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Weathering the storms: hurricane, tropical storm preparedness

This post was originally published by Homestead Air Reserve Base, Fla. - Homestead ARB Top Stories

June 12, 2013 in Florida, Homestead Air Force Base by clevine

Now is the time to ensure you're prepared for the hurricane and tropical storm season, officials urged.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association predicts for this year's hurricane season, which lasts from June 1 to Nov. 30, a 70 percent likelihood of 13 to 20 named storms (winds of 39 mph or higher), of which 7 to 11 could become hurricanes (winds of 74 mph or higher), including 3 to 6 major hurricanes (Category 3, 4 or 5; winds of 111 mph or higher).

These ranges are well above the seasonal average of 12 named storms, 6 hurricanes, and 3 major hurricanes.
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Hurlburt’s Last Huey departs

This post was originally published by Hurlburt Field - Current News

June 12, 2013 in Florida, Hurlburt Field by clevine

Hurlburt Field's last operational UH-1H Huey helicopter performed its first flight as a New York State Police aircraft during its departure from the flightline here June 5.

The helicopter is one of four aircraft transferred to New York State Police's aviation unit as part of the Law Enforcement Support Organization Program.

"It was a great opportunity for [Air Force Special Operations Command] to be able to give a helicopter like this to the law enforcement support agency supporting New York State Police aviation," said Ben S. Harton Jr., an aerospace vehicle distribution officer for AFSOC.
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Mother of DUI victim brings story to MacDill

This post was originally published by MacDill Air Force Base - MacDill Headlines

June 11, 2013 in Florida, MacDill Air Force Base by clevine

"I never would have imagined that I would spend my Mother's Day with all four of my children at a funeral home with one in a coffin."

That was the vivid picture Renee Napier, mother of the late Meagen Napier, painted during an alcohol awareness briefing held at MacDill Air Force Base, May 31.

Almost 11 years ago to the day, Meagan Napier and her friend Lisa Jo Dickson were killed by drunken driver Eric Smallridge as they headed home. Shortly after, Renee Napier made it her life's mission to prevent more unnecessary deaths like that of Meagan's.
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Homestead ARB hosts 4th of July celebration

This post was originally published by Homestead Air Reserve Base, Fla. - Homestead ARB Top Stories

June 11, 2013 in Florida, Homestead Air Force Base by clevine

Homestead Air Reserve Base will host a free 4th of July celebration from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

The free celebration will feature a fireworks show (scheduled for 9 p.m.), live music, amusement rides, and food and beverages available for purchase.

The celebration is open to all Department of Defense and federal identification card holders. Attendees are encouraged to bring lawnchairs, sunscreen and bug spray. Alcoholic beverages are not allowed to be brought on base.
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96th MOS furls its guidon at inactivation ceremony

This post was originally published by Eglin Air Force Base - Eglin Headlines

June 11, 2013 in Eglin Air Force Base, Florida by clevine

The 96th Maintenance Operations Squadron furled its guidon June 6 at an inactivation ceremony here.

When they were approximately 83 members strong, the 96th MOS "Gryphons" provided premier quality assurance and test planning support for all system tests. They conducted training and technical/logistical management for the 96 MXG.

Although the 96th MOS has inactivated, it will not go away, said Maj. Aaron Whitlock, who assumed command of the squadron in June 2011.

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Fleet grows, training increases for F-35

This post was originally published by Eglin Air Force Base - Eglin Headlines

June 11, 2013 in Eglin Air Force Base, Florida by clevine

The largest fleet of F-35 Lightning II joint strike fighters grew to 25 aircraft as the F-35 Integrated Training Center here welcomed two new Air Force F-35A variants of the multi-role fighter to the Emerald Coast, June 5.

The expansion gives the 58th Fighter Squadron the ability to fly an expanded schedule and more readily put student pilots through the F-35 training course, according to Maj. Jay Spohn, assistant director of operations at the 58th Fighter Squadron.

"We'll have the ability to fly a 'four-turn-four' or 'six-turn-four'," he said. The numbers indicate how many training sortie flights are accomplished in the morning schedule, then maintained and serviced to be turned back out to be flown for the afternoon schedule.
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Tyndall commissary to close Monday, Tuesday

This post was originally published by Tyndall Air Force Base - Tyndall News

June 11, 2013 in Florida, Tyndall Air Force Base by clevine

The Defense Commissary Agency has informed the 325th Fighter Wing Commander of their intent to close the commissary located at Tyndall AFB one additional day per week beginning July 8 through Sept. 30. In addition to being closed on Monday, the commissary will now also be closed on Tuesday. The Tyndall commissary currently employs approximately 52 government employees who will be furloughed one day per week beginning July 8 through Sept. 30. This runs in conjunction with the furlough of Department of the Air Force civilians assigned to Tyndall.
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Former safety chief heads sexual assault prevention efforts

This post was originally published by Homestead Air Reserve Base, Fla. - Homestead ARB Top Stories

June 11, 2013 in Florida, Homestead Air Force Base by clevine

Senior officials announced June 6 that they have appointed a two-star general to lead the Air Force's effort to reduce sexual assault within the ranks, and provide victims the support they need.

Maj. Gen. Margaret Woodward was appointed the new director of the reorganized Air Force Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Office. In addition to appointing a more senior officer to the position, the Air Force raised the stature of the Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Office by linking it directly to the office of the Vice Chief of Staff of the Air Force.
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2013 CCAF graduation

This post was originally published by Tyndall Air Force Base - Tyndall News

June 11, 2013 in Florida, Tyndall Air Force Base by clevine

One hundred thirty-seven Community College of the Air Force associate degrees were awarded during a commencement ceremony held at Horizons, June 11. Though all graduates were honored, not all were able to attend due to deployments, permanent changes of station, retirements or separations.

During the ceremony, three Pitsenbarger Awards and three Excellence Awards were presented to top CCAF graduates who were also continuing to pursue their bachelor's degrees.

The Pitsenbarger Awards were presented by Mr. Dann Mattiza, Florida State/Region of the Air Force Association secretary, to:
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Tyndall revising proposal to meet community, security needs

This post was originally published by Tyndall Air Force Base - Tyndall News

June 11, 2013 in Florida, Tyndall Air Force Base by clevine

Base leadership has asked the Army Corps of Engineers to revise the recently released restricted area proposal.

Public involvement raised concerns over the language and restriction of access to the waters and bayous surrounding Tyndall. The proposal, which was based on a Tyndall security assessment conducted by both Air Force and Joint Staff Vulnerability Assessment teams, was meant to mitigate security concerns.

"The intent of the proposal was to gain jurisdiction for the Tyndall AFB Security Forces in the waters surrounding the base, in order for them to protect and secure the installation." stated Col. Mark O'Laughlin, 325th Fighter Wing vice commander. "We never intended to close off any recreational areas or fishing spots. Unfortunately, the legal verbiage did not match our designed intent.Thanks to the voices of some key local organizations and individuals, the discrepancy was brought to our attention."
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Airman 1st Class Naomi Griego

This post was originally published by Hurlburt Field - Current News

June 11, 2013 in Florida, Hurlburt Field by clevine

"Tip of the Spear" is a weekly spotlight designed to recognize outstanding Airmen for the work they do every day at Hurlburt Field. Airman 1st Class Naomi Griego, media relations specialist and photojournalist for 1st Special Operations Wing Public Affairs, is selected for this week's spotlight.

Name/Rank: Airman 1st Class Naomi Griego

Unit: 1st Special Operations Wing

Duty Title: Media relations specialist and photojournalist for Public Affairs
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Above-normal hurricane season expected

This post was originally published by Eglin Air Force Base - Eglin Headlines

June 10, 2013 in Eglin Air Force Base, Florida by clevine

With Tropical Storm Andrea kicking off the 2013 hurricane season already, Team Eglin members should prepare for what experts are predicting will be an active hurricane season.

According to a recent advisory issued by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's National Hurricane Center, the Atlantic Hurricane Season officially opened June 1, and coastal residents in the U.S. should gear up now to ensure they're prepared.

The NHC is predicting the Atlantic hurricane season to have a 70 percent chance of being an "above-normal" season. NHC forecasters predict the 2013 Atlantic hurricane season will have 13 to 20 named storms. Of these, seven to 11 could become hurricanes and three to six of these could become Category 3 or higher major hurricanes. This contrasts with an "average" Atlantic hurricane season, which brings 12 named storms, with six becoming hurricanes, including three major hurricanes. A major storm has sustained winds that exceed 11
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Siblings reunite for brother’s retirement

This post was originally published by Eglin Air Force Base - Eglin Headlines

June 10, 2013 in Eglin Air Force Base, Florida by clevine

Being part of a large family is not that unusual, but for the Maldonado siblings, they take being part of a larger family, the Air Force family, to new heights.

That family got a chance to travel from around the world for Senior Master Sgt. David Maldonado's retirement from Det. 1, 552nd Air Control Squadron June 7. It's the first time the siblings, seven who are active-duty Air Force, have been in uniform and in one place at the same time since leaving home.

"This means the world to me," David said. "I am so proud of each and every one of my brothers and sisters. Their presence here to celebrate my retirement is just 'icing on the cake.' I couldn't ask for a more joyous way to culminate my 25-year career."
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Hurlburt Field Soundside hosts Bridal Expo

This post was originally published by Hurlburt Field - Current News

June 7, 2013 in Florida, Hurlburt Field by clevine

Hurlburt Field's Soundside Club hosted a bridal exposition; open to the public June 2.
The exposition gave vendors the opportunity to showcase their services and to network with future brides who may be interested in purchasing merchandise and utilizing their services.

"We're here to support the bridal show, so the brides in the local region know about our studio so we can provide our excellent service of beach and wedding photography in the Fort Walton, Destin and Pensacola area," said John Armour, a local photographer. "The Soundside is one of the best venues a bride and groom can select, not only for their photographic needs, but for the catering and all the things they can get in one stop."
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Wastewater proves to not be a waste

This post was originally published by Hurlburt Field - Current News

June 7, 2013 in Florida, Hurlburt Field by clevine

The Hurlburt Field Advanced Wastewater Treatment Plant began operations to clean and recycle water for use around Hurlburt Field, Fla., June 4.

"Hurlburt Field is in a water resource caution area," said Jonathan Colmer, air/water program manager for 1st Special Operations Civil Engineer Squadron. "This means groundwater supply problems are projected within the next 20 years. Implementing the Hurlburt Field Reuse System will help conserve these groundwater resources for years to come."
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