transit routes. Another public meeting will be scheduled later this sum- mer to discuss recommended transit service options and routes. June 29, 2012 Vol. 57 No.26 NEWS Y OU OU CAN CAN USE USE U.S. Air Force photos by SUE SAPP Hush houses – like the one above – are enclosed, noise-suppressing facilities used to test fighter jet engines. Should a fire occur, eight tanks release the chemical Halon to put it out. Efforts have now been finalized to use a new agent known as Novec. The move will have a considerable impact toward personnel safety and the environment, and will be cost-effective and save time. Below, Juan Font, Hush House mechanical engineer, uses a sample of the Novec 1230 to demonstrate the effectiveness and advantages of the new fire suppression agent. see FIRE, 13 No Fire in the hole SE&V DIVISION OVERSEES SUCCESSFUL TESTING OF NEW FIRE SUPPRESSION SYSTEM C-130s fighting blazes out west maintained at Robins see C-130s, 7 Free Independence Day concert, fireworks slated for Monday AIR FORCE RESERVE COMMAND PUBLIC AFFAIRS American country music superstar and award-winner Josh Turner will perform Monday with the Band of the U.S. Air Force Reserve at this year’s free Independence Day concert in Warner Robins. Gates open at 6 p.m. for the concert at Warner Robins' McConnell-Talbert Stadium on South Davis Drive. Festivities will begin with the national anthem and an F-15 fighter jet flyover at 8 p.m., and feature a night of music, fireworks and family entertainment. Turner, one of the youngest artists to be voted into the Grand Ole Opry, said he’s glad to be coming to perform. “I’m really looking forward to playing for the troops this year,” said the double-plat- inum-selling singer. “I come from a patriotic background as my ancestors have served as far back as the Civil War, so this will come from the heart.” Also performing is Staff Sgt. Angie Johnson, a vocalist with the 571st Air Force Band, which belongs to the 131st Bomb Wing, Missouri Air National Guard. “Being a vocalist in the Band of the Air Force Reserve got me where I am today,” she said “Being a part of this unit helped me sharpen my skills as an entertainer and gave me the confidence to make the move to Nashville to pursue a career in the music industry. They'll always be like family.” The Wright Brothers’ plane could have flown in the cargo compartment of the C-5! IN THE TRENCHES CE bringing new lighting to flight line Page 2 HOT STUFF Autoclaves prep aircraft assets Page 6
Word was received earlierthis week that four C-130Hercules aircraft would be need-ed to fight wildfires currentlyraging across the RockyMountains and southwestregions of the U.S.Following the request and
approval from the U.S. ForestService and U.S. NorthernCommand, two aircraft weredeployed from theAir Force
Reserve Command’s 302ndAirlift Wing at ColoradoSprings, Colo., and two from theWyomingAir National Guard’s153rdAirlift Wing in Cheyenne.All will be operating fromPetersonAir Force Base inColorado Springs.These planes are equipped
with fire suppression capabilitiesknown as Modular Airborne FireFighting Systems.MAFFS, which fit inside the
planes without requiring specialmodification, can discharge
3,000 gallons of fire retardant orwater weighing 28,000 poundsin less than five seconds.They can be refilled and air-
borne again in less than 20 min-utes. The retardant can cover anarea one-quarter of a mile longand 60 feet wide in planes flyingfrom an altitude of about 150feet.The C-130s’ presence pro-
vides surge capability used toboost wildfire suppression whencommercial air tankers aren’tavailable.
At the Warner RobinsAirLogistics Center, one of thedepot’s missions is programmeddepot maintenance of C-130s.While Robins doesn’t main-
tain all MAFFS-equipped air-craft in the fleet, there are regu-lars which come in for PDM,including those from the 145thAirlift Wing, North CarolinaAirNational Guard in Charlotte.There is currently one plane
IIn the next six years, hush houses throughout theAirForce will be retrofitted with new fire suppressionsystems that will have a significant impact on the
way operations are conducted.The Support Equipment & Vehicles Division of the
Aerospace Sustainment Directorate at Robins oversawsuccessful testing of the new system last May at theAlabamaAir National Guard’s Dannelly Field inMontgomery.Hush houses – about 180 of them worldwide – are
enclosed noise-suppressing facilities where fighter jetengines are tested.Should a fire occur inside, eight Halon-based tanks
are triggered to put it out.Working with the 3M company, Robins engineers and
program managers have finalized efforts to implement anew agent known as Novec to replace Halon.The move will not only have a considerable impact
on personnel safety and the environment, but will bemore cost-effective, save time and open the door forfuture fire suppression opportunities in the Departmentof Defense.“We need to save money in theAir Force. That has to
be a priority,” said Col. Michael Holl, SE&V divisionchief. “However, we had to do some convincing to
spend $800,000 to make this change.“But, having this more reliable, stable alternative
helps make you more effective at producing air power.”Novec has several advantages over its predecessor. In
terms of safety, it is a colorless, odorless liquid that whenvaporized to control a fire is harmless to humans. For theaverage team of five operators inside a hush house, thisis especially noteworthy.It is not harmful to the touch or lethal if breathed in.
Even if the liquid is poured on a paper document, forexample, Novec will dry within seconds, and ink willnot smear. It also leaves zero residue and does notdamage expensive electronic equipment once dis-persed.“This was clearly the answer,” said Mick Randall,
Hush House engineer. “There is nothing else on themarket that has these properties.”Halon also posed a problem with its ozone-depletion
concerns. With Novec, once released into the atmos-phere, there is zero ozone-depletion potential. It has an
Warner Robins areapublic transit meetingWarner Robins Area Trans-
portation officials are lookingfor public input on a transitfeasibility study being conduct-ed for the Warner Robins met-ropolitan area.There will be an information
meeting July 12, from 5:30 to 7p.m. at Middle GeorgiaTechnical College, 80 CohenWalker Drive.The purpose of the meeting
is to provide the public anopportunity to ask questionsand offer comments on theneed for public transit in theWarner Robins metro area.The public is invited to attend
this meeting, which is the sec-ond in a series of meetings onthe study.Meeting topics will include a
summary of a public transitsurvey conducted during thelast two months, potential tran-sit service options and possi-ble transit routing alternatives.There will be a formal pres-
entation at the beginning of themeeting, followed by a discus-sion period to answer ques-tions and address concernsinterested people may have.Public comment will help eval-uate transit service optionsand possible transit routes.Another public meeting will
be scheduled later this sum-mer to discuss recommendedtransit service options androutes.
June 29, 2012 Vol. 57 No.26
NEWSYYOUOU CANCAN USEUSE
U.S. Air Force photos by SUE SAPPHush houses – like the one above – are enclosed, noise-suppressing facilities used to test fighter jet engines. Should a fire occur, eight tanks release the chemical Halon to put it out. Effortshave now been finalized to use a new agent known as Novec. The move will have a considerable impact toward personnel safety and the environment, and will be cost-effective and save time.Below, Juan Font, Hush House mechanical engineer, uses a sample of the Novec 1230 to demonstrate the effectiveness and advantages of the new fire suppression agent.
� see FIRE, 13
No Fire in the holeSE&V DIVISION OVERSEES SUCCESSFUL TESTING OF NEW FIRE SUPPRESSION SYSTEM
C-130s fighting blazes out west maintained at Robins
� see C-130s, 7
Free Independence Day concert,fireworks slated for Monday
AIR FORCE RESERVE COMMANDPUBLIC AFFAIRS
American country music superstar andaward-winner Josh Turner will performMonday with the Band of the U.S.Air ForceReserve at this year’s free Independence Dayconcert inWarner Robins.Gates open at 6 p.m. for the concert at
Warner Robins' McConnell-Talbert Stadiumon South Davis Drive. Festivities will beginwith the national anthem and an F-15 fighterjet flyover at 8 p.m., and feature a night ofmusic, fireworks and family entertainment.Turner, one of the youngest artists to be
voted into the Grand Ole Opry, said he’s gladto be coming to perform.
“I’m really looking forward to playing forthe troops this year,” said the double-plat-inum-selling singer. “I come from a patrioticbackground as my ancestors have served asfar back as the CivilWar, so this will comefrom the heart.”Also performing is Staff Sgt.Angie
Johnson, a vocalist with the 571stAir ForceBand, which belongs to the 131st BombWing,MissouriAir National Guard.“Being a vocalist in the Band of theAir
Force Reserve got mewhere I am today,” shesaid “Being a part of this unit helpedmesharpenmy skills as an entertainer and gaveme the confidence to make the move toNashville to pursue a career in the musicindustry. They'll always be like family.”
The Wright Brothers’ planecould have flown in the cargocompartment of the C-5!
IN THE TRENCHESCE bringing newlighting to flight line
Page 2
HOT STUFFAutoclaves prepaircraft assets
Page 6
2 � The Robins Rev-Up � June 29, 2012
Page Two
Positive workplace relationships enable
everyone to perform at their very best
U.S. Air Force photos by SUE SAPPJohn Gunn, 778th Civil Engineer Squadron construction manager, talks about the flightline’s new high-mast lighting.
IN THE TRENCHESCE bringing new lighting to flight lineBY JENNY [email protected]
NNew high-mastlighting poleswill soon go up
in one area of the flightline.
A total of five, 100-foot poles will be erectedalong a stretch justbehind the jet blast fencealong Taxiway G.
The project began inMay and is scheduled tobe completed in July.
Each pole will include
14, 1,000-watt, high-pressure sodium lamps,and will face westtoward the functional testarea. Each will be spacedbetween 200 to 300 feetapart.
“They will be facingthe aircraft because thatis what we are trying toilluminate,” said HenryScheuermann, 402ndMaintenance GroupFacilities EngineeringSection industrial engi-neer.
Workers are currently
installing conduits under-ground and electricalequipment and wires inpreparation for the poles.
“There will be light-ing out there like we’venever had before,” saidJohn Gunn, 778th CivilEngineer Squadron con-struction manager. “It willprovide not only safety forour people but also securi-ty for the aircraft.”
Currently, there areportable lights and genera-tors used to provide light-ing, added Gunn.
Construction workers dig trenchesfor electrical cables which will powerthe new high mast lighting. Eachpole will have 14, 1,000-watt bulbs,and will face toward the functionaltest area.
Presidential detail offersunique opportunity to EODAirmenExplosive Ordnance Disposal professionals atMountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho, are calledupon regularly by the Secret Service to assist inprotection of the president and other members ofstate.The details are a career highlight for the EOD
professionals who are chosen.“The Secret Service requests members of EODand, as long as we have adequate personnel avail-able to complete the home-station mission, we canvolunteer for this assignment, which I did,” statedStaff Sgt. Jonathan Winter, 366th Civil EngineerSquadron journeyman. “Basically, wherever the presi-dent, his family or members of state go, we go first.”To find out more, see www.acc.af.mil/news/story.asp?id=123306195
AF to consider ROTCcommand candidatesEligible line of the Air Force lieutenant colonelsand lieutenant colonel-selects interested in com-mand opportunities can apply for Air Force ReserveOfficer Training Corps detachment openings, AirForce Personnel Center officials said.Applicants must update their AirmanDevelopment Plan and statement of intent by June18 to indicate their interest in summer 2013AFROTC command opportunities, said Master Sgt.Curtis Reese, AFPC Special Utilization OfficerAssignments superintendent. Application packagesare due to Air Education and Training Commandby Aug. 1.Applicants must have at least two years of retain-ability by Aug. 1, and three years time-on-station
by June 2013 (or be in a must move status nextsummer or have a date eligible to return fromoverseas between January and May 2013).Applicants must also have their master’s degreeand a superior performance record.To learn more, visit www.afpc.af.mil/news/story.asp?id=123306120.
Colombian, U.S. loadmastersand aerial porters exchange ideasThe 571st Mobility Support Advisory Squadronaerial port and loadmaster team conducted severalseminars with the Colombian air force, enhancingeach other’s logistical capabilities during the firstweek of an Air Mobility Command Building PartnerCapacity mission, at Commando Aéreo deTransporte Militar, Bogota, Colombia, June 4through 8.The purpose of the month-long BPC mission isdesigned to promote regional stability by fosteringkey relationships and enhancing partner nationcapabilities and to prepare the Colombian air forceto participate in this year’s Red Flag, at Nellis AirForce Base, Nev., July 16 through 27. In addition,the mission of the squadron, based out of Travis AirForce Base, Calif., supports the 12th Air Force’scontinued engagements in the U.S. SouthernCommand area of responsibility of Latin Americaand the Caribbean.To learn more, visit www.amc.af.mil/news/story.asp?id=123305995.
DoD tightens spendingon travel, conferencesOnce again, the Department of Defense is tighten-ing its financial belt.
In response to a May 11 call to action from theOffice of Management and Budget, Deputy DefenseSecretary Ashton B. Carter has directed DoD officialsand managers to reduce spending on travel, confer-ences and other agency operations.“DoD consistently strives to be an excellent stewardof taxpayer dollars and has focused on these issuesfor a number of years,” Carter said in a June 3memo.Such efforts, he added, include the 2010Secretary’s Efficiency Initiative and implementation ofthe president’s June 2011 campaign to cut waste.For details, see www.defense.gov/news/ newsarti-cle.aspx?id=116769.
DoD, VA partner to help prevent suicideVeterans Affairs Secretary Eric K. Shinseki said hisagency is working with the Defense Department toend veteran homelessness and to identify possiblecontributors to service member and veteran suicide.On the first day of the June 20-22 AnnualDOD/VA Suicide Prevention Conference inWashington, Shinseki , a retired Army general, for-mer Army chief of staff and a combat-woundedVietnam veteran, took the stage to a standing ova-tion from hundreds of mental health professionals,clinicians and military leaders.“Suicide is a national concern. The Centers forDisease Control’s annual report on the top 10 lead-ing causes of death G lists suicide as one of thetop four causes of death in Americans ages 10 to54,” Shinseki said.To learnmore, visithttp://www.defense.gov/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=116833.
4 � The Robins Rev-Up � June 29, 2012
U.S. Air Force photo by AIRMAN 1ST CLASS GEORGE GOSLINAmember of the 'Wings of Blue' skydiving team fromthe U.S. Air Force Academy jumps out of a C-17AGlobemaster III over Joseph P. Riley, Jr. Stadium inCharleston, S.C., before the South Atlantic League All-Star game, June 19. The team parachuted in with theball for the opening pitch of the all-star game.
AIR FORCENEWSFROMAROUNDTHE
HOW TOCONTACT US
Robins Public Affairs620 Ninth Street, Bldg. 905Robins AFB, GA 31098468-2137Fax 468-9597
COMMANDERCol. Mitchel Butikofer
SUBMISSION GUIDELINESSubmissions must be received by 4 p.m. Wednesday, theweek prior to the requested Friday publication.
They should be e-mailed to
lanorris.askew@ robins.af.mil [email protected] should be of broad interest to the base popu-lace. If you have further questions, call Lanorris Askew at472-0806.
DELIVERYTo report delivery issues, call Geoff Janes at 472-0802.
The Robins Rev-Up is published by The Telegraph,a private firm in no way connected with the U.S. AirForce, under exclusive written contract with Robins Air
Force Base, Ga.This commercial enterprise Air Force newspaper is
an authorized publication for members of the U.S. mili-tary services. Contents of the Robins Rev-Up are notnecessarily the official views of, or endorsed by, theU.S. government, Department of Defense, orDepartment of the Air Force.The appearance of advertising, including inserts or
supplements, does not constitute endorsement by theDepartment of Defense, Department of the Air Force,or The Telegraph.Everything advertised in this publication shall be
made available for purchase, use, or patronage withoutregard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age,marital status, physical or mental handicap, politicalaffiliation, or any other non-merit factor of the purchas-er, user or patron.
EDITORIAL STAFFPUBLIC AFFAIRS DIRECTORRick Brewer
INTERNAL INFORMATIONCHIEFGeoff Janes
EDITORLanorris Askew
STAFF WRITERSJenny GordonHolly Logan-Arrington
PHOTOGRAPHERSue Sapp
Perspectives
Be proud of your role thisIndependence Day
BY GEN. JANETWOLFENBARGER
Air Force Materiel CommandCommander
WRIGHT-PATTER-SON AIR FORCEBASE, Ohio – On July 4,1776, the ContinentalCongress approved theDeclaration of Independ-ence, starting the colonieson the path to freedom.The next day, John
Adams wrote to his wife,describing the time as “themost memorable epoch inthe history of America”and saying he was “apt tobelieve that it will be cele-brated by succeeding gen-erations as the greatanniversary festival.It ought to be com-
memorated as the day ofdeliverance ... It ought tobe solemnized with pompand parade, with shows,games, sports, guns, bells,bonfires, and illumina-
tions, from one end of thiscontinent to the other, fromthis time forward forevermore.”Our founding father hit
the mark. Indeed, 236years later, we still cele-brate our nation’s birthdaywith cookouts and music,parades and fireworks.We deck ourselves and
our backyards with red,white and blue in tribute toour independence and as ashow of our patriotism.As we enjoy the festivi-
ties with friends and fami-ly, we should also remem-
ber what our freedomcosts, both to achieve andto sustain.Since 1776, thousands
ofAmericans have giventheir lives in service to ournation, and millions morehave put their lives at riskto preserve our democraticway of life.Be proud that – as
members of theAFMCteam – we are a key part ofthat service, equipping ournation’s warfighters withthe resources they need toensure we can say, “Happybirthday, America!”
Reveille and Retreat: Proper observanceBY CHIEF MASTER SGT.
PATRICK BOWEN78th Air Base Wing Command Chief
As the command chief,I receive a lot of questionsabout Retreat, and I wit-ness a fair amount ofinstances where peopledon’t observe or exercisethe proper customs andcourtesies.If people know what
they’re supposed to doand understand why wedo it, as well as howimportant it is to us,they’ll willingly followsuit. If they’re still not soinclined to do so, I wouldrespectfully remind themwe work on a militaryinstallation; therefore, weare required to adhere.For me, it’s no different
than being a guest insomeone else’s home.While I’m there, I’mgoing to be mindful andrespectful of the rules oftheir house.Consequently, all Team
Robins members are re-minded to exercise certainprotocols during Reveille
and Retreat; see below forhelpful information.When Reveille plays in
the morning, no action isrequired at Robins, as theflag is displayed at theinstallation headquarters24 hours a day with prop-er illumination during thehours of darkness.However, if the flag is
being raised or lowered, or“To the Colors” or thenational anthem is beingplayed, military memberswho are outside and inuniform should face theflag (if visible) or face themusic, stand at attention,and salute on the first noteof the music (or if nomusic, when you see theflag first being raised orlowered). You should dropyour salute after the flaghas been fully raised orlowered, or the last notehas played. During theplaying of Sound Retreat,which precedes the lower-ing of the flag and thenational anthem or To theColors, military membersshould stand at paraderest. Civilians who are
outside should face theflag (if visible) or face themusic, stand, and placetheir right hand over theirheart on the first note ofthe music (or if no music,when you see the flag firstbeing raised or lowered).If in a vehicle during
Reveille (if the flag isbeing raised) or Retreat,pull the car to the side ofthe road and stop until thelast note of the music hasplayed or the flag is fullyraised or lowered.All sporting or physical
training activities will stopduring Reveille (if the flagis being raised) andRetreat, with proper hon-ors to the flag beingshown.If a base flies the flag a
continuous 24 hours andReveille or Retreat isplayed with no action withthe flag, or no playing ofthe National Anthem or“To the Colors,” you arenot required to stop andsalute.For more on proper
flag protocol, consult AFI34-1201.
Air Force officials announcemilestone Atlas V launch
As part of the Defense Department's ongo-ing efforts to maintain assured, affordableaccess to space through 2030, the Atlas Vrocket successfully lifted off from SpaceLaunch Complex-41 at Florida's CapeCanaveral on June 20, Air Force officialssaid. To read more, visit www.af.mil/news/story.asp?id=123306808.
With summer squarely shining on MiddleGeorgia, many of us will begin venturinginto the sun, enjoying free time with fami-
ly and friends.We strive to put safety first when planning for the
day’s festivities, not realizing that we have left our-selves open to a sneak attack.
Before we know it, the damage is done – a sun-burn.
While planning for a safe day outdoors, don’t for-get to protect against the sun and skin cancer.
Most commonly, skin cancer is caused fromrepeated, unprotected exposure to the sun and sun-burns. Even one blistering sunburn doubles yourchances of developing skin cancer.
More commonly, skin cancer develops from theadded effects ofmultiple exposuresof unprotected skinto the sun’s harmfulrays. Believe it ornot, a deep, goldentan is not reallythe best protectionfrom a sunburn.
The best way to avoid getting skin cancer is toavoid the sun. But let’s be serious, where’s the fun inthat?
If you can, avoid being in the sun between 10 a.m.and 4 p.m., when the sun’s rays are the strongest.
Second, regularly use and reapply sunscreen. TheAmerican Academy of Dermatology suggests a sun-screen with an SPF (sun protection factor) of at least30.
Applying sunscreen just once isn’t going to cut it.You need to reapply every two hours, and hourly ifenjoying the water. You should also cover allexposed body parts.
A broad-brimmed hat and UV-blocking sunglassesare also recommended. Little ones can use sunscreenafter six months of age.
What type of skin cancer is caused by the sun?The two most common types of skin cancer are basalcell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma.
They can occur on any portion of the body, but arecommonly seen on the arms, face, head and legs,since these areas are more often exposed to the sun.Some signs to look for include any abnormal area ofskin that is pink, constantly peeling, crusty or justdoesn’t seem to go away. These areas can also bleedeasily from the slightest trauma.
If you have an area of concern, don’t hesitate toget it checked out by your healthcare provider.
The summer is a time for fun and adventure, butdon’t forget to have a sun-safe summer.
– 78th Medical Group
THINKGREEN
PLEASERECYCLE
THISNEWSPAPER
June 29, 2012 � The Robins Rev-Up � 5
SUSPICIOUS ACTIVITY?CALL 468-EYES
Stay sun-safethis summer
med c’smessage
U.S. Air Force graphic by STAFF SGT. AUSTIN MAY
AFMS - Robins - 78th Medical GroupLike us on Facebook!
Something is cooking insideBldg. 169, home of the 574thComposite Repair Flight.
An imposing structureknown as an autoclave, meas-uring 15-by-50 feet – thelargest of three autoclaves atRobins and big enough to holdabout a half dozen SUVs – sitsready on one side of the cav-ernous 146,000 square footbuilding.A second, smallerautoclave, which measures 10-by-20 feet, sits a short distanceaway; a third is housed in Bldg.670.
Once a massive door closeson the largest autoclave, thinkof it as a vacuum-tight sealedchamber, secured much like acap you twist on the top of amedicine bottle.
“It’s like a big pressurecooker,” saidWesleyWood, a574th Commodities Mainten-ance Squadron supervisor.
Once various aircraft partsare bonded inside the shop,mainly C-5 assets, singlerepaired or newly-manufac-tured parts are wheeled insidethe autoclave on specially-builttracks.
Depending on the order, thecylinder acts as a pressure ves-sel to expose parts to elevatedpressures and temperatures.This can include leaving itemsinside from 90 minutes to twohours, in temperatures from250 to 350 degrees.
A series of vacuum hosesinside the autoclave is hookedon special adhesives on an air-craft part. Once the outer dooris closed, the large autoclave isheated and pressurized with
nitrogen.An operator sits in a small
computer room just outside andmonitors the process for anysafety hazards until the processis completed.
“After a ‘first cook’ on anaircraft panel, for example,what will generally happen isskins are laid out that havebeen treated with a corrosionprohibitor,” saidWood.
Ametallic honeycombstructure is then put onto thepart, which makes it light-weight and durable, he contin-ued.An exterior skin is alsoadded to enclose the honey-comb, before it’s sent for a fin-ishing paint job and on to itsfinal destination.
An average of 20 to 30items are routed through the
various autoclaves on anygiven week.
In addition to miscellaneousC-5 panels, other itemsprocessed include C-5 engineexterior covers, torque decks,floorboards, and pylon panels;C-130 boron repairs and C-17composite work.
The autoclaves provide the“heartbeat” for the CompositeRepair Flight’s repair and man-ufacturing support to the C-5,C-17 and C-130 aircraftsquadrons at Robins, as well assupport to aircraft worldwidethrough the Defense LogisticsAgency.
U.S. Air Force photos by SUE SAPPMichael Vaugh positions the nose for a C-5 pylon in the large autoclavein Bldg. 169.
Above, Wesley Wood displays aC-5 cowling in production in theshop. Right, a honeycomb layeris incorporated inside an aircraftpart.
and is scheduled to becompleted in late October.Its PDM package willinclude more than 12,000man hours, and thousandsof in-depth inspectionsfrom disassembly to build-up.
Its last MAFFS missionwas in June and July of2011 in Texas and NewMexico.
Much of the same workis done on all C-130s,whether it’s repairing fueltanks, inspecting the fuse-lage and wings, or paintingand sending on for func-tional check flights beforeheading back home.
Taking care of planessuch as these remains animportant part of ournation’s defense, not onlystateside but overseas aswell.
“The work we do hereis important. Whether it issupporting the fires outwest or getting it back tothe warfighter inAfghanistan, they’re allequally important,” saidBryce Padgett, 560thAircraft MaintenanceSquadron deputy flightchief. “We have a set timethat we want to get theseairplanes back out –they’re all vital no matter
what the mission is.”As of Tuesday, Robins
had a 97.9 percent on-timedelivery rate for all air-craft. The 402ndMaintenanceWing beganfiscal 2012 with all aircrafton time, beginning theyear with zero late aircraftand zero unplanned carry-overs.
The 560thAMXS isalso working to reduce thetime planes are spent onthe docks being repaired,from an average of 179days to 120 days, addedPadgett.
According to the U.S.Forest Service, as of June25 there were more than450 federal, state, andlocal firefighters, alongwith four heavy air tankersto assist with the mostrecent major outbreak inthe hillsides west ofColorado Springs.
There are four locationsthroughout the U.S. thatparticipate in the U.S.Forest Service-ownedMAFFS program. TheyincludeAFRC’s 302ndAW, 153rdAW, 145thAWand the CaliforniaAirNational Guard’s 146thAirlift Wing in ChannelIslands.
To read more on theAirForce wildfire support,visit, www.af.mil,www.amc.af.mil orwww.fs.fed.us.
June 29, 2012 � The Robins Rev-Up � 7
U.S. Air Force file photo by SUE SAPPSpecial C-130s equipped with fire suppression capabili-ties known as Modular Airborne Fire Fighting Systems, orMAFFS, are maintained here.
C-130sContinued from 1
Air Force workers can find help hereFinances & Work-Life Balance Airman & Family Readiness Center 926-1256Health and Wellness Education Health and Wellness Center 327-8480Health Screenings Civilian Health Promotion Services 327-8030Work, Personal or Family Issues Employee Assistance Program (800) 222-0364Work Stress, Psychological Issues Organizational Consulting Office 327-9803Mental Health & Substance Abuse Houston Healthcare 922-4281Unplanned Pregnancy Houston Healthcare 922-4281Suicide Prevention National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (800) 273-8255Sexual Assault & Victim Advocacy Sexual Assault Response Coordinator 926-2946Crime Victim Advocacy Victim Witness Assistance Program 327-4584
AFMC Wellness Support Center — www.afmcwellness.com
10 � The Robins Rev-Up � June 29, 2012
ONROBINSIT’S THE
LAW
On the FlyMosquitofogging hasbegun
The 78th CivilEngineer Squadron’sEntomology Section hasstarted adult mosquito fog-ging of family housing,dormitories, OfficerCircle, FAM Camp andthe wastewater plant.
The fogging will takeplace every Thursday from7 to 9 p.m. through lateSeptember. Fogging hasbeen implemented due towarmer nighttime temper-atures and the increasingmosquito counts, whichare provided by the instal-lation Public HealthOffice.
ALSgraduates
Congratulations to thefollowing graduates ofRobinsAirman LeadershipSchool Class 12-E:
Flight BSenior Airman JoshuaAdkinsSeniorAirman Joshua BuhrmanSeniorAirmanWyleeshiaMeekinsSeniorAirman Zackery NoorlunSeniorAirmanMarquisDeFrietasSeniorAirmanAlexandria ParksSeniorAirman KassandraGammillSenior Airman Michael PlattSeniorAirmanWilfredoGonzalezSenior Airman Darius ShirtsSeniorAirman Nathaniel LockeSenior Airman Andre TaylorSenior Airman Andrew MaselStaff Sgt. Sarah MattauschSeniorAirman Jivorsky ThomasSenior Airman DavidWhite
It’s that time of yearagain. The 78th MedicalGroup will provideHealthy Start Screeningsfor Tricare beneficiariesentering Georgia schoolsfor the first time.
Screenings are for stu-dents from Pre-K to 12thgrade and will be conduct-ed July 7 and 21 from 9a.m. to noon in Bldg.700A. No appointmentsare necessary.
Children will havevision, hearing and dentalexams – all of which arerequired by the Georgiaschool system.
In addition, height,weight, blood pressureand scoliosis screeningswill be performed.Immunizations will beavailable, so bring a copyof your child’s latest shotrecord.
Georgia school forms3300 and 3231 will beavailable and may becompleted at the event.These are the only servic-es which will be per-formed at the schoolscreenings.
If a sports physical isneeded, contact 327-7850to schedule an appoint-ment.
For more information,contact Master Sgt.Joseph Prunty or SeniorAirmanApril Cooper at327-8220.
Shane’s Rollin’RibShack is now open onbase.
The black and red trail-er with its unmistakable“smoke shack” logo islocated in the parking lotnext to Bldg. 2066 onBlunk Drive.
Hours are Mondaysthrough Fridays from10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
For more information,call Margie Daniel at 929-3110 or 747-6744.
UpcomingThe Airman and
Family ReadinessCenter is hosting adeployed families eventJuly 14 to Cordele, wherefamilies can enjoy a rideon the Sam ShortlineExcursion Train.
Transportation, a trainticket and lunch will beprovided.
Buses will leave theHeritage Club parking lotat 7 a.m. and will return at6 p.m.
Deadline to sign up isJuly 6.
For more information,contact Tech. Sgt. RonaldMegginson at 497-7506 orMaster Sgt. MichelleMain at 497-7691.
For more informationon Sam Shortline, visitwww.samshortline.com.
The following contractposition is open at theRobins Chapel: RefugeDirector.
The director serves as aresource person and coor-dinator of the AirmanMinistry Center forRobins.
Requirements include:be spiritually sensitive andspecialize in working withthe military, chapel volun-teers, and contractors in apluralistic environment;be at least 25 years of age,and have a bachelorsdegree and at least twoyears experience in ayoung adult singles min-istry or religious educationposition. Work schedule is25 hours a week.
For a statement ofwork or more information,contact Tech. Sgt. DerekJohnson at 926-2821.
Resumes must be sub-mitted to Johnson byTuesday at noon to beconsidered for the posi-tion; qualified applicantswill then be scheduled foran interview.
The contract will beawarded based on “BestValue” to the government.
Et ceteraThe Museum of
Aviation is open everyday except Easter,Thanksgiving, Christmasand NewYears Day from9 a.m. to 5 p.m.Admission is free andeducation classes for pre-kthrough 12th grade areconducted all year long.
Several areas are avail-able for private or groupevents, and the VictoryCafé caters on site.
Call 926-6870 or visitwww.museumofaviation.orgfor more.
�Pay and Personal Recognition�Money for college�Job training�Camaraderie, satisfaction and pride�Life insurance, medical care and re-employment
rights�Travel�Special allowances�Thrift Savings Plan and retirement�Individual Mobilization Augmentee Program�Traditional Reservist Program�Palace Chase�Palace Front
For more information, contact Master Sgt. KimonoAkins at 497-7367, 327-7327 [email protected]
Master Sgt. Kimono AkinsYour In-Service Recruiter
afreserve.com
ON TAPSchool’s Out BowlingEvery Monday, Tuesdayand Thursday2 to 5 p.m.Bowling CenterThree gamesincluding shoes$5 per person12 years and younger$6 per person13 years and olderFor details, call 468-2112.
Fall SoccerRegistration begins TuesdayYouth CenterFor details, call 497-6831.
Golf Balls UnlimitedAll you can hit at the PineOaks Practice FacilityEvery Tuesday in July5 to 6 p.m.; cost is $5For details, call 468-4103.
Horizons closureFood services are closedtemporarily for kitchen andutility maintenanceFor more details, contactMarsha Snead at 472-7899.
Join Your Club DriveNow through July 13Win up to $100 instantlyFor details, go towww.afclubs.net.
Get OutHAPPENINGS
WED
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2SUN
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PLEASE RECYCLE THIS NEWSPAPER
Left, an area behind thecash registers is parti-tioned off during phase 1of construction. Therewill be 12 phases in theredesign, whichwill divide the store intocenters, including fit-ness, home, activelifestyle and fashioncenters.
June 29, 2012 � The Robins Rev-Up � 11
‘X’ marks the spot
Right, (from left) WillMurphy, Josh Herring andChaz Malcomb, local con-struction contractors, takedown a partition as part ofphase one of the RobinsExchange redesign.
U.S. Air Force photos by MISUZU ALLEN
June 29, 2012 � The Robins Rev-Up � 13
BYMONICAD. MORALESAir Force Materiel Command Public Affairs
WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIRFORCE BASE, Ohio – The warfighterneed for streamlined logistics support andexpertise in science, technology, research,development and testing launched the cre-ation ofAir Force Materiel Command,which marks its 20th anniversary Sunday.“AFMC supports the entire spectrum of
theAir Force mission, and 20 years offersan opportunity to look back with pride onthe command’s accomplishments over thatperiod,” said JackWeber,AFMC com-mand historian. “Moreover, the com-mand’s current efforts to plan and imple-ment a streamlining of the organizationfrom 12 to five centers, reduce unneededoverhead and emphasize efficiency makean excellent benchmark on which to focusonAFMC’s heritage built so solidly overthe last 20 years.”Established on July 1, 1992,AFMC
resulted from the merger ofAir ForceLogistics Command andAir ForceSystems Command.Gen. RonaldW.Yates,AFMC’s first
commander, said at the command’s stand-up that this latest organization combinedboth a look to the old and the new.“It’s an old command – certainly one of
the oldest in theAir Force – because itsroots go back to the earliest days of U.S.military aviation,” Yates said. “AFMC isalso the newest major command in theAirForce, its creation the latest instance of theendless challenge of managing ever morecomplex weapon systems.”AFMC traces its heritage to 1917 at
McCook Field, aWorldWar I-era, experi-
mental engineering facility in Dayton,Ohio.With the birth of the U.S.AirService in 1918, the organization becameknown as the Engineering Division andwas expanded to include responsibility fortheAir Corps’ logistics system.It was re-designated theAir Corps
Materiel Division in 1926.As the largestbranch of theAir Corps, the MaterielDivision was responsible for all aircraftand equipment research, development,procurement, maintenance, supply andflight tests.The research, development and logis-
tics functions were separated duringWorldWar II, but were subsequently reunited forseveral years during the late 1940s undertheAir Materiel Command and structuredaround the strengths of technological supe-riority and worldwide logistics support.“The work ofAFMC's precursor organ-
izations was integral to the development,acquisition, testing, and sustainment of theweapon systems that enabled the UnitedStates to prevail inWorldWar II and, ulti-mately, in the ColdWar,”Weber said.In 1950 theAir Research and
Development Command broke out as aseparate organization devoted strictly toresearch and development. In 1961,AirMateriel Command was re-designatedAirForce Logistics Command, while theAirResearch and Development Commandgained the added responsibility forweapon system acquisition and was re-designatedAir Force Systems Command.Today,AFMC delivers war-winning
expeditionary capabilities to the warfighterthrough development and transition oftechnology, professional acquisition man-agement, exacting test and evaluation, andworld-class sustainment of allAir Forceweapon systems.From its inception the command and its
Airmen have been involved with opera-tions that span the globe.As early as fivemonths afterAFMC’s start, the commandsupported theAir Force’s famine relief
efforts in Somalia through airlift and refu-eling capabilities.At the end of that decade, in 1999,
AFMC provided critical support inKosovo – then a province in Yugoslavia.Beginning inApril and continuing throughthe end of the fiscal year,AFMC depotssurged production to maintain proper stocklevels and fill depleted readiness sparespackages.AFMC support marked the combat
debut of the B-2A stealth bomber, armedwith the Joint DirectAttack Munition thatbecame the “weapon of choice” during theconflict, saidWeber.After Sept. 11, 2001,AFMC’s techno-
logical and logistical support of weaponsystems also proved crucial to OperationEnduring Freedom. Currently, more than1,200AFMCAirmen support operationsin the U.S. Central Command andAfricaareas of responsibility.
The command currently supports ninehost bases, and runs theAir Force’s med-ical and test pilot schools.AFMC’s work-force of more than 80,000Airmen is com-prised of approximately 6,000 officers,13,000 enlisted and around 62,000 civil-ians – about 40 percent of the total numberof civilians employed by theAir Force.This high civilian-to-military ratio is criti-cal to providing the continuity needed tomanage the life cycles of weapons systemprograms.In November 2011, the command
announced a restructure of its organiza-tions – reducingAFMC’s centers from 12to five – as part of severalAir Force effi-ciency efforts.The command’s 20th anniversary year
was commemorated in March with theofficial release of the limited edition book“Air Force Materiel Command: 20YearsofWarfighter Support.”
�Command reachesmilestone anniversary,looks back on journey
AFMC – Celebrating 20 years
U.S. Air Force file photoSecretary of the Air Force Dr. Donald B. Rice (from center left), Air Force Chief of Staff Gen.Merrill A. McPeak and Air Force Materiel Command Commander Gen. Ronald W. Yates standas the AFMC flag is unfurled at the command's activation ceremony July 1, 1992. This yearAFMC celebrates its 20th anniversary of providing expeditionary capabilities to the warfighterthrough development and transition of technology, acquisition management, test and evalua-tion, and sustainment of all Air Force weapon systems.
“atmospheric lifetime of five days, com-pared to 65 years for Halon,” accordingto 3M.Novec also has an intangible benefit
to its customers. Current Halon bottlesinside hush houses must be routinelyserviced. Every bottle whose contents aredispersed in the event of a fire, AirForce-wide, must be refurbished, filled,leak-checked, and then shipped to thehydrostatic shop here at Robins.“They reclaim the halon – a time-con-
suming and expensive process – whichcan take two months for a single bottle,”said 1st Lt. David Butzin, Hush Houseprogram engineer. “Novec will allow usto use similar bottles that are maintained
at the field level.”This means local units in possession
of Novec-filled bottles will no longerhave to ship them back here. Instead,they will be filled by local manufactur-ers. This process will shave months offprocessing time. In fact, a hush housecan be up and running again, withnewly-filled bottles, in a matter ofweeks.“This system actually represents sig-
nificant savings over alternatives we con-sidered previously,” added Butzin.Small-scale testing was conducted
inside a T-10 model hush house inMontgomery May 14 through 18. Thedemonstration included a mock-up of anengine on fire.Mechanical rooms on either side of
the facility were retrofitted with 10 new
Novec bottles, each containing about 820pounds of the new agent.Hush house systems act similar to a
sprinkler system. Once a lever is pulledto activate it, the chemical is releasedthrough a nozzle in a piping system anddispersed throughout the sealed building.In Alabama, the process took 9.9 secondsto put out a fire.“In our case, it lowered the tempera-
ture of the test bay by 40 degrees,” saidJuan Font, Hush House mechanical engi-neer. “The chemical reaction is prettypowerful.”“We can claim success,” said Clay
Mims, Engineering Division chief.The test site’s new system will remain
in place for future use. As contracts arerenewed after the next year, other basesworldwide will begin using Novec. It is
ideal for bases in hot as well as very coldenvironments, as Novec’s operationalrange can work from minus 40 degreesup to 120 degrees.The demonstration came just two
months following initial testing at 3M’sDecatur’s facility.Additional Robins team members
involved efforts included Holly Green,Human Performance and ProtectiveSystems and Propulsion branch chief,and Capt. Marc Hernandez, deputy direc-tor; and Ben Heaton, program manager.“This helps national security in the
end,” said Holl. “I am really proud of ourteam for getting this change, making sureit worked, aligning budgets and require-ments, and cooperating with fire depart-ments, maintainers and pilots. I am verypleased. It is a big step forward.”
