Space Force

FORT LIBERTY, NC — A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held at Womack Army Medical Center signifying the official opening of the Joint Inpatient Dialysis Center on Dec. 1. This collaborative effort between WAMC and Fayetteville North Carolina Veterans Administration Health Care System began in 2018 and came to fruition on June 9, 2023.

According to Deputy Commander for Medical Services Col. (Dr.) David De Blasio, it was born out of two requirements first, the need for this capability to expand trauma and graduate medical education services at WAMC, and second, a more cost-effective inpatient stay for Womack beneficiaries and those of the VA.

“The Fayetteville VA and WAMC have continued to collaborate to ensure that this capability provides top-notch care to all of our beneficiaries,” said De Blasio.

The historical opening of the joint inpatient dialysis center sets a precedent for future collaboration, paving the way for further partnerships that can address and improve access to specialized services.

Guest speaker Brig. Gen. Lance Raney said, “What we do here at Womack is we generate the future force for medical, and then we sustain the readiness of the Soldiers that are both assigned here on post and work here within medical. The patients that we see here at Womack isn’t just a service to the VA, it’s a service to our nation because it helps sustain and generate those skillsets that are required to ensure our freedom.” Raney is the Commanding General, Medical Readiness Command East.

The team has completed over 135 treatments. William Tilley said he is thankful for the cleanness of the facility and the ability to receive the dialysis services in his room.

WAMC Commander, Col. David Zinnante during his opening and introduction of Mrs. Marri Fryar, executive director, Fayetteville NC VA Coastal Health Care System said, “Today’s ceremony is about the future and what we can do when two organizations like the VA and Department of Defense (DoD) decide to work together on a project.” “It’s a commitment to our Soldiers, families, and community, to make this a better place.”

The joint inpatient dialysis center provides comprehensive care to veterans, military personnel, and their families. This initiative reflects a commitment to meeting the unique needs of those who have served.

“Healthcare collaboration efforts provide a structure to exchange clinical and non-clinical resources between VA and DOD medical facilities and are established to support increased patient access to medical services, promote and proof efficiency by reducing duplication of services, and encourage the sharing of medical facility space,” said Fryar.

The opening of this joint inpatient dialysis center marks a significant milestone in healthcare, showcasing the power of collaboration and innovation. It is an occasion to celebrate the progress made in delivering high quality inpatient dialysis care to those who have served this nation.

For more than 50 years, Vandenberg Space Force Base has embraced the rich history of the local Native American Chumash people through base access, cultural learning opportunities and a cultural liaison.

The Space Launch Delta 30 tribal liaison officer, Josh Smallwood, stands as a bridge from Vandenberg to the local Chumash people. His role is more than a title; it is a commitment to partnership with the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians.

As Native American Heritage Month began, Vandenberg sought to honor the Chumash people and highlight the relationship that the base was growing with the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians based on the cultural practice of basket weaving.

The roots of Vandenberg’s relationship with the Chumash stretch back to 1970 with a simple request to harvest juncus, a California native plant used for traditional basket weaving. Vandenberg, recognizing the cultural significance of such skills and ability, honored the request, marking the beginning of a partnership rooted in respect for traditions.

“The Chumash have gathered juncus from Lake Canyon for thousands of years, so of course, we honored that request,” said Smallwood. “Since 1970, the Department of the Air Force has worked to better facilitate this government-to-government relationship.”

Base access for hunting, fishing, harvesting, and religious freedoms were not just words on paper, but tangible expressions of commitment, like the presence of Native American monitors during earth-moving activities, such as constructing new roads or buildings, near cultural sites.

Every November is Native American Heritage Month, a celebration that honors Native Americans for their numerous, significant, and noteworthy contributions to the United States, as well as their reverence for the environment and natural resources.

As Native American Heritage Month reached its end, a culmination of collaboration was marked by Vandenberg unveiling a street sign, citing the phrase “ma kiyušpakmu’ a mexme’y”. The sign, translated to “our gathering place for juncus” in the Samala Chumash language, will stand as a proclamation of shared history, a testament to the resilience of the Chumash people, a commitment to partnership and aiding the preservation of the basket weavers’ heritage.

“Culturally, I think it’s very important that we have this relationship and maintain it, because not only is it ancestral land, but there’s so much ancestral resource that we have available that the base can offer us,” said Levi Zavalla, Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians Culture Department community language teacher. “We should continue our relationship with each other as long as possible. I only see positive things for the future.”

ARNOLD AIR FORCE BASE, Tenn. – This August, 14 test analysts and test engineers supporting the 717th Test Squadron, part of the 804th Test Group at Arnold Engineering Development Complex, headquartered at Arnold Air Force Base, participated in a training opportunity.

The 804 TG Analysis and Technology Development Branch, or TDA, had expressed a desire for AEDC analysts to become more proficient with incorporating modeling and simulations, or M&S, into their daily workflow. M&S offers turbine engine testers the ability to quickly perform design studies modeled using acquired test data. This quick turnaround provides engine program offices the analysis they need to make informed decisions for future appropriation of limited resources.

One tool increasingly common across the aerospace industry is digital simulation, sometimes referred to as “digital twin.” A digital twin is just that: a digital representation of a real-world device or physics-based process. When done correctly, the digital twin may offer predictive insight into the performance of a test article.

Numerical Propulsion System Simulation, or NPSS, is a software architecture developed by the NASA Glenn Research Center in the 1990s. It was later turned over to a consortium of turbine engine manufacturers. This software allows engineers to model complex thermodynamic processes and is used in all phases of testing. Before the test is executed, modeling predicts results and investigates potential adverse test cell/test article interactions. During test execution, models aid data validation and data quality control. After the test execution phase, models are critical in analysis of the test data and the data validates the model.

In 2013, the consortium of manufacturers chose the Southwest Research Institute, or SwRI, to manage NPSS on their behalf. Leadership from the Technical Management and Advisory Services contract at Arnold AFB reached out to SwRI to arrange for onsite training of AEDC personnel at the University of Tennessee Space Institute.

For four days, students were given a basic-intermediate level education regarding the software’s setup, use and common modifications. Students also participated in trade studies that demonstrated the software’s ability to rapidly provide results for off-design performance.

“Each module of the course consisted of a presentation followed by an exercise where we were able to put the principles to use while receiving feedback,” said Erin Sanders, AEDC test analyst. “As a whole, I found the course also helped expand my coding skills in different languages, something that I have found to be a bit lacking from my undergraduate curriculum. One of the features I found most fascinating was how a visual representation is built as one writes applicable elements of the code. I look forward to working with my colleagues to apply NPSS on future projects.”

Stephen Arnold, 717 TS technical adviser, said the test contractor quickly coordinated this training opportunity.

“We will continue to be forward looking so that we can ensure the American warfighter has a distinct advantage,” Arnold said.

The ability to utilize this robust architecture will not only aid the 717 TS test analysts but will also aid the 804 TG in integrating propulsion and aerodynamic modeling capabilities. The ability to model the whole system is a step in understanding the total system performance as well as the uncertainty and risks associated with the weapon system.

“Having the test analysts integrated within the modeling capabilities will greatly increase the value to the test group,” said Mike Wrenn, 804 TG TDA technical advisor. “I appreciate the 717th’s shared desire to leverage this capability and build proficiency in the turbine M&S capability.”

VANDENBERG SPACE FORCE BASE, Calif — A new road sign to be placed on Vandenberg Space Force Base was named in dedication to the regions Chumash heritage during a road sign naming and Native American Heritage Month ceremony, Nov. 30, 2023, at Cocheo Park on Vandenberg SFB.

“I can think of no better way to capstone this month’s celebration than to honor the heritage by giving name to one of the roads here at Vandenberg,” said Col. Mark Shoemaker, Space Launch Delta 30 commander. “Reflecting on the history of Vandenberg, it is important to acknowledge the rich history of the Chumash tribe and their continued connection here.”

The road sign was named to honor the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians with the name “ma kiyušpakmu’ a mexme’y,” meaning “our gathering place for juncus,” in the Samala Chumash language.

Juncus is a flowering wetland plant that grows in the region, and on Vandenberg SFB, that the Chumash used for basket weaving.

The Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indian Cultural Department first reached out to the installation in 1970, with a request to harvest juncus. From then on the base and the tribe built a relationship to help keep the Native American heritage thriving here.

“The Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians are a sovereign nation with whom the base has maintained a unique relationship with,” said Josh Smallwood, Space Launch Delta 30 tribal liaison officer who has worked closely with the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians. “It is a great honor to be in this position and have gotten to work closely with them and be a part of this historical naming ceremony.”

The road sign represents the historical connection the installation and the tribe has maintained for over 53 years, and represents the base’s commitment to maintaining the culture, tradition, and art of our Chumash partners.

TAMPA, Fla. — As part of the National Football League’s Salute to Service program, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, in conjunction with the Schwarzkopf family and USO of Central Florida, presented the General H Norman Schwarzkopf Military Family of the Year Award to two families assigned to Patrick Space Force Base on November 12, 2023.

U.S. Space Force Capt. Tiffany Crick, USSF executive officer to the SLD 45 vice commander- support, her husband Avtandili, and daughters Athena and Alexandra were selected as the first-ever award winners from the United States Space Force. Staff Sgt. Jonne Cadua, 45th Security Forces Squadron flight sergeant, his wife Nathally and son Levi were awarded as the representatives of the United States Air Force.

This award honors the extraordinary dedication and commitment of service members and their families who demonstrate the core values of their respective services while sharing in the sacrifices for our country.

“This award was incredibly humbling and surreal,” said Staff Sgt. Jonne Cadua. “My family and I were not expecting to be selected out of the countless others who deserve the same recognition as we did. This is a blessing, and we are thankful to be recognized in this way.”

Gen. Schwarzkopf believed the strength, commitment and resiliency of a nation’s fighting force does not come about without the support and encouragement of those around them.

“Our family has had our share of tribulations (handling a pandemic, transitioning to change, moving, etc.), but through these challenges, we become stronger – as individuals and as a family, together we can overcome anything,” said Crick. “To be recognized as the Military Family of the Year was a true honor and testament to our family’s solidarity.”

Crick lauded the inspiration of the Schwarzkopf family and their drive keep the General’s legacy alive through recognizing others.

“I am inspired how they keep Gen. Schwarzkopf’s legacy alive by hosting these events and awarding military families,” said Crick. “It was an honor, and it was a fantastic way to educate and demonstrate to my daughters on the importance of service and sacrifice.”

The Cadua and Crick families, along with award winners from the other services, were recognized during the first quarter of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ football game and watched the remainder with Super Bowl XXXVII MVP, Dexter Jackson in the NFL’s Salute to Service Suite.

“The whole event was memorable and a once in a lifetime experience,” said Cadua. “It was humbling to meet the Schwarzkopfs family, knowing that they were alongside a legendary figure in Gen. ‘Stormin’ Norman’ and his distinguished military service and journey.”

Congratulations to the Cadua and Crick families, Sgt. 1st Class Tiffany Doby and family from the U.S. Army, Master Sgt. Gustavo Valdez and family from the U.S. Marine Corps, Capt. Ron Malloy and family from the U.S. Navy, and Lt. j.g. Connor Sullivan & family from the United States Coast Guard.

ZUTENDAAL, Belgium – Serving in Europe provides Soldiers with many unique and interesting opportunities. For a few Soldiers from the 51st Composite Truck Company who recently trained nearly two dozen Belgian host nation employees at the Zutendaal Army Prepositioned Stocks-2 worksite on how operate and drive the Enhanced Heavy Equipment Transporter, or EHET, this was certainly one of them.

Eight Soldiers from the 51st CTC, 18th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, served as instructors for an EHET drivers academy at the APS-2 worksite in Belgium, Nov. 6-22, training Belgian mechanics and maintainers from the 405th Army Field Support Brigade’s Army Field Support Battalion-Benelux.

In order to receive licensing accreditation on the M1300 EHET tractor and M1302 trailer, the AFSBn-Benelux host nation employees who work at Zutendaal attended the drivers academy training, which was led by the 16th Sustainment Brigade’s 51st CTC and included a classroom portion, a components and basic issue items overview, tie down procedures, ground guide instruction, trailer hook up procedures, winching, trailer maneuvering, and operating and driving the EHET.

With well over 100 EHETs stored at the Zutendaal APS-2 worksite, it’s critical that the Belgian workforce there is not only proficient in maintaining and repairing these EHETs. They must also be able to operate and drive them, and that’s where the expert truck drivers from the 51st CTC showed up to assist.

“I really enjoyed the training. The Soldiers from 51st Transportation Company who trained us were very thorough. They were also extremely patient and showed us exactly what we needed to know. They were great,” said Steven Claesen, the Zutendaal APS-2 maintenance team lead. “We learned a lot, and my team and I are now very comfortable with operating and driving the EHETs. The EHET is an amazing piece of equipment and the biggest piece of equipment here at APS-2 Zutendaal.”

The training consisted of three phases. Phase 1 was entirely done in a classroom environment. There, the APS-2 mechanics and maintainers were presented with all the technical data and regulatory guidance required to operate the M1300 EHET tractor and M1302 trailer.

Phase 2 was the hands-on training portion and focused on preventative maintenance checks and services. The APS-2 maintainers from Zutendaal shined during this portion because for many of them this is part of their everyday duties. In fact, a few of the Soldier instructors from the 51st CTC learned a tip or two from their Belgium students during this phase of the training.

Phase 3 was the most critical portion of the drivers academy and the primary reason for the training. During this phase the APS-2 mechanics and maintainers assigned to AFSBn-Benelux conducted operational control tests and a final driver’s road test. Once this phase was complete, they became fully certified and licensed to operate and drive EHETs.

According to the U.S. Army Acquisition Support Center, the EHET is used to transport the M1 Abrams main battle tank and other heavy equipment weighing up to 90 tons and is capable of attaining highway permits to allow transport within European countries. The EHET consists of an M1300 tractor (M1070A1 modified to reduce and relocate weight to achieve European road permits) and an eight-axle M1302 trailer capable of worldwide transport. The EHET is replacing the Army’s legacy HET. Fielding of EHETs in Europe began a couple of years ago, and the 405th AFSB’s Zutendaal APS-2 worksite was one of the first locations to receive them.

The 51st CTC is headquartered in Grafenwoehr, Germany. According to the 21st Theater Sustainment Command’s official website, the 51st CTC provides transportation assets for the movement and distribution of dry and refrigerated containerized cargo, general non-containerized cargo, ammunition, bottled water, bulk water and assists with unit moves, transports personnel, and provides convoy protection to unit convoys.

The Zutendaal APS-2 worksite maintains equipment designated for a sustainment brigade and separate reporting units and encompasses 600,000 square feet of climate-controlled warehouse space in 15 warehouses as well as 40,000 square feet of hardstand storage.

The 405th AFSB’s APS-2 program is a key component of U.S. Army Europe and Africa’s power projection and warfighter readiness missions. The 405th AFSB’s APS-2 program provides turn-key power projection packages – ready to deploy at a moment’s notice – while helping to reduce the amount of equipment needed from the deploying forces’ home stations. Combatant commanders identify their APS-2 requirements, and the 405th AFSB executes and then issues the equipment to the deploying warfighters.

The 405th AFSB is assigned to U.S. Army Sustainment Command and under the operational control of the 21st TSC, U.S. Army Europe and Africa. The brigade is headquartered in Kaiserslautern, Germany, and provides materiel enterprise support to U.S. Forces throughout Europe and Africa – providing theater sustainment logistics; synchronizing acquisition, logistics and technology; and leveraging the U.S. Army Materiel Command’s materiel enterprise to support joint forces. For more information on the 405th AFSB, visit the official website at www.afsbeurope.army.mil and the official Facebook site at www.facebook.com/405thAFSB.