Tyndall Airmen involved in IED explosion

20 Pages·2006·29.6 MB·English

June 16, 2006 Gulf Defender Page 1
Vol. 65, No. 24 Tyndall Air Force Base, Fla. Training Expeditionary Airpower Experts June 16, 2006
In Brief
SNCO induction
There will be a formal
senior noncommissioned
officer induction ceremo-
ny July 20 beginning with
a social hour at 6 p.m. at
the Enlisted Club.
The event, themed
“Leadership is a Jour-
ney – Explore the Pos-
sibilities,” will feature
the eighth Chief Mas-
ter Sergeant of the Air
Force, Sam Parish, as
the guest speaker. Senior
NCO selectees interested
in attending the event
should contact their first
sergeants to sign up.
Finance closure
The 325th Comptroller
Squadron will be closed
after noon today for an
official function.
Senior Airman Sarah McDowell
Boss, buddy night A horse is a horse...
Boss and Buddy Night
Jody Dillon, Tyndall Stables chairman, exercises her horse at the stables after work. For more informa-
is 4 p.m. today in the En-
tion on the horse stables available at Tyndall, see Pages 10-11.
listed Club’s Main Ball
Room. The event is free
Tyndall Airmen involved in IED explosion
and everyone is invited to
attend. Dress is casual or
uniform of the day. For Staff Sgt. Stacey Haga were attacked by an additional The 325th CES deploys on they constantly adjust their
more information, call 325th Fighter Wing public affairs IED,” said Tech. Sgt. Jeremy a regular basis and ensures tactics, techniques, and pro-
Master Sgt. Brian Hamp- Two Airmen from the 325th Unterseher, 325th CES, EOD their Airmen receive the best cedures to counter the enemy
ton at 283-3268. Civil Engineer Squadron are craftsman. possible training to prepare threat. They practice good
safe after being in the vicinity The deployed unit is respon- them for the deployment and ORM and do not take unneces-
Inside of an improvised explosive sible for all ordnance related any incidents that may arise sary risks. Their contribution
device detonation May 26 in situations, like road bombs and while deployed. to the war on terror has been
New commander shares Iraq. weapons caches in their area of “Training is what we do. tremendous, and they put their
goals, ideals ... The two Airmen, Senior responsibility. We prepare for the mission life on the line every time they
Page 3 Airmen Levi Kemp and Bruce “Our main mission is to en- by conducting home station go outside the wire,” said Lt.
Thomashunis were deployed sure the main supply routes and training, attending Silver Flag Col. Curt Van De Walle, 325th
Master, technical sergeant to the 506th Air Expeditionary alternate routes are IED free,” exercises and also attend vari- CES commander. “Thankfully
promotions ... Group/Expeditionary Civil En- said Sergeant Unterseher. ous other IED related courses,” the enemy did not prevail in
Page 6-7 gineer Squadron EOD flight in IED’s, like the one Airmen said Sergeant Unterseher. this case, and if I know my
Iraq. Their vehicle had minor Kemp and Thomashunis came “Our EOD troops are ex- EOD troops, they have learned
Mine explosion update ... damage. across, have been frequently treme professionals. They from this encounter and it has
Page 15 “They were in route to defeat encountered while the unit receive the absolute finest only stiffened their resolve to
a discovered IED when they performs its duties. training and equipment, and win this war.”
Trust, Teamwork, Training
Page 2 Gulf Defender June 16, 2006
“
ON THE STREET
325th Operations Support Squadron
Who is your favorite TV dad,
and why?
Senior Airman Sarah McDowell
UXO sighting
Members of a chemical warfare class recognize and record
a unexploded ordinance during a class here recently. The
chemical warfare class now includes this “hands-on” train-
ing. Another new addition is the gas chamber. For more
information, see Page 9.
“My favorite dad is Tony Soprano. “Major Dad, John Mac, reminds me
He knows how to separate family of my father. He was tough, ruled
life from work life. He’s a good with an iron fist and was fair.”
provider for his family.”
Identify this ... Staff Sgt. Stoney Bair
Can you identify this 2nd Lt. Matt diStefano Weather forcaster
object? If so, send Executive officer
an e-mail to editor@
tyndall.af.mil with
“Identify this” in the
subject line. Three
correct entries will
be chosen at ran-
dom and drawn from
a hat to select the
final winner. The
prize can be claimed
at the Public Affairs
office. Congratula-
tions to Master Sgt.
James Gross, with “Professor X was like a father figure. “Peter Griffin is my favorite TV
the 1st Aircraft Main- He taught students responsibility, dad because what he lacks in com-
tenance Unit for cor- tolerance, good qualities and helped mon sense and good judgement he
rectly guessing the them reach their full potential.” makes up for with enthusiasm.”
June 9 “Identify this”
as a battery. Staff Sgt. StePHanie foreSt Senior airMan MattHew HoBBie
Intel analyst Air traffic control apprentice
The Gulf Defender is published by the Panama City News Herald, a private firm Editorial content is edited, prepared and provided by the 325th Fighter Wing
Gulf Defender Editorial Staff in no way connected with the U.S. Air Force, under exclusive written contract with public affairs office. Photographs are U.S. Air Force photos unless otherwise
Tyndall Air Force Base, Fla. This civilian enterprise Air Force newspaper is an au- noted.
thorized publication for members of the U.S. military services. Contents of the Gulf The deadline for article submissions to the Gulf Defender is 4 p.m. Friday,
Col. Tod Wolters......................................325th FW commander Defender are not necessarily the official views of, or endorsed by, the U.S. govern- prior to the week of publication unless otherwise noted. Articles must be typed
Maj. Susan A. Romano...............chief, 325th FW public affairs ment, Department of Defense or Department of the Air Force. and double-spaced, preferably on a 3.5-inch disc. Stories should be submitted
The appearance of advertising in this publication, including inserts and supple- directly to the public affairs office, Building 662, Room 129 or mailed to: 325
Chrissy Cutitta..................................chief, internal information ments, does not constitute endorsement by the DOD, the Department of the Air FW/PAI, 445 Suwannee Ave., Tyndall AFB, FL, 32403-5425 or e-mailed to edi-
Senior Airman Sarah McDowell.......................................editor Force or the Panama City News Herald of the products or services advertised. [email protected]. Public affairs staff members edit all material for accuracy,
Staff Sgt. Stacey Haga.............................................staff writer Everything advertised in this publication shall be made available for purchase, brevity, clarity, conformity to regulations and journalistic style. The delivery of
use or patronage without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, the Gulf Defender to Tyndall base housing sections is provided by the Panama
marital status, physical handicap, political affiliation or any other non-merit factor of City News Herald.
the purchaser, user or patron. For more information, or to advertise in the newspaper, call [phone].
June 16, 2006 Gulf Defender Page 3
c
oMMentary
Commander Q and A:
Colonel Wolters speaks about goals, ideals
Q: What are your goals as the ground warfare responsibilities,
new commander of the 325 FW? how do you see the role of Tyndall
A: Maintain an environment of morphing to meet these needs?
guaranteeing air dominance by A: Continue to tailor the needs of
continuing with a back to basics ap- the warfighter. Tyndall will bear the
proach. People are first ... mission responsibility of Airmen deployed
always. overseas. Squadron commanders will
continue to adjust as necessary to
Q: What do you like best about make sure that our Airmen are prop-
Tyndall and the surrounding com- erly trained for deployment.
munity?
A: There genuine hospitality be- Q: How do you feel about this
tween the community and the instal- assignment and the mission of
lation. Tyndall?
A: It’s great to be here. As a career
Q: What attributes are the most Eagle driver, I’ve seen the value of air
important for good leader to pos- superiority. Tyndall has been the one
sess? base in the Air Force most respon-
A: Trusting the team to accomplish sible for maintaining and sustaining
the mission. Trust fosters empower- air dominance. Tyndall delivers air
ment and ownership of that allows dominance for the Air Force.
leaders to lead without obstruction.
Q: What advice would you give
Q: What impressed you most the enlisted Airmen who are on
about your predecessor’s accom- the verge of reenlisting or getting
plishments here at Tyndall? out? Lisa Norman
Colonel Wolters speaks at the change of command ceremony.
A: His demonstrated trust of team A: First, go with whatever your
Tyndall. heart tells you to do. Second, ex- A: Having the opportunity to com- They allow us the opportunity to con-
amine the quality of the individuals mand fellow Airmen. tinually improve as an Air Force.
Q: Who has inspired you most in you were afforded the opportunity Q: Why do you serve this na-
your career and why? to work with in the Air Force. I’m tion? Q: What is the benefit of inform-
A: My dad, he was an Air Force convinced there is not a finer group A: For the opportunity to serve ing the public through media op-
leader and he lead from the heart. I to serve with than those who serve in with fellow Airmen who appreciate portunities on base?
would talk to him twice a week. our 21st century Air Force. that freedom is not free. A: It’s our job to make sure the sur-
rounding community knows exactly
Q: As the Air Force mission shifts Q: What is the accomplishment Q: Are strong community ties what Tyndall is doing in support of
to an asymmetrical battlefield of to- that you are most proud of in your important and why? Air Force and Department of Defense
day and we take on more and more career? A: They are part of team Tyndall. efforts.
Action Line
The Action Line is your direct line to call me at 283-2255. MPF 283-2276
Call 283-2255
me. It is one way to make Tyndall a better For fraud, waste and abuse calls, SFS Desk Sgt. 283-2254
place to work and live. you should talk to the 325th Fighter Services 283-2501
The goal is to provide you with an ac- Wing Inspector General’s Office, Legal 283-4681
curate, timely response. You must leave 283-4646. Housing 283-2036
your name, phone number or address to Calls concerning energy abuse CDC 283-4747
receive a response. should be referred to the energy hot Wing Safety 283-4231
Questions or comments of general line, 283-3995. ADC 283-2911
interest will be published in this forum. Below are more phone numbers Finance 283-4117
This avenue should only be used after that help you in resolving any issues Civil Engineer 283-4949
coordinating problems or concerns with with a base agency. Civilian Personnel 283-3203
supervisors, commanders, first sergeants Commissary 283-4825 Base Information 283-1113
or facility managers. Pass and I.D. 283-4191 Thank you for helping me improve
If you’re not satisfied with the response Medical and Dental 283-7515 Tyndall and I look forward to hearing
coL. tod woLterS or you are unable to resolve the problem, MEO 283-2739 from you.
325th Fighter Wing commander
Page 4 Gulf Defender June 16, 2006
Even with change, one thing remains the same: Standards
cHief MaSter Sgt. SHarreLL caLLaway mission and inherent responsibilities
325th Mission Support Group Superintendent “T to the nation require its members
he development and institutionalization of our core values
Over many years of service, I have to adhere to higher standards then
reinforces standards into our daily mindset, specifically “Service
seen numerous changes to the way normally found in the civilian life.
we accomplish the mission, however, Before Self.” Recently, the Secretary of the Air
my view on Air Force standards has Force said how important our core
cHief MaSter Sgt. SHarreLL caLLaway
remained the same. 325th Mission Support Group Superintendent values are to the nation:
The development and institutional- “Our enduring Air Force Core Val-
ization of core values reinforces stan- phones and wear of the uniform. I instructions said we are only autho- ues provide a touchstone as we rise
dards into Airmen’s daily mindset, see personnel in uniform on our in- rized to be in uniform while making to meet current and future challenges,
specifically “Service Before Self.” stallation walking or driving while on short stops or eating lunch at local threats and opportunities.”
Violations of cell-phone regula- a cell phone. According to the current establishments where people wear If we are to meet these challenges,
tions and uniform policy, for ex- policy, uniform military members are comparable civilian attire. we should be able to abide to some
ample, break down our willingness not to walk or drive in uniform while However, I’ve noticed personnel basic standards daily. We are all
and ability to follow orders while on a cell phone or radio. in uniform at local off-base busi- charged with upholding standards
performing routine duties. Standards Only a government issued device nesses like Wal-Mart, Sam’s Club whether we are in or out of uniform,
apply anytime the uniform is worn, and hands free headsets are autho- and Winn Dixie shopping and talking on or off base, 24/7.
on or off duty, regardless of duty rized while in the performance of on personal cell phones for extended I challenge all of us to keep this in
status. official duties. periods of time. This clearly violates mind, educate those uninformed on
It seems there may be a lack of Just like the cell phone regulation, several of our instructions and pres- the policies and show the American
knowledge, poor communication or our service has also set standards on ents a very poor military image to the people we are up to the challenge to
just a general disregard of the regu- personnel performing unofficial du- civilian community. fight our nation’s battles and maintain
lations that governs use of cellular ties off base in uniform. Air Force The importance of the Air Force’s our nation’s security.
The Gulf Defender is published for people
like Senior Airman Mariano Diaz Miranda
from the 325th Air Control Squadron
June 16, 2006 Gulf Defender Page 5
Tyndall pharmacy undergoes changes
Staff Sgt. Stacey Haga “The pharmacy will continue to provide refills to For information on medical necessity documenta-
325th Fighter Wing public affairs patients who are already taking Cymbalta, Lexapro, tion visit www.tricare.osd.mil/pharmacy/medical-
Effective July 1, Tyndall’s pharmacy will no lon- and Welbutrin XL, but any new prescriptions for nonformulary.cfm or call Express Scripts at (866)
ger carry some medications, but those medications new patients just starting the medication will fall 684-4488.
will still be available at network pharmacies and the under the non-formulary rules and will need to be For additional questions about your pharmacy
TRICARE Mail Order Pharmacy. obtained through a network pharmacy or TMOP for benefit contact the TRICARE beneficiary office at
After a recent Department of Defense uniform a $22 co-pay for non-active duty members,” said 283-7157.
formulary review, medications Norvasc, Flomax, Captain Rojas.
Pharmacy tips
Cymbalta, Lexapro, and Welbutrin XL were given the To obtain these medications at a $9 co-pay,
Tyndall’s pharmacy processes an aver-
status of non-formulary and selected to be removed medical necessity documentation from a physician
age of 1,000 prescriptions a day. To get
from military treatment facilities’ inventories. is required.
the best service possible follow these
“Non-formulary status means the medications are Active-duty servicemembers will only be able
tips.
removed from the formulary and are no longer avail- to fill prescriptions for a non-formulary medication
- Fill prescriptions on Monday
able through the military treatment facilities,” said when it is determined to be medically necessary by
- Avoid the midday rush 10:30 a.m. –
Capt. Mary Rojas, 325th Medical Support Squadron a physician and will not have a co-pay, according to
1:30 p.m.
Pharmacy Services associate chief. the TRICARE Web site.
- Use the TRICARE Mail Order Pharmacy
The uniform formulary evaluates a variety of medi- Another cost-free option for treatment, is to have
at [phone]
cation classes throughout the year and either adds new a healthcare provider prescribe a therapeutically
- Use local pharmacies participating in
medications or changes the status of existing medica- equivalent medication that is offered at military treat-
the TRICARE Benefit Program
tions provided by military treatment facilities. ment facilities, said Captain Rojas.
Page 6 Gulf Defender June 16, 2006
Congratulations to Tyndall’s new master, technical sergeants
Vincent Hayes, 325th AMXS Scott Seavey, 325th AMXS
Timothy Hester, 325th COMM Craig Smith, 361st TRS
Lance Hopping, NCOA Michael Smith, NCOA
James Jellison, 23rd FT RUCKER Patrick Smith, 325th AMXS
Anthony Jones, 325th AMXS Miguel Soto, 325th AMXS
Michael Jones, 325th COMM Bret Stout, 325th CES
Jamie Jordan, 28th TSS/ Det. 2 Patrick Tarin, 325th AMXS
Alan Klaus, 325th OG Roger Thornton, 325th ACS
Joseph Lariviere, 325th OSS Timothy Vanhorn, 325th MXG
Charles Kebart, 81st TS Steven Vinsh, 325th MXG
Joel Little, 361st TRS Terri Watkins, 325th MOS
(The following technical sergeants were se- Barry Littlefield, 325th MXS Lee Weinberg , 325th AMXS
lected for promotion Thursday.) Jose Martinez, 325th ACS David Wilder, 325th MSS
Michael Martinez, 66th TRS,DET 2 Durand Yangson, 823rd RHS
Kenneth Allbrooks, 325th MOS Tony Mixon, 82nd ATRS Wilson Yasmeen, 325th OSS
Randall Aubin, 325th AMXS Robert Mccloud, AFNORTH
Dale Andrews, 823rd RHS Joel Mcwilliams, 325th MXS
Penny Blackburn, 325th OG Roy Monroe, 325th AMXS
Troy Brown, 325th AMXS Tommie Morey, 325th AMXS
Michael Carsey , 325th MXS Matthew Mullin, 325th SFS
Brady Chieffi , 325th MDSS Kathleen Mygan, 53rd WEG
Steven Cournoyer, 325th AMXS Robert Newman, 325th ACS
Thomas Crawford, 325th AMXS Brian Phill Norris, 325th MXS (The following staff sergeants were selected
Joseph Czeck Jr, 325th AMXS Alphonso Overton, 325th FW for promotion Thursday.)
Peter Darmstedter, 325th AMXS Kirkland Raibon, 53rd WEG
Gregory Elliott, 372nd TRS/Det. 2 Jalal Razick, 325th MOS Christian Addison, 361st TRS
James Forcella, 325th SFS Samuel Rea, 325th OSS Don Allen, 823rd RHS
Joseph Fortino, 325th MOS Frederick Reasner, 325th AMXS David Anderson, 325th ACS
Michael Graham, 325th MOS Wildo Rosario, 43rd FS Stoney Bair, 325th OSS
Scott Graham, 325th AMXS Anthony Rose, 325th AMXS Daryl Bernhardt, 325th COMM
Cameron Guilliams, NCOA Daniel Schifley, 325th MXS Robert Bogie, 361st TRS
Joseph Hall, 53rd TSS Edward Schroeder, 325th MXS
• See tecH Page 7
June 16, 2006 Gulf Defender Page 7
• froM tecH Page 6 Edward Gyokeres, 325th AMXS Joseph Pedone, 325th OSS
Joshua Bost, 325th MXS Kenneth Hauck, 325th FW Jefferey Peterson, 325th AMXS
James Boyce, 83rd FWS Jason Hernandez, 325th SFS Gerhard Pieper, 325th MXG
Kennison Boyer, 325th MXS Rodney Ho Jr, 361st TRS Matthew Porter, 53rd WEG
Eric Bradley, 325th MXS Givonnie Jackson, 325th OSS Vincentpaul Reyes, 325th MOS
Brandi Breyfogle, 325th MDOS Richard Jackson, 23rd TS Sherry Rivera, 325th ADS
Denise Brown, 325th MDSS Dino James, 325th COMM Charles Roberts, 325th OSS
Brian Bussie, 325th COMM Jason Komlodi, 28th TS Christopher Romano, 325th SFS
Morgan Cabaniss, 325th SFS Sanders Lato Jones, 325th MSS Eric Rutherford, 325th SFS
Valentine Caldera, 325th MXS Earl Lancaster S, 325th AMXS Michael Samsel, 325th MXG
Jerome Capalad, 325th CES Jeremy Seth Larsen, 43rd FS Glenn Santos, 325th CES
Michael Cirulli, 372nd TRS Kristopher Lankert, 342 TS/Det. 2 Scott Schirk, 823rd RHS
Matthew Conley, 325th AMXS Tonisha Layne, 325th FW Jake Scott, 372nd TRS
Rene Contreras, 325th SFS Samuel Lebouef, 325th AMXS Michael Shipman, 325th AMXS
Jessie Cox, 325th AMXS Robert Liggon, 325th OSS Jaime Simon, 313rd TRS
James Curtis, 325th AMXS Robert Livingston, 325th SFS Scott Simon, 313rd TRS
Kevin Dales, 28th TEST Heath Marlin, 325th AMXS Sheryl Smith, 325th MDOS
Ruben Davila, 325th CES Adam Martin, 325th MXS Jessie Snyder, 325th MXS
Nichelle Denny, 325th COMM Ramon Martinez, 325th OSS John Sowell, 325th AMXS
Joey Dimauro, 325th CES Clarence Mathis, 325th MSG Daniel Stone, 325th AMXS
Michael Doane, 313rd TRS Brian Mayberry, 28th TEST Michael Taylor, 81st TEST
Chuck Duke, 325th MXG Wayne Morris Jr, 361st TRS Scot Thorpe, 325th MXS
Daren Dykes, 325th MSS Steven Murphy, 325th MXS Jeffrey Trauth, 28th TEST
Jonathan Echols, 81st TEST Edward Nagy, 325th OSS Jonathan Tringali, 325th AMXS
Darrell Erdman, 372nd TRS Choyo Navedo, 83rd FWS Jason Troxell, 325th AMXS
Nicholas Fears, 325th AMXS Stephanie Nelsen, 823rd RHS Edward Tyre Jr, 325th OSS
Kevin Friend, 325th FW John Novak, 325th MDSS Bobbiejo Walden, 325th MXS
Floyd Gardner, 325th AMXS Kenneth Oberdorf, 23rd TS Beatriz Webb, 325th FW
Benjamin Garman, 325th COMM Terry Olson, 53rd WEG Joshua Wiener, 325th MXS
Michael Grant, 325th SFS Travis Parker, 325th AMXS Pleashette Wiley, 325th MDSS
Page 8 Gulf Defender June 16, 2006
SFS Airmen, military-working dogs train, deploy
cHriSSy cuttita
325th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
Two of the Air Force’s toughest Air-
men are enroute to a 190-day Global
War on Terrorism deployment after
barking for a seat on a commercial
airline that left Panama City June 16.
Spike and Tucker, two of the seven
military working dogs stationed here,
are attending training at Nellis AFB,
Nev., with their handlers until they
head to their area of responsibility
overseas.
For Tucker, the senior member of the
pack, this is his sixth deployment.
“I’m confident they will accomplish
their mission due to the high quality
training we provide here, as well as the
high caliber personnel that we have as
K-9 handlers,” said Maj. Christopher
Corley, 325th Security Forces Squad-
ron commander.
Their deployed mission is to detect
and deter acts of aggression against
U.S. and coalition forces, said Tech.
Sgt. Jake Burkett, 325th Security
Forces kennel-master.
Primarily they conduct explosive
detection and searches. Vehicles, lug- Chrissy Cuttita
gage of arriving personal and departing From left, Spike and Tucker head through the Panama City International Airport security checkpoint on
persons on base visits are all things their way to the plane with their respective handlers, Staff Sgts. Pat Schue and David Gum. Because they
are working police dogs, they get to bypass the screener and sit on the plane, unlike other traveler’s pets
they sniff.
that normally travel in crates in aircraft cargo.
“They also support U.S. Army and
Marine Corps to conduct raids in the “It takes time and patience to make tivated from his lackadaisical state. weapon, so together the team can fig-
villages and conduct vehicle convoys,” a dog comfortable in their position and “We set-up scenarios they might en- ure out what works and what doesn’t as
said Sergeant Burkett. “During hours build confidence in them,” said Ser- counter while deployed, to familiarize far as the wearing of their gear.
of darkness they patrol the perimeter geant Burkett who has been a handler the dog and handler with situations and “With a higher operations tempo
for personnel attempting to breach of six dogs in 12-years. “The training mission requirements they normally and a home station mission, explosive
it.” comes all-natural for them.” wouldn’t see in the states,” said Ser- qualifications are needed more since
To get to this point, fears of loud Each dog learns differently, so geant Burkett. 9/11,” said Sergeant Burkett.
noises, cars and walking down stairs lessons must apply to their person- To create a training environment, Too dangerous to be with others,
had to be overcome during training ality, just like any other student in security forces personnel can use the isolated lifestyle becomes habit
courses here and at Lackland AFB, an Air Force class. Tucker is very gunfire and ground-burst simulators to and training becomes the reason to
Texas. enthusiastic and gets real anxious familiarize dogs with the sounds heard wake up each morning. Like other
At Tyndall, they worked hard to be when his handler is not right next in combat. Airmen, they have career development
officially assigned and certified as a to him. Spike is known for needing Trainers will wear their “battle courses, quarterly reviews and annual
team with a security forces Airman. more praise-voice to get him mo- rattle,” body armor, helmet, gear and recertification.
June 16, 2006 Gulf Defender Page 9
t S
raining PotLigHt
Future gas chamber will produce confident war fighters
Staff Sgt. Stacey Haga
325th Fighter Wing public affairs
Gas! Gas! Gas!
Those words echo loudly through Airmen’s heads as
they quickly don their gas masks and run for cover.
These Airmen are not at war; they are in chemical
warfare training at Tyndall.
They emerge from shelter, the garage of the 325th Civil
Engineer Squadron building, in full Mission Oriented Pro-
tective Posture gear and search for unidentified explosive
ordinances lying in the grass around the building.
Pretty soon, Airmen will also have the opportunity to
test their donning skills as they enter a gas chamber filled
with tear gas as part of their chemical warfare training.
For about one year now, a new $20,000 gas chamber
has been in development.
Once the gas capsules arrive, the chamber will be open
for business, said Airman 1st Class Ryan Mahoney, 325th
CES, Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, and
High-yield explosive training instructor.
“The chamber is a temper tent that has a heating source
in it to get the capsules to release the gas,” said Airman
Staff Sgt. Stacey Haga
Mahoney.
Tech. Sgt. Thomas Molloy, 325th CES, inspects the filter of his gas mask. When inspect-
The use of the gas chamber is expected to increase the
ing the filter, it is important to make sure the connecting end is free of dents. Dents in this
effectiveness of chemical warfare training. The 325th CES
area can prohibit the mask from getting a good seal.
plans to send the initial training classes
through the gas chamber at first and in chamber will help the instructors determine
the future it will be used in the CBRNE “T who does know from the others who are
he chamber will increase the quality of training that our de-
training for Airmen before they deploy, coughing and crying in the chamber.
said Tech. Sgt. Joseph Treholm, 325th ployers will receive and it will make them more able to accomplish The gas chamber has proven to be an asset
CES NCO in-charge of operations and their jobs with the gear on, by giving them the assurance that they in improving chemical warfare training for
training. are protected.” Airmen at other bases and will prove useful
“We will have the students don their here also.
airMan 1St cLaSS ryan MaHoney
protective gear and move around in the “The chamber will increase the quality
325th CES, Chemical, Biological, Radiological,
chamber to show them that their gear Nuclear, and High-yield explosive training instructor of training that our deployers will receive
works,” said Airmen Mahoney. “It will and it will make them more able to accom-
give the students the confidence that they “The strength we will use will be about 15 percent of plish their jobs with the gear on, by giving
have a good seal on their masks.” the strength used on riots and we have control over how them the assurance that they are protected,” said Airman
The students will then be asked to remove their masks in strong we want it to be,” said Sergeant Treholm. Mahoney.
the chamber to see what they have been protected from. The gas chamber will not only enhance the training By sending Airmen into the gas chamber as part of
“The tear gas used in the chamber is a riot-control agent that Airmen receive, it will also assist instructors teaching their readiness training, they can emerge confident war
that chokes and tears up those who encounter it. Once the the course. The instructor’s goal is to ensure everyone fighters ready to take on any challenge they may face in
Airmen are removed from the agent they will be fine,” knows how to don their equipment correctly and know a wartime situation, even…
said Airmen Mahoney. how to get a good seal with their gas mask. The gas Gas! Gas! Gas!
Training Spotlight
What challenges do you think you are going
to face at your training here?
I’m just coming here from technical school, and there
is a more complex air space here. During training I just
worked with simulators and now its the real thing dealing
with pilots.
Senior airMan JeSiaH PoLLock
325th Operations Support Squadron air traffic control apprentice
Page 10 Gulf Defender June 16,f 200e6ature
Horse stables provide recreation, community service
Jody Dillon exercises “Dude,” her horse, in an arena at the stables. There are two arenas at the stables and 12 barns.
Ms. Mobley prepares “Festus”
for riding by putting on the bri-
dle. The two have been riding at
the Tyndall stables since August
of 2005.
Ms. Mobley and Amanda ride, while Mrs. Dillon escorts her horse into the sunset, after a day of exercising
their horses.