Space Force

Members of the 154th Medical Group Detachment 1 (DET1) successfully participated in the 2024 FEMA Urban Search and Rescue Medical Specialist Course, from June 1-7, held at the Livermore-Pleasanton Fire Training Center in Livermore, CA.

The annual course is hosted by California Task Force 4 in the East Bay area of Northern California and brings together some of the most experienced USAR professionals from around the nation to hold lectures and navigate through a plethora of hands-on training in a realistic field-training environment.

Lt. Col. Hiura, 154th Medical Group (MDG) DET1 mission commander, said that the course is a rare and privileged opportunity to train alongside USAR Task Forces from all over the nation, with the 24 Hawaii ANG members joining in as the only military participants.

Its world-class instructor cadre includes physicians, rescue firefighters, paramedics and veterinarians who have deployed in response to the Oklahoma City bombing, Sri Lanka Tsunami, Haiti Earthquake, Hurricane Katrina, the Tsunami that struck Tōhoku in Japan, events of 9/11, the recent 2022 Surfside apartment collapse in Florida and many other disasters.

Students became proficient with patient packaging and extrication in confined spaces, ingress and egress of collapsed structures and medical management of crush injury. They also practiced emergency surgical airways, intubations, ventilator management and field amputations on real tissue samples.

This marked the third consecutive year of having DET1 members attending as students, having three enrolled, and its second year with DET1 members participating as instructors. Maj. Jason Habu, 154th MDG DET1 Search and Extractions Rescue Operations officer-in-charge and one of the two instructors from DET 1, emphasized how the course’s realism and intensity mirrored real-life disaster scenarios.

“The class was a physically intense experience where you’re crawling around in a live rubble pile extricating live patients,” said Habu. “Imagine exerting yourself trying to reach a patient, then having to treat and extricate them while being drilled by an MD on how and why you are providing certain medical treatments.”

Further integrating into this year’s course, 19 other members from DET1 also attended to fulfill the needs of an on-scene Disaster Medical Assistance Team (DMAT). This mobilized unit provides prehospital treatment and rapid-response medical care during public health and medical emergencies.

Master Sgt. Kyra Santos, a 154th MDG DET1 aerospace medical technician and DMAT participant, stated that standing up this capability was only possible because the men and women of DET1 bring a wide variety of medical and emergency response backgrounds from their civilian and military roles, ranging from administrative support and medics to nurses and physicians.

Portions of the course included a simulated mass casualty scenario, where attendees extricated and treated simulated patients using live actors and mannequins. These patients were then transported to the DET1 treatment team for triage, treatment, and stabilization.

The training utilized rubble piles made from live materials, adding an element of realism with the potential for shifting as simulated victims were egressed. This level of authenticity was so realistic that an actual USAR rescue team was on standby during the training to respond in case of a real-world collapse.

In addition to the realistic scenarios, the training schedule was designed to match the intensity of a real incident. Students and instructors alike put in 12–16-hour days, often starting at 7:30 a.m. and finishing close to midnight.

This grueling schedule culminated with a final 18-hour exercise, with a scenario that involved a simulated 8.4 earthquake that resulted in structure collapse with multiple casualties and survivors requiring extrication, medical management and transport.

“This course was challenging to our HIANG members because, out of a class of 36, our three were the only military members,” said Habu. “The class is usually only open to USAR Task Force Team Members, which typically include firefighters and physicians. Our members stick out like sore thumbs, but their great attitudes and hard work made them successful. Because of these attributes, we have been invited back to participate in this training as students and adjunct #instructors, which is an honor for us.”

Currently, the State of Hawaii does not have an assigned FEMA USAR Task Force and DET 1 is helping to fill this void in the event of a disaster or catastrophic event that involves Search and Rescue operations. Detachment 1 is one of 17 CBRNE Enhanced Response Force Package medical units in the U.S. and the first to have five certified FEMA USAR Medical Specialists.

DET1’s mission is to deliver scalable responses to chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, explosive, and disaster medical emergencies worldwide. Holding this training event alongside civilian emergency response counterparts significantly enhanced their capabilities and preparedness, as such collaboration is crucial because teamwork and coordination are expected in real-world crises.

Hiura said that DET1 has been fostering a strong relationship with the FEMA USAR Training Coordinator for more than seven years to ensure seamless integration and joint preparedness efforts.

“Attending these specific courses allows our members to learn the latest life-saving measures and guidelines from medical professionals who are the subject matter experts in this field,” said Hiura. “Many of these skills learned are perishable if not used or practiced. I believe our DET1 Airmen will be more prepared to make a difference in saving lives if Hawaii experiences a major disaster.”

WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio (AFRL) — Col. (Dr.) Richard O. Speakman assumed command of the United States Air Force School of Aerospace Medicine, or USAFSAM, at a ceremony held July 2, 2024, at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio.

USAFSAM, the premier institute for education and worldwide consultation in Aerospace and Operational Medicine, is one of two mission units that comprises the Air Force Research Laboratory’s 711th Human Performance Wing.

Also known as the “schoolhouse”, USAFSAM is home to more than 220 globally recognized experts in public health, aerospace medicine and operational medicine, and trains approximately 5,000 students each year. Operating across seven geographically separate locations, USAFSAM’s embedded role within AFRL and its unique synergy with the 711HPW enables the organization’s mission to promote ready Airmen, Guardians and medics in all environments through research, education and consultation.

In the ceremony’s opening address, 711HPW Commander Brig. Gen. (Dr.) Robert K. Bogart offered a warm welcome to Speakman, remarking that the incoming commander’s medical expertise and extensive military service ensure that he is well-positioned to serve as USAFSAM’s newest leader.

“Col. Speakman, you are taking command of an incredibly unique, complex, operationally engaged and extremely relevant organization,” Bogart said. “I know that you will do an incredible job leading USAFSAM. Your efforts will expand operational medical support capabilities and public health knowledge critical to our National Defense priorities, and we will benefit from all your experiences and your knowledge gained from family medicine, previous squadron and group commands, your own resident and aerospace medicine experience and your time on Air Staff.”

Speakman, a medical doctor and chief flight surgeon who has logged more than 775 flight hours — including 147 combat hours — in 16 different aircraft, was commissioned into the Air Force in 2002. He graduated medical school in 2006, after which he completed residencies in family and aerospace medicines and obtained a Master of Public Health degree.

“You are a proven leader and I know you will continue this at USAFSAM as you further it on its journey; your skills are needed,” Bogart added.

Speakman took the reins from Col. (Dr.) Tory Woodard, who has served as USAFSAM’s Commander since July 2021. Woodard will serve next as deputy command surgeon for the Air Force Materiel Command.

Prior to assuming command of USAFSAM, Speakman served as the commander and Military Treatment Facility director of the 71st Medical Group at Vance Air Force Base, Oklahoma, where he oversaw the execution of a $6.1 million budget and provision of health care and preventive health services for the 71st Flying Training Wing, Undergraduate Pilot Training students and 3,900 Vance Air Force Base community beneficiaries.

Following the formal change of command, Speakman took to the podium to address a crowd of family, friends and colleagues.

“I am humbled to be your 39th Commander,” Speakman said, noting that USAFSAM originated in 1917 with the initial goal of improving the safety and efficacy of WWI pilots. “This technology — the medical advancement to study, manipulate and even create an environment for flight — is all rooted in aerospace medicine. Today, through the lens of Great Power Competition, this Wing is asked to deliver human performance, sustainment and readiness optimization. Echoing the past, it’s our military readiness with respect to the human that we focus our research, our education and consultation.”

Speakman also acknowledged his family’s support as he stepped into his new leadership role, describing his spouse’s intuition as “always on point” and thanking his four teenaged children for their “service and patriotism.”

“There is a cost to service,” Speakman said, addressing his family, “and I don’t forget that, together, we serve as Team Speakman.”

Speakman also addressed the Airmen and Guardians in attendance, asserting his commitment to serve and lead them as well as help to further USAFSAM’s influence and reach as a premier institution.

“At this schoolhouse … we will research, we will educate and we will consult and lead the Air Force with integrated operational medical capability development,” Speakman said. “We will dream more. We will learn more, do more and, finally, become more together.”

“It’s my promise to you,” he added.

In his outgoing remarks, Woodard expressed his confidence that he was leaving USAFSAM in very capable hands.

“You are taking over an incredible organization filled with extraordinary talents and dedication across the range of military, civilian and support personnel,” Woodard said to Speakman. “You’re the perfect person to take this position; I know you’ll do well.

So, Rich, you have the aircraft.”

About AFRL

The Air Force Research Laboratory, or AFRL, is the primary scientific research and development center for the Department of the Air Force. AFRL plays an integral role in leading the discovery, development and integration of affordable warfighting technologies for our air, space and cyberspace force. With a workforce of more than 12,500 across nine technology areas and 40 other operations across the globe, AFRL provides a diverse portfolio of science and technology ranging from fundamental to advanced research and technology development. For more information, visit www.afresearchlab.com.

Lieutenant Commander Kimberley Healy celebrated the US Independence Day holiday as part of the Sea Combat Command, in Battleship Row at Pearl Harbor with friends

and colleagues from New Zealand and the US. LCDR Healy is part of the ADF contingent of more than 300 Australians taking part in Exercise Rim of the Pacific 2024 (RIMPAC 24), the biennial international military exercise scheduled by Commander U.S. Pacific Fleet. LCDR Healy is also celebrating a personal milestone this week of 20 years in the Royal Australian Navy.

“It’s great to see familiar faces and reconnect after years apart. In some ways if feels like no time at all has passed, we just picked up where we left off,” LCDR Healy said. It is LCDR Healy’s second RIMPAC. The Principal Warfare Officer (PWO) was at RIMPAC 2016 serving in HMAS Ballarat. “Being on an international exercise on the day I celebrate my 20 th anniversary in the Navy reaffirms my decision to join. I never thought I would be here 20 years later with still so much yet to experience. The old adage was, “Join the Navy, See the World,” and for me this has absolutely rung true. I reflect on the last 20 years and look forward to seeing what the next have in store.”

The highlight of LCDR Healy’s career thus far has been serving as Commanding Officer of the Armidale Class Patrol Boat HMAS Bathurst from 2021-23 after serving on the newly commissioned ship as a Midshipman in 2006. “When the Signal came out announcing me as CO Bathurst – that was a full circle moment for me. To have served on her as a Midshipman and then to return 15 years later as her Captain was pretty awesome.

“In 2021, it was post-COVID and we took the ship on deployment to Singapore. Two- thirds of the Ship’s company hadn’t been off the Australian station so it was really exciting to take the ship and her crew into international waters, conduct a crossing the line ceremony and pay a port visit to our friends and neighbours in Singapore.”

“Being CO of a ship is truly the time you get to cement your leadership and demonstrate all the training you’ve undertaken over many years. “My crew was exceptional, and because of them my boat was consistently operationally ready and we achieved every mission assigned to us. I’ve enjoyed all my sea postings but being the CO is the best posting I’ve ever had so far.”

LCDR Healy has also served on HMA Ships Warramunga, Arunta and achieved her Bridge Warfare Certificate on HMAS Adelaide in 2007. Shore postings include Gunnery Officer at HMAS Stirling, Defence Force Recruiting, Brisbane and PWO exchange to New Zealand where she was the Operations Officer HMNZS Canterbury and the commissioning OPSO on the tanker HMNZS Aotearoa.

As you would expect in a career of 20 years it hasn’t all been smooth sailing, but LCDR Healy said even during challenging periods there is always something to be learned. “I think you learn a lot from failure and mistakes equally as you do from the leaders who inspire you. It’s important to recognise that even our most junior members have a lot to contribute and providing them the space and opportunity to shine can positively impact the success of the mission.

“We all come from different walks of life and we can learn from everyone. Diversity of thought is the creator of amazing things. Consider what you want your legacy to be and make sure you leave behind a positive experience.” LCDR Healy has been selected to undertake Australian Command and Staff Course in

2025.

HOUSTON (AFRL) – The Air Force Research Laboratory, or AFRL, held a kickoff meeting for the new International Research Innovation in Nanotechnology, or RISING, Center at Rice University in Houston, Texas, May 9.

“For the last three years, we have been working with our counterpart, India’s Defense Research Development Organization, or DRDO, as well as the Indian Institute of Technology, or IIT, Kanpur to formulate a four-way collaboration with Rice University and AFRL,” said Dr. Ajit Roy, senior materials engineer, AFRL Materials and Manufacturing Directorate. “This collaborative effort will not only increase availability of rare nanomaterials technology, but it will also help to strengthen U.S. scientific and manufacturing ties with India and enable four-way resource leveraging.”

At about the size of 100,000 times smaller than the diameter of a human hair, nanomaterial composites can be used add strength without extra weight and have a myriad of uses and benefits from faster more fuel-efficient aircraft to enhancing the performance of sensors, circuits, computer chips and more.

“The unique properties of nanomaterials means that their potential applications span many different technologies,” said Dr. Nicholas Glavin, senior materials engineer, AFRL Materials and Manufacturing Directorate. “We are hoping to leverage the center to help answer some questions regarding manufacturing of those new materials.”

Five nano manufacturing technical areas were identified by the AFRL US-India Nano Manufacturing Working Group, or USINaM-WG, which included representatives from AFRL’s Materials and Manufacturing, Sensors and Munitions directorates and 711th Human Performance Wing, or 711HPW. These areas addressed specific needs of each directorate and included thin-film crystalline growth process scale up, device contacts of tailored properties, device fabrication process, nanomaterials/polymer process protocol and 2D materials process scale up.

“Efforts like this encourage us to come together as an AFRL team and learn more about how to interact with our international counterparts as leaders in the global science and technology world,” said Dr. Amanda Schrand, senior engineer, AFRL Munitions Directorate.

Strengthening international partnerships in science and technology development and manufacturing was one of the cornerstones of the U.S. Air Force/Space Force Science and Technology 2030 Strategy. A strong emphasis was placed on further strengthening relationships with India, tapping into India’s talent pool and resources for joint technology development. Nano Manufacturing is an area of emphasis in the DOD’s initiative on Critical Emerging Technology, or iCET, for boosting electronics manufacturing capability.

Roy said that Rice University was chosen as the location for the RISING Center not only because it is on the frontier of 2-D nanotechnology, but it also provides a physical contiguous United States, or CONUS, location for international innovation and science and engineering exchange between the U.S. and India. Both Rice University and IIT Kanpur will be collaboration hubs for joint technical work. AFRL scientists and engineers will spend time on both campuses working with international students and collaborators.

“The center is not only an excellent platform for workforce development, but it also expedites the development of technology with our international partnerships,” said Saber Hussain, a researcher with the 711HPW. “This center offers a fast track in getting new technology to AFRL.”

All four participating AFRL technical directorates will be collaborating on the execution of five projects, which include sensors for human health monitoring, high purity 2D materials growth via chemical vapor deposition, or CVD, conformal and flexible electronics for munitions and energy harvesting materials technology.

“Strategic partnering with our closest allies and partners at all levels of S&T and doing ‘business’ differently are two major pushes from AFRL as we adapt to a global technology landscape changing faster and faster,” said AFRL Chief Technology Officer Dr. Timothy J. Bunning. “This activity couples both of these pushes with a long-term focus on developing the talent and competencies needed by marrying strengths of both parties.”

About AFRL

The Air Force Research Laboratory, or AFRL, is the primary scientific research and development center for the Department of the Air Force. AFRL plays an integral role in leading the discovery, development, and integration of affordable warfighting technologies for our air, space and cyberspace force. With a workforce of more than 12,500 across nine technology areas and 40 other operations across the globe, AFRL provides a diverse portfolio of science and technology ranging from fundamental to advanced research and technology development. For more information, visit www.afresearchlab.com. 

The fiscal year 2022-funded Transient Training Troop Barracks Project, also referred to as the South Barracks Project, has maintained its scheduled progress and stands at 25 percent complete as July 2024 begins.

Framework for the four-story, 60,000-plus square-foot barracks started at the end of January 2024 and has continued to steadily be built up by contractor BlindermanPower (Construction) who got the contract to build the facility in June 2023 at just over $28 million.

As of July 5, according to an update from Ken Green with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Resident Office at Fort McCoy, construction progress was at 25 percent complete and the contractor has made progress on building walls and installing the roof and more.

Green’s previous update on June 28 states structural steel punch out continues as well as steel stud and exterior sheeting installation. Truss installation was also continuing as well as roof decking was going on. Spray foam also had started on imbeds and mechanical, electrical, and plumbing rough-in continued.

Previous news articles have stated that a notice to proceed with construction on this project was given on in late-September 2023. Overall, the statement of work for the project states the contractor will make the building be made of “permanent construction with reinforced concrete foundations; concrete floor slabs; structural steel frames; steel stud infill; masonry veneer walls; prefinished standing seam metal roofing; heating, ventilation, and air conditioning capabilities; plumbing; mechanical systems; and electrical systems. Supporting facilities include land clearing, concrete sidewalk paving, general site improvements, and utility connections.”

The building also is being built with the latest in construction materials and include state-of-the-art physical security and energy-saving measures. The contract duration is scheduled for completion in 780 calendar days, Green said.

“The current contract completion date is Oct. 2, 2025,” Green also wrote in the June 28 update.

Projects like this also play a part in supporting the economic impact to local economies around Fort McCoy. When looking back the last five years, Fort McCoy’s economic impact has continuously been $1 billion or higher every year to local economies. In FY 2019 it was $1.18 billion, all the way to FY 2023’s $1.38 billion.

In July 2023, Fort McCoy Garrison Commander Col. Stephen Messenger spoke about the importance of the installation’s economic impact to the 17th Wisconsin Government Opportunities Business Conference that took place on post.

Messenger described how the installation’s vast training space and facilities attract training opportunities for many units to come to the post, which also affects economic impact. He also mentioned new construction.

“There’s 48,000 training acres and 3,000 cantonment acres,” Messenger said in a previous news article. “The importance of that means we put a lot of money into this thing. … That’s … millions of dollars in contracts. That’s … millions of dollars in new construction. It’s … millions of dollars in payroll that we have here. And this is a driver of the economy. … It’s because of the integration that we have in the local community. And mainly when I say ‘local,’ I mean, this part of the region.”

And just two years ago, Stephen Sullivan, the Chief Financial Officer and Director for Resources, Installations, and Materiel for the Office of the Chief of the Army Reserve, visited Fort McCoy and said the post should continue to be a focus for the future for Reserve training and more.

“I think Fort McCoy is going to continue to be a key piece of the U.S. Army Reserve’s infrastructure that’s necessary to train and mobilize our forces,” Sullivan said in a 2022 news article. “And as I mentioned before, there’s a lot of overall pressure on availability of funding and a lot of competing priorities. So, when I talk about people, modernization, and readiness, it’s always about how we make sure that we fund all of these things appropriately.

“What I appreciate is like when I talked to the (Fort McCoy) staff and got a sense of how they’re being innovative, how they’re maximizing the use of training areas and finding places where you can do different types of training using the same training areas,” Sullivan said.

Fort McCoy’s motto is to be the “Total Force Training Center.”

Located in the heart of the upper Midwest, Fort McCoy is the only U.S. Army installation in Wisconsin.

The installation has provided support and facilities for the field and classroom training of more than 100,000 military personnel from all services nearly every year since 1984.

Learn more about Fort McCoy online at https://home.army.mil/mccoy, on Facebook by searching “ftmccoy,” and on Twitter by searching “usagmccoy.”

Also try downloading the Digital Garrison app to your smartphone and set “Fort McCoy” or another installation as your preferred base. Fort McCoy is also part of Army’s Installation Management Command where “We Are The Army’s Home.”