26 October 2012

TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE — HOME OF THE CHECKERTAILSFriday, October 26, 2012

GulfDefender

Commentary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4Navy News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6Classifi eds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

TABLE OF CONTENTS TYNDALL ON FACEBOOKUse your mobile device to link up with Tyndall Air Force Base on Facebook.

www.GULFDEFENDER.comSee past issues at

HALLOWEEN ON BASEFind out about trick-or-treating at Tyndall, tips for keeping your kids safe and joining the base’s Goblin Patrol | Page 3

By AIRMAN 1ST CLASS R. ALEX DURBIN633rd Air Base Wing Public Affairs

JOINT BASE LANGLEY-EUSTIS, Va. (AFNS) — The grainy fi lm showed a round ship fl oating out of a hangar. Its silver, aluminum exterior glinted in the sun as it hovered a few feet off the ground. As it glided over a pool of water, it kicked debris into the air and the glass canopies of the two cockpits were showered with grass and gravel as the saucer fl ew forward.

It might seem like a scene out of a classic Hollywood blockbuster, but the footage is documentation of testing by the U.S. government on an experimental aircraft. This prototype, and fascinating piece of American his-tory, sits on display at the National U.S. Air Force Mu-seum at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, and another resides at U.S. Army Transportation Museum at Fort Eustis, Va., where plans are under way for its restoration.

With its round design standing at nearly 5 feet tall

F-22 move could take 18 months

By RANDAL YAKEY Gulf Defender Editor

522-5108 | @ryakey | [email protected]

TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE — The squadron of F-22 Raptor fi ghter jets slated to transfer to Tyndall Air Force Base ear-ly next year could take up to 18 months to arrive, according to U.S. Air Force offi cials.

Arlan Ponder of the 49th Wing Public Affairs Offi ce at Holloman Air Force Base in New Mexico confi rmed Air Force offi cials have dis-cussed an 18-month window

before the F-22s are sent to Tyndall.

“That is the time frame the commander gave,” Ponder said.

Ponder said 49th Wing commander Col. Andrew Croft confi rmed the time sched-ule for the 7th Fighter Wing Squadron move.

Tyndall’s preparations, meanwhile, still are moving forward. Construction proj-ects have been ongoing for a couple of months in anticipa-tion of the move.

“The move has been put on hold, but we are still preparing

AIR FORCE PHOTO

When fl own without tethers, the Avrocar was unstable and could reach top speed of only 35 mph.

GOVERNMENT UNVEILS REAL FLYING SAUCERSMYSTERIOUS FLYING OBJECTS ID’d 60 YEARS LATERMILITARY: ‘AVROCAR’ FUTURISTIC TECHNOLOGY, NOT ALIEN INVASION

DECLASSIFIED!

Vol. 6, No. 22

See F-22 PAGE 7

“This project was far ahead of its time. It was a perfect concept, but the technology of the time wasn’t advanced enough.”

Jeff Underwood, National Museum of the U.S. Air

Force historian

See SAUCERS PAGE 2

Tyndall Air Force Base Friday, October 26, 20122 | Gulf Defender

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and 18 feet wide, the Avro Canada VZ-9AV Avrocar looks like something out of a 1950s science-fi ction fi lm. And though it might look like something a Martian would fl y, the Avrocar is anything but science fi ction.

Newly declassifi ed documents concerning the Avrocar project were re-leased Oct. 8, when they were published by the U.S. National Archives. Informa-tion about the aircraft has been available for years, but the documents now include diagrams that clearly dem-onstrate the scope of the project.

“The Avrocar was a good

start, and the fi rst step on a long road to discovering technology we use today,” said Jeff Underwood, Na-tional Museum of the U.S. Air Force historian. “Al-though the project was nev-er implemented, it serves a successful teaching tool.”

The Avrocar was the result of a Canadian effort to develop a supersonic fi ghter-bomber, capable of vertical takeoff and land-ing, in the early 1950s. The idea of what was to become the Avrocar was originally envisioned by British Air-craft designer Jack Carver Meadows Frost.

A.V. Roe, a Canadian

aircraft manufacturing company, along with Frost, based its design concept for the Avrocar on using the ex-haust from turbojet engines to drive a circular rotor to produce thrust. By direct-ing this thrust downward, it was believed the turbo-ro-tor could create a cushion of air under the aircraft, al-lowing it to fl oat a few feet off the ground, as well as accelerate to high speeds at higher altitudes.

The Canadian govern-ment provided initial fund-ing for the prototype but dropped the project when it became too expensive. Avro offered the project to

the U.S. government, and the U.S. Army and U.S. Air Force took over test-ing in 1955. Although the project primarily remained in Canada, it was owned and controlled by the U.S. government.

Though testing was a combined effort, both ser-vices were interested in the project for different reasons. The Army was interested in a durable and adaptable, all-terrain trans-port and reconnaissance aircraft. The Army intend-ed the Avrocar to replace their light observation craft and helicopters.

The Air Force was in-terested in the Avrocar’s vertical takeoff and landing capabilities, which could en-able a vehicle hover below enemy radar and acceler-ate to supersonic speed.

Research data originally indicated that a circular design might have satis-fi ed both service’s require-ments. A.V. Roe built two, small test models to prove the concept.

“Engineers predicted the Avrocar would be able to reach heights of nearly 10,000 feet,” said Marc Sammis, U.S. Army Trans-portation Museum curator. “Unfortunately, it was soon discovered that the aircraft wouldn’t be able to perform as well as predicted.”

Tests with scale models at Wright-Patterson AFB indicated the cushion of air under the Avrocar would become unstable when the aircraft passed roughly 3

feet off the ground. It was determined the aircraft was not capable of reach-ing supersonic speeds, nor would the circular shape of the craft allow the Avrocar to have stealth capabilities. Although the aircraft did not meet the expectations of the Air Force, testing was continued to examine if a suitable model could be developed to fi t the Army’s needs.

The fi rst prototype was sent to the National Aero-nautics and Space Admin-istration’s Ames Research Center at Moffett Field, Ca-lif. Wind-tunnel tests proved the aircraft had insuffi cient control for high-speed fl ight and was aerodynamically unstable. Although engi-neers attempted to perfect the design, the project was

marred with problems.“Once engineers would

fi x a problem, another would arise because of the modifi -cation,” Sammis said.

The second Avrocar prototype underwent fl ight tests. Project engineers dis-covered once the craft rose beyond 3 feet above the ground, it displayed uncon-trollable pitch and roll mo-tions. The lack of computer technology and design fl aws required pilots to con-trol each engine separately, making it very diffi cult even for two pilots to properly control.

In December 1961, proj-ect leaders discovered the Avrocar could not reach a maximum speed higher than 35 mph. This, along

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Volunteers Ed Keinle and Lou Thole remove rivets from the Avrocar in the restoration hangar at the National Museum of the United States Air Force in Dayton, Ohio, in 2007.

SAUCERS from page 1

See SAUCERS PAGE 5

Tyndall Air Force BaseFriday, October 26, 2012 Gulf Defender | �

By Staff Sgt. Rachelle elSea325th Fighter Wing

Public Affairs

TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE — Since the late 1950s, chil-dren across America have been participating in the age-old Halloween tradi-tion of trick-or-treating, and this year will be no different.

Although it seems like a harmless custom, it might

come with sev-eral safety risks. It is

important to educate par-ents and children on the dangers that might be overlooked.

Tyndall safety officials advise to have fun, but be aware of surroundings.

“With the concern for safety, many churches, community centers and in some states, the malls have opened their doors to trick or treaters,” said Mas-ter Sgt. Roderick Walker, 325th Fighter Wing ground safety. “So those places are good. But, strolling through the neighborhood is still great and as safe. Just select houses that

seem inviting for trick or treaters ... those with the lights on, no fenc-es, no dogs in the yard and yards that are free

from junk that could cause injuries.”

They also offer advice on visibility.

“Have children hold a flashlight while trick-or-treating to help you see them and others see them, or use glow sticks,” said Tech. Sgt. Jared Stone-cipher, 325th FW ground safety. “The name of the game is visibility during hours of darkness. You may also fasten reflective tape to costumes and bags to help drivers see you.”

Sgt. Walker also sug-gests holding hands, look-ing both ways before cross-ing the road and walking in groups.

“Never let them go into a stranger’s home,” Stone-cipher said. “Make sure they are wearing well-fit-ting masks, costumes and shoes to avoid blocked vi-sion, trips and falls. They

should always walk in groups or with a trusted adult. Always walk and don’t run from house to house. Only walk on side-walks whenever possible, or on the far edge of the road facing traffic to stay safe.”

Let your children know not to cut through back al-leys and fields if they are out alone, he added.

“Make sure they know to stay in populated areas and not to go off the beaten track,” Stonecipher said. “Let them know to stay in well lighted areas with lots of people around. Ex-plain to them why it can be dangerous for kids not to do this. If they are go-ing out alone, they are old enough to know what can happen to them in a bad situation and how to

stop it from happening.”After the trick-or-treat-

ing has concluded, there are still additional steps to keep children safe.

“Everyone should al-ways inspect their Hallow-een treats, especially the parents of younger kids,” Walker said. “Throw away any items where the wrap-per shows signs of tamper-ing and discolorations to treats.”

“Instruct your children not to eat any treats until they bring them home to be examined by you,” Stone-cipher said. “This way you can check for any problem candy and get the pick of the best stuff! Eat only fac-tory-wrapped treats. Avoid eating homemade treats made by strangers. Exam-ine all treats for choking hazards and tampering

before eating them.” He also suggests limit-

ing the amount of treats you eat. Remember, Hal-loween is fun — tummy aches are not.

If trick-or-treating on base, there will be volun-teers posted in base hous-ing to help with Halloween safety.

“The Goblin Patrol is an extra set of eyes and ears for the community police,” said Juan Diaz, 325th Se-curity Forces Squadron assistant of community police. “We usually have 25 to 30 volunteers posted throughout the seven dif-ferent housing areas.”

To sign-up to be a Gob-lin Patrol volunteer, call 283-9941. Base housing trick-or-treating will take place from 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. Oct. 31.

Keep children safe this Halloween

Friday, October 26, 2012� | Gulf Defender

Commentary by Lt. CoL. PatriCk SuermannAir Force Academy Civil and Environmental Engineering

Department

U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. (AFNS) — “I am Air Force Energy” is more than just a catchphrase at the Air Force Academy. Those words, provided by Air Force Deputy Assistant Secretary for Energy Dr. Kevin Geiss as the theme for Energy Awareness Month, resonate at the Air Force Academy, whose faculty are innovating across the spectrum of academic departments to further educate and develop future leaders of character and advance energy technology.

After studying energy-related topics in two core courses, Chemistry 110 and Physics 110, cadets can take the science and technology energy systems core option or specialize in approximately 17 major’s courses from economics to engineering that deal with the importance of being informed energy consumers and engineers.

Darrell Pepper, a distinguished visiting professor from the University of Nevada-Las Vegas teaching in the Academy’s engineering mechanics department, donated a 3-kilowatt wind turbine for study in the renewable energy course offered here. The turbine provides hands-on experience for cadets, Pepper said.

In time, Pepper said he expects the turbine will be moved outdoors so cadets can study it in a more realistic setting.

“This class, with its practical

approach, will prepare our cadets to make energy-wise decisions when they are leaders in the Air Force,” said Mike Maixner, an instructor in the engineering mechanics department. “The Defense Department will greatly benefit from energy-aware officers.”

Similarly, Karen Henry received a grant to install an energy foundation system and associated monitoring equipment in a lavatory facility recently constructed at the Field Engineering and Readiness Laboratory in Jacks Valley. The facility uses a geothermal approach to heating and cooling: Energy foundations combine with the structural supports for a building with a heat pump so that the foundations can be used as ground-source heat exchangers.

This provides a cost-efficient approach to conserve energy, reduce carbon emissions and reduce installation costs. Eventually, Henry will compare measured performance indicators, including construction and life cycle costs, with those expected for conventional heating and cooling systems.

Lt. Col. Andrew Laffely, Maj. Brian Cooper and Al Mundy have established a renewable energy lab in the electrical and computer engineering department with support from the Office of the Secretary of Defense. The lab allows cadets to study the implementation of wind and solar energy. In the past four years, cadets have developed wind turbines, solar power systems and an electric vehicle. The team is integrating these technologies into a deployable vehicle system

and modular microgrid that can operate without external fuel supply for the life of the battery system.

Col. Robert Kraus, the Academy’s chief scientist and director of research, and Dr. Randy Knize, the center director, highlight two projects at different levels of completion: cycloidal wave energy and silicon’s use in photovoltaic solar cells.

Academy researchers studied wave energy conversion using cycloidal turbines from September 2008 to August 2012. The project demonstrated advances in harnessing ocean waves and resulted in the foundation of a spinoff company, Atargis Energy Corporation. Atargis Energy obtained U.S. Energy Department funding to further advance their approach.

Knize also oversees Academy researchers conducting studies into black silicon. Silicon is the premier material for the conversion of solar energy directly into electrical energy. They are investigating a process that uses laser irradiation to increase silicon’s absorption, thus increasing energy conversion. Black silicon was invented at Harvard about 10 years ago; research shows it could improve the efficiency of solar cells. Knize’s research team showed that black silicon could be created with less expense using nanosecond lasers and possibly continuous-wave lasers.

The Defense Department is the largest federal energy consumer, and the Air Force is the largest energy consumer in the DOD.

Commentary by 1st Lt. tina tissot81st Training Wing Sexual Assault

Prevention and Response Office

KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. (AFNS) — Among the core of our force at Keesler Air Force Base are our technical training students who enter the military with an array of stories.

Although they come from all walks of life, service, sacrifice and commitment are some of the same threads that weave their stories together. But what happens when an incident of sexual assault, whether it occurred before entering military service or after, threatens individual and unit mission readiness?

The introduction of Keesler AFB’s “teal rope” program will address issues surrounding sexual assault through student involvement. A comprehensive effort is required as part of the solution to effectively address sexual assault issues. The 81st Training Wing Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Office, in coordination with the 81st Training Group, will manage the teal rope program. Keesler AFB leaders developed the program to increase prevention and awareness within the student community and provide outreach events that challenge the beliefs and behaviors that enable sexual

violence among peers.Starting Oct. 15, selected

airmen began wearing teal ropes, symbolizing sexual assault awareness and support. Teal rope members receive specialized training by the SAPRO staff and serve as a link between non-prior service students and SAPRO for information and referral.

Involvement in the program is open to students who have a minimum of two months left in their training. Students must be recommended by their military training leader, pass a background check and maintain an 80 percent grade point average to be accepted. Teal rope members are expected to model the Air Force core values; uphold the highest standards of professionalism as representatives of the SAPRO; and be an approachable, listening ear for their wingmen in times of need.

“This program is so important because it helps raise awareness among our newest airmen, and they will carry that knowledge throughout their careers,” said Chief Master Sgt. Angelica Johnson, 81st Training Wing command chief. “This is an opportunity for airmen to be leaders and help regulate their fellow airmen on an important issue. It’s also a chance for airmen to go to a peer they may be more comfortable with, which assists the overall prevention efforts across the base.”

All airmen deserve an environment free from sexual harassment and sexual assault and a culture where they can be treated with dignity and respect.

Shortly after being sworn in as the 20th chief of staff of the Air Force, Gen. Mark Welsh III addressed us all by saying, “Every airman has a story ... you are what makes our Air Force the best the world has ever known!”

Student or permanent, we can all be part of the solution to end sexual assault.

RAChEL BOEttChER | Air Force

A 200-milliJoule pulse laser fires in this timed exposure Oct. 9, 2009, at the U.S.

Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colo.

The laser is used for a variety of experiments,

including tests to determine how “pushing” sulfur

into a silicon-based solar cell increases the cell’s

efficiency.

energy research will yield global benefits

Teal ropes to spotlight sexual assault response

Commentary


with the crafts other shortcomings, led them to cancel testing permanently.

“This project was far ahead of its time,” Under-wood said. “ It was a perfect concept, but the tech-nology of the time wasn’t advanced enough.”

Although the testing was deemed a failure by the engineers and pilots who spearheaded the ex-perimentation, the implications of the Avrocar’s technology had far-reaching results.

“Just because the tests weren’t successful doesn’t mean it was a failure,” Underwood said. “This experiment started engineers down a path to more innovative concepts based on what was learned.”

Technology used by many aircraft, like the AV-8B Harrier II, V-22 Osprey and the F-22 Raptor, can trace its history back to the Avrocar.

Concepts gleaned from the Avrocar testing still are being implemented today with the devel-opment of the U.S. Marine’s variant of the F-35 Lightning II. The F-35B will offer the capability to land vertically, making it the first aircraft in his-tory to combine both stealth and vertical landing capabilities.

“Aircraft with capabilities to take off and land vertically have their roots in this experiment,” Sammis said. “These capabilities come from a long line of experimentation, which started with the Avrocar.”

TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE — Civil engineer contractors are replacing the Suwannee Avenue drinking water main, with an estimated comple-tion date of March 2013.

The original cast iron pipe was installed in the 1940s and is past its life ex-pectancy of 75 years.

“Just under a mile of pipe, to include isolation valves, will be replaced with modern 10 and 12-inch PVC piping with a life span of over 100 years,” said Maj. Michael McCourt, 325th Civil Engi-neer Squadron operations flight commander. “The new system will greatly reduce base water outages and po-tentially save millions of gal-lons of water.”

Drivers should expect minimal impact to traffic

as the contractor will bore under prevalent roads to avoid cutting them, however work may expand onto road shoulders and edges, and safety cones will be used to alert drivers.

“Some facilities will expe-rience two to four-hour wa-ter outages as they are tied into the new line,” McCourt said. “These outages will be coordinated well in advance with facility managers, and every effort will be made to schedule the work during non-peak hours to alleviate inconveniences to building occupants.”

Any questions or con-cerns about the water line replacement construction can be addressed to the 325th Fighter Wing Public Affairs at 283-4500.

53RD TSS ChANgES COmmAND

LISA NORmAN | Air Force

Lt. Col. Joseph P. Kendall assumed command of the 53rd Test Support Squadron during a change of command ceremony Oct. 19. Kendall was previously the director of operations at the 308th Fighter Squadron, Luke Air Force Base, Ariz. He is replacing Lt. Col. James A. Sukenik, who is now the deputy commander of the 53rd Weapons and Evaluation Group. Above, Col. James Vogel, left, 53rd Weapons Evaluation Group commander, passes the 53rd Test Support Squadron guidon to Lt. Kendall.

Suwannee drinking water main being replaced

SAUCERS from page 2


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By TERRI MOON CRONKAmerican Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON (NNS) —U.S. military commission proceedings against a sus-pect in the October 2000 USS Cole bombing and oth-er alleged terrorist attacks were scheduled to resume in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, Oct. 23.

Alleged al-Qaida mem-ber and Saudi-born Abd al Rahim Hussayn Muham-mad al-Nashiri, 46, is ac-cused of being the master-mind behind the bombing of the Navy warship, de-fense offi cials said.

Charges against Nashiri also stem from an at-tempted attack on the USS The Sullivans in January 2000, and an attack on the French-fl agged oil tanker Limburg in October 2002.

Nashiri is charged with perfi dy, or treachery; mur-der in violation of the law of war; attempted murder in violation of the law of war; terrorism; conspiracy; in-

tentionally causing serious bodily injury; attacking ci-vilian objects; and hazard-ing a vessel.

The Cole was in Aden, Yemen, for a routine fuel stop when a small water-craft approached the ship’s port side and exploded. The bombing killed 17 sail-ors and wounded 40 others. U.S. offi cials allege Nashiri was under the supervision of Osama bin Laden and that bin Laden personally approved the attacks.

The judge, Army Col. James L. Pohl, was expect-ed to hear up to 18 motions from the defense and three

from the prosecution. The majority of motions from the defense involved dis-closure from prosecutors, appearances by expert wit-nesses and dismissal of the trial, offi cials said.

The U.S. prosecu-tion’s motions concerned Nashiri’s presence in the courtroom, reducing the amount of the proceed-ings that are closed as compelled by the defense, and disclosure of the de-fendant’s mental health records.

If convicted, Nashiri could receive the death penalty.

From Chief of Naval Personnel Public Affairs

WASHINGTON — NAVADMIN announced the Chief of Naval Operations’ decision to terminate the Service Dress Khaki initia-tive on Oct. 19.

The NAVADMIN also re-emphasized the optional wear of the Service Dress Blue uniform as an acceptable alterna-tive during summer uniform wear periods when participating in events, ceremonies and meetings where wearing a coat and tie is appropriate and when other uni-forms are not prescribed.

“The Navy continuously monitors sailors’ uniform concerns and develops uniforms and design changes based on feedback received and research conduct-ed,” said Rear Adm. Tony Kurta, direc-tor, Military Personnel Plans and Policy. “After May 2012 when the contemporary design for SDK was approved for optional wear, the Navy continued to conduct re-search with product vendors and with the information gained and reviewed, the de-

cision was made to cancel Service Dress Khaki.”

The Navy made the decision to ter-minate pursuing the SDK uniform as an optional uniform due to factors identifi ed during a comprehensive uniform assess-ment. These factors included the evalu-ation of quantities of SDK sets ordered/sold, wear test of several models evaluat-ing quality, durability, appearance and fi t, and estimated cost per uniform set to the individual.

The NAVADMIN 314/12 also reaf-fi rmed E-7 to O-10 personnel may wear the SDB as a suitable alternative for wear in lieu of summer white and service dress white uniforms when a coat and tie is appropriate.

SDB uniforms may be prescribed for wear year-round to all offi cial functions (when formal dress, dinner dress, or full dress uniforms are not prescribed) and civilian equivalent dress is coat and tie. This uniform is available for purchase in a quality, lightweight fabric.

By 2ND LT. ANDREA VALENCIA325th Fighter Wing

Public Affairs

TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE — The 823rd RED HORSE is conducting paving operations on two miles of road near the back of Tyn-dall’s air fi eld.

The 823d RED HORSE is home-based at Hurlburt Field. When not deployed, RED HORSE airmen maintain their pro-fi ciency through Troop Training Projects, opportunities to train younger airmen in the trade secrets of RED HORSE in preparation for large-scale deployments. This allows the base to get key projects ac-complished while providing RED HORSE forces with valuable technical training and experience.

“When we aren’t deployed, we like to do these kinds of jobs,” said 1st Lt. Tavia Carl-son, 823rd RED HORSE project engineer. “If we have a brand new airman right out of tech school, or who have never driven equipment before, we use these jobs to teach them how to drive, so when we go to the desert we aren’t doing the teaching. They know how to execute.”

Their current project involves milling or shaving off two inches of asphalt and then laying down two inches of new asphalt on the road on the back of the airfi eld.

“The road out there is fi ne, but its old

asphalt, it’s wearing down,” said Capt. Arne Gjere, 325th Maintenance Squadron munitions fl ight commander. “When the combat F-22s (Raptors) arrive, there is go-ing to be more AMMO vehicle traffi c, with sensitive munitions.”

The troop training program enables them to transition the knowledge they learn here to projects overseas. To them, the best way to gain training is by doing the actual work and learning from those working with them.

“These projects are to help train the airmen on new skills, but we also make sure to focus on safety, quality and main-taining our schedule throughout,” Carlson said.

The Air Force is saving money by hav-ing RED HORSE complete the project, with the project being 65 to 85 percent of what the base would pay a contractor. The military labor doesn’t count against proj-ect funds, and the airmen work six 12 hour days a week.

However, 93 percent of the material costs for the project are being bought from local company C.W. Roberts, adding a boost to Panama City’s economy at $420,000.

Tyndall will be receiving a combat coded operational F-22 squadron. The increase in aircraft will cause an increase of AMMO vehicle traffi c, necessitating the need for a newly paved road.

Motions to resume for suspect in USS Cole Attack

Alleged al-Qaida member and Saudi-born Abd al Rahim

Hussayn Muhammad al-Nashiri, 46, is accused of being the

mastermind behind the bombing of the Navy warship, defense

offi cials said.

Navy announces Service Dress Khaki cancellation, Service Dress Blue lightweight fabric options

RED HORSE paves way for Tyndall


for the squadron’s arrival,” said Herman Bell, chief of Tyndall’s 325th Fighter Wing Public Affairs.

Bryan Gulley, spokes-man for Sen. Bill Nelson, D-Fla., said he expects there could be some movement after the election. “There has to be a defense autho-

rization bill,” he said. Gulley said there was

little contention over the movement of the squadron to Tyndall, which might make getting a bill passed in Congress a bit easier. A vote could come before the holiday season, he said.

On Oct. 1, Tyndall

aligned with Air Combat Command. ACC in Langley, Va., said no specific time-table for the movement of aircraft and associated personnel is available.

No appropriation or funds have been made to retire, divest, realign or transfer aircraft of the U.S.

Air Force, according to the 2013 fiscal year budget, which runs through Sep-tember of next year.

U.S. Rep. Steve South-erland, R-Panama City, has laid blame for the lack of a budget at the feet of U.S. Sen. Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nevada.

Democrats have accused Republicans of seeking to gut social programs in or-der to achieve their budget goals.

The consolidation of fighter commands comes just as the Department of Defense prepares for $500 billion in defense spend-

ing cuts that could come as early as Jan. 2 if Congress doesn’t intervene.

The new fighter squad-ron of F-22 Raptors origi-nally was scheduled to arrive in January. By March, about 12 new F-22s were slated to arrive from Holloman.

F-22 from page A1


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By Staff Sgt. Rachelle Elsea325th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE — Thirty-one Tyn-dall airmen graduated from Airmen Lead-ership School in a ceremony Oct. 18 at the Horizons Community Activity Center.

ALS is a fi ve week-long Air Force pro-gram designed to develop airmen into ef-fective front-line supervisors. It is the fi rst professional military education that enlisted Air Force members encounter. ALS focuses on developing leadership abilities as well as effective communication. Senior airmen with 48 months time-in-service or those with a promotion line number for staff sergeant are eligible to attend. The member must also have at least six months of retainabil-ity from the projected class graduation date before being enrolled. ALS covers combat leader, military professional, supervisor of airmen, verbal and written communication, and group dynamics. A majority of the in-struction focuses around various Air Force rules and regulations.

Congratulations to the following Senior Airmen: Ashbery, Kenneth - Detachment 1, 49th Maintenance Group; Banuelos, Ja-cob - 325th Civil Engineer Squadron; Battle,

Breona - 325th Force Support Squadron; Beaton, Kevin - 325th Communications Squadron; Brown, Isaiah - 325th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron; Burns, Jacob 325th Security Forces Squadron; Caban, Daniel - 325th AMXS; Corbett, Brandon - 325th SFS; Dejesus, Christopher - 325th CS; Devezin , Angele - 325th Maintenance Operations Squadron; Hall, Cody - 325th AMXS; Harris, Cherri - 325th CS; Kirsch, Bethany - 132nd Medical Group; Largaespada, Jonathan - 325th AMXS Academic Achievement, Dis-tinguished Graduate; Marchbanks, Rob-ert - Det. 1, 49th MXG; Maxon, Alexander - 325th SFS; Ontiveros, Mario - 325th Op-erations Support Squadron; Peters, Vianca - 325th Aerospace Medicine Squadron; Po-blete, Aldrich - 325th FSS; Pouliot, Brittany - 325th FSS John L. Levitow Award; Pum-phrey, Scott - 325th Maintenance Squadron; Rawson, George - 325th MXS; Richardson, Zachary - 325th AMXS; Schmidt, Jacob - 325th MXS; Schuch, Daniel - 325th AMXS; Southworth, Patrick - Det. 1, 49th MXG Commandant’s Award; Stevens, Russell - 325th CS; Thompson, Rex - 325th CS; Tuck-er, Shawnette - 325th Contracting Squadron; Wilkins, Daniel - 325th AMXS Distinguished Graduate and Young, Aaron - 325th MOS.

31 airmen graduate leadership school

Tyndall Air Force BaseFriday, October 26, 2012 Gulf Defender | 9

By 2ND LT. ANDREA VALENCIA 325th Fighter Wing

Public Affairs

TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE — Members of the 325th Main-tenance Group egress shop know the work they do every day is vital to the safety of the pilots of the F-22 Raptor.

“The egress system is the last line of life for the pilot, if he’s having trou-bles or getting shot down,” said Master Sgt. Michael Knight, 325th Maintenance Squadron egress section chief. “We have to make sure everything is correct in the system so the pilot can come back safe.”

The shop is in charge of

the entire ejection system, which includes the ejec-tion seat and the canopies. Maintenance and inspection are done regularly to make sure the system is always in working order.

Unlike other shops, test-ing is not an option when it comes to the ejection seats.

“Everything we do is double and triple checked.” Knight said. “The pilot’s life is in our hands.”

A new addition to the shop is being built to help with the increased workload that will occur when the new fi ghter squadron of Raptors arrives.

“The reason why we made the extension is the

increase in manning and the additional squadron of F-22s,” said Jim Smiler, 325th MXG egress lead. “This will allow us to be more effi cient.”

The 325th Civil Engineer Squadron and the Army Corps of Engineers teamed together to build the 2000-square-foot addition begin-ning on March 19 and are expected to compete the project this month. The proj-ect also includes installing a new fi re suppression sprin-kler system and replacing the air and cooling unit.

The project utilized nine local companies, which cre-ated 30 jobs for individuals working over the entire time

of the project. The materials were

brought in from across the Panhandle region.

“Eighty percent of the materials are within a 100-

mile radius,” said Marlon Kirkland, Army Corps of Engineers construction representative.

The incoming combat coded F-22 squadron is part

of Tyndall’s transition to Air Combat Command. The wing is expected to grow by nearly 1,000 additional personnel and include T-38 Talon aircraft as well.

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By AIRMAN 1ST CLASS CHRISTOPHER REEL325th Fighter Wing

Public Affairs

TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE —The 325th Medical Support Squadron medical logis-tics flight earned the 2011 Outstanding Medical Lo-gistics Small Account of the Year award.

The award is a reflec-tion of the flight’s hard work to pursue opportu-nities for increased effi-ciencies within the flight.

“The increased effi-ciencies led to increased support for our clinical teams and ultimately played a part in the 325th Medical Group taking best care of Tyndall’s patient population,” said Capt. Blake Smith, previous 325th MDSS medical lo-gistics flight commander. “I believe that the medi-cal logistics flight has the perfect combination of professionalism, knowl-

edge and experience to go along with a youthful energy, which allowed the flight to strive for contin-uous improvement. This was ultimately recognized by this award.”

The flight was rated No. 1 of the 13 major com-mand medical logistics flights and previously won the 2010 Air Educa-tion and Training Com-mand Small Account of the Year award. The flight also received an “out-standing” score during

the 2011 Health Services Inspection.

Members of the medi-cal logistics flight are be-hind the scenes of every-day operations, explained Staff Sgt. Jessica Probst, 325th MDSS medical logistics flight NCO in charge.

“We work hard, but being behind the scenes we don’t always get no-ticed for the work we do,” Probst said. “We were low-manned for a good part of the year, and we never let that affect the quality of work we did. When we heard we won the Medical Logistics Small Account of the Year for the entire Air Force medical ser-vice, we were excited. We truly earned that award, and I am glad I could be a part of the team that won it.”

Though undermanned, the medical logistics team approached the year just as any other, Smith said.

“The flight pushed through the year with professionalism and a de-termination to do the best job possible,” he said.

“The team was fortunate to be given multiple op-portunities to excel and was ultimately recognized for its outstanding perfor-

mance. I am extremely proud of the team and very happy to know that their hard work did not go unrecognized.”

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Brigadier Gen. John McMullen, 325th Fighter Wing commander, presents Capt. Blake Smith, previous 325th Medical Support Squadron medical logistics fl ight commander, the Medical Logistics Small Account of the Year award.

325th MDSS medical logistics fl ight earns award“The increased efficiencies led to

increased support for our clinical teams and ultimately played a

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Capt. Blake Smithprevious 325th MDSS medical logistics flight commander


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BEIRUT (AP) — Syrian warplanes on Oct. 16 struck a strategic rebel-held town in the country’s north in an attempt to reopen a key sup-ply route, activists said, as a U.N.-proposed cease-fire meant to start this week ap-peared increasingly unlikely to take hold.

The U.N.-Arab League envoy to Syria has suggest-ed that both sides in Syria’s 19-month-old conflict lay down their arms during Eid al-Adha, a four-day Muslim holiday that began Oct. 23. However, neither Syrian President Bashar Assad nor rebels fighting to topple him have committed to a truce, and international envoy Lakhdar Brahimi has not said how such a truce would be monitored.

Syria’s stalemated civil war, which has frequently spilled over Syria’s borders and threatens to destabilize an already volatile region, featured prominently in the final pre-election debate Oct. 15 in the U.S. between President Barack Obama and his Republican chal-lenger, Mitt Romney.

Both men said they would not send American troops to Syria, but Romney pledged to help arm rebels after vet-ting the intended recipients, earning him praise from Syrian opposition leaders. Obama warned of the risk of giving the rebels heavy weapons that could fall into the wrong hands and later be used against the U.S. or its allies.

“By not arming the (reb-el) Free Syrian Army with heavy weapons, he (Obama) is giving Assad the upper hand,” said Muhieddine Lathkani, a member of the Syrian National Council, an umbrella of opposition groups.

The rebels have said they need heavier weapons to counter Assad’s military su-periority, particularly from the air. Since the summer, the regime has increasingly pounded rebel positions with warplanes and helicop-ter gunships.

On Tuesday, government aircraft attacked Maaret al-Numan and the village of Mar Shamsheh, as troops and rebels battled over a

nearby Syrian military camp that has been under siege for days, according to the Britain-based Syrian Obser-vatory for Human Rights. The activist group reported more than two dozen casu-alties among the rebels but did not have the breakdown of killed and wounded.

Opposition fighters seized Maaret al-Numan, which lies along the main highway between Aleppo and the capital Damascus, earlier this month. Their presence has disrupted the regime’s ability to send sup-plies and reinforcements to the northwest. This has hampered the government’s fight in Aleppo, where troops are bogged down in a bloody fight for control of the coun-try’s largest city.

Amateur video posted Monday showed rebel fight-ers unleashing heavy bursts of machine-gun fire, appar-ently at a convoy heading to the besieged army camp. Syria restricts access to foreign reporters, and the authenticity of the video could not be independently confirmed.

An international human rights group, meanwhile, said the Syrian air force stepped up attacks with cluster bombs in the past two weeks, dropping more over a wider area, despite Damascus’ denials that it has used the widely banned munitions.

Cluster bombs open in flight, scattering smaller bomblets over a wide area. Many of the bomblets don’t explode immediately, pos-ing a threat to civilians long afterward.

The New York-based Human Rights Watch, cit-ing amateur videos and interviews with victims, residents and activists, said it has received new infor-mation about more than 35 sites where cluster bombs were dropped.

The violence in Syria has killed more than 34,000 people, said Observatory chief Rami Abdul-Rahman, whose group relies on a network of activists on the ground. This figure includes civilians and rebel fighters, but also more than 8,000 re-gime soldiers, he said.

Abdul-Rahman said there were no signs on in-side Syria that rebels or government troops were preparing to halt fighting during Eid al-Adha, or the Feast of Sacrifice.

Abdelbaset Sieda, the head of the Syrian National Council, told The Associated Press on Oct. 16 that rebel fighters are willing to halt fighting during the holiday, but will respond if attacked. He said he doubts the re-gime will honor the cease-fire and that Brahimi’s plan is too vague.

“Brahimi hasn’t any mechanism to observe the situation,” Sieda said by phone from Stockholm, Sweden. “Now he is saying every side can do that (halt fighting) by itself.”

In Damascus, Syria’s deputy foreign minister, Faisal Mekdad, said the Assad regime is cooper-ating with Brahimi. “We are always optimistic,” he said when asked about the chances of a cease-fire.

However, Brahimi said after a visit to Damascus on Oct. 14 that he did not get

a commitment to the truce from the regime.

The relentless fighting in Syria has forced hundreds of thousands of people to flee the country to escape the violence.

The U.N. refugee agency said Oct. 16 that Lebanon has become the third Syr-ian neighbor to host more than 100,000 refugees from Syria’s civil war.

At least 101,283 people have registered as refugees in Lebanon, said agency spokeswoman Melissa Fleming. This compares to more than 105,000 in Jor-dan, at least 101,000 in Tur-key, more than 42,000 in Iraq and 6,800 in North Africa.

Governments bordering Syria estimate tens of thou-sands more Syrian refugees that have not yet registered, including an estimated 70,000 in Turkey who live outside refugee camps, she said.

Jordan alone says it’s hosting some 210,000 Syr-ian refugees, which Amman says has strained the coun-try’s health care, water and electricity sectors.

Syrian warplanes strike rebel-held town in north

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ALEPPO, Syria (AP) — It was long past midnight, but the rebel commander couldn’t sleep until his fi ghters returned from the Turkish border with the lat-est shipment of gear meant to help them battle the Syr-ian army. Wearing camou-fl age pants and black fl ip-fl ops, he waited anxiously, his eyes bloodshot.

In the morning, his team arrived with their prize: a single suitcase of night-vi-sion goggles. For the fi rst time, his brigade’s snipers would be able to strike back at night against regime snipers who already have night-vision capabilities in the street-by-street fi ghts for territory in the battle-ground city of Aleppo.

“We need one for every fi ghter,” said the command-er, Osama, who leads one of the rebel brigades fi ghting in Aleppo. Still, the small number in the shipment “is better than nothing. We will surprise the enemy when we start using them.” He said the goggles were pro-vided by a “sympathizer” in Europe, but refused to elaborate.

Piece by piece, Syria’s rebels slowly are expand-ing their arsenal and get-ting their hands on more advanced weapons. The process still appears to be haphazard and improvised, far from the reliable, orga-nized pipeline have sought for much of the 19-month-old uprising against the re-gime of President Bashar Assad. Instead, it often remains a scramble by in-

dividual units in the highly fragmented rebel forces to obtain what they can. Most units still rely on their sta-ple arsenal of automatic weapons, hand grenades and rocket-propelled gre-nades, adapted to fi t their needs.

But there have been notable advances. Most im-portantly, anti-aircraft mis-siles have made their fi rst appearances in rebel hands in recent weeks, a weapon some fi ghters boast could turn the tide against the regime.

Assad’s forces have adapted too, although sur-prisingly they have at times turned more low-tech for the needs of urban warfare against guerrillas.

Rebel fi ghters say the most terrifying new regime weapons are cluster muni-tions, which scatter “bomb-lets” over a large area, and so-called “barrel” bombs. The latter are literally bar-rels packed with explosives, metal shards and some-times fuel-soaked, igniting sand. They are shoved out of helicopters or airplanes and can cause horrendous blasts and casualties.

Some analysts say the tactics adopted by Assad signal a military under strain. Although few expect the war to end soon, many say progressive changes in the sides’ respective ar-mories appear to favor the rebels in the long run.

“My sense is that the rebels are winning this war,” said Jeffrey White, who studies Syria for the

Washington Institute for Near East Policy. “They are winning by inches, and the regime is doing its best to use its assets in innova-tive ways, but it is basically losing that fi ght.”

Arms improvisation has been key to the rebel movement since it started months after the fi rst pro-tests of the anti-Assad up-rising in March 2011. After deadly government crack-downs, civilians and army defectors took up arms to protect their towns and at-tack government troops.

The rebels long have asked sympathetic nations to arm them, complaining that they cannot get strong enough weapons to face Assad’s powerful arsenal of tanks, artillery, mortars and warplanes. Though there have been reports of Persian Gulf nations fun-neling some arms, many rebel brigades say they have not received any such shipments. For most of the confl ict, they have relied on smugglers and weapons captured from the Syrian military.

While he waited for his team to come back with the night-vision goggles last week, Commander Osama showed The Asso-ciated Press a sampling of the improvised armory his brigade of several hundred men has collected. Assault rifl es hung from the walls, and bullets, mortars and rocket-propelled grenades sat in boxes nearby. Osama spoke on condition that he be identifi ed only by his

fi rst name for fear of retali-ation against his family.

One rifl e had a telescopic sight crudely welded to its body to turn it into a snip-er’s rifl e. His men bought the scopes separately for $150 each and assembled them to rifl es.

“It’s not really good, but we have to do what we can,” he said.

He also showed a rocket-propelled grenade launch-er his men captured in a recent raid on an army gar-rison. It was a much larger caliber than the RPGs his men have and can disable the regime’s most ad-vanced tanks — but only if the shooter gets within 400 meters.

“That takes unbeliev-able courage,” he said, be-cause regime tanks on the move are closely guarded by snipers.

In what would be a sig-nifi cant advance, an offi cial with the Free Syrian Army — the rebel’s loose um-brella group — who is in-volved in procuring weap-ons said the rebels have now obtained dozens of shoulder-fi red anti-aircraft missiles. Speaking to The AP in Turkey, he would not say who provided the rock-ets. He spoke on condition of anonymity for security reasons.

Several videos posted by anti-regime activists online last week show the mis-siles. In one video, an SA-7 launcher has been set on a rock to display it. Another shows a fi ghter in Aleppo fi ring one at a passing fi ght-

er jet, with the curly smoke trail of the rocket visible.

It remains unclear how many SA-7 missiles reb-els have and if they can use them successfully. But “even if they don’t bring anything down, it will make Syrian pilots think more about what they are doing,” White said.

Reports of rebels shoot-ing down regime aircraft have increased. Rebels claimed to have shot down at least two helicopters and two jets in August and September.

In the last week alone, however, amateur videos indicate they’ve shot down one jet and two helicopters. In one case, a video report-ed to show the capture of the jet pilot. In another, a rebel held up what he said was the head of another pilot, salvaged from the wreckage of his helicopter.

Other videos indicate rebels have a growing number of heavy-caliber anti-aircraft guns, many mounted on pickup trucks for easy movement, as well as mortars and dif-ferent kinds of homemade rockets.

The videos appeared consistent with other AP reporting.

From its side, Assad’s regime has adjusted its pro-fessional military — built to fi ght a war with Israel — to fi ght guerrillas in Syrian cities.

Rebel fi ghters and activ-ists say the “barrel bomb” is used almost every day. An AP reporter recently

visited a mosque in Aleppo that was hit by a barrel bomb three days earlier, killing at least 10 people. An annex to the mosque was razed, and the mosque it-self and a half-dozen nearby apartment buildings nearby were severely damaged.

Amateur videos of bar-rel bombs that have failed to explode show them as large, metal contain-ers fi lled with explosives and metal shards that are pushed manually from aircraft and detonate on impact with the ground. Some appear to be fi lled with sand soaked in fuel to cause huge fi reballs.

One opposition activist in Aleppo said the barrel bombs don’t seem to have tactical aims beyond kill-ing as many people as pos-sible. He spoke on condi-tion of anonymity for fear of retaliation.

Joseph Holliday, who studies Syria for the Insti-tute for the Study of War, said the bombs have a wide blast radius — advantages when fi ghting rebels in an urban area. “The idea is to drop it on a building and try to get it to catch on fi re,” he said.

Human Rights Watch also has accused Syria of using cluster munitions, which it says endanger ci-vilians. Syria does not com-ment on its military tactics, though it has denied using cluster munitions.

The question is whether the regime is resorting to such things out of inten-tional tactics or necessity.

Syrian regime and rebels constantly adapt arsenals Tyndall Air Force Base

Friday, October 26, 2012 Gulf Defender | 13

By SENIOR AIRMAN DENNIS SLOAN

Joint Base Charleston Public Affairs

JOINT BASE CHARLESTON, S.C. (AFNS) — As the battle on the gridiron between the Clemson Tigers and the Vir-ginia Tech Hokies paused for halftime, a story of hero-ism was broadcast over the Memorial Stadium speakers for some 80,000 people in at-tendance at Clemson.

Capt. Michael Polidor and Capt. Justin Kulish, now B-2 Bomber pilots at Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo., watched the two teams battle it out be-fore walking onto the fi eld to be recognized for their heroic acts during a much different battle on a much different terrain — Afghanistan.

Rewind to October 2009. Seventy American and Af-ghan Soldiers at Combat Outpost Keating, a remote outpost in northeastern Af-ghanistan, about approxi-mately 10 miles from the Pakistan border, lay down fi re as more than 100 Taliban insurgents armed with AK-47s and grenade launchers ambushed the base.

With barbed wire being the only thing standing be-tween them and the insur-gents, the soldiers quickly requested air support. Air Force pilots from Bagram Airfi eld, Afghanistan, had just taken off for a routine mission when they were given the orders to stop in-surgents from overrunning a nearby outpost. One of those pilots was Polidor. Deployed from the 335th Expedition-ary Fighter Squadron out of Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, N.C., he raced over the mountainous terrain in his F-15E Strike Eagle to reach the battle that was raging below him.

“It looked like the Fourth of July down there,” Poli-dor said. “They were taking fi re from all directions, 360 degrees.”

Polidor used his jet fi ght-er’s sensors to gauge the

situation occurring 20,000 feet below him. Because of low-lying clouds, Polidor and his fellow wingman fl ying high in the sky were forced to rely solely on their jets, advanced technological in-struments to target insur-gents on the ground.

As Polidor and his fel-low F-15 pilots wreaked havoc on the insurgents by dropping bombs and fi ring rounds at them, A-10 Wart-hogs, B-1 Stealth Bombers and Army helicopters pro-

vided additional assistance. Kulish was one of the B-1

pilots assigned to the 379th Air Expeditionary Wing providing the vital close air support needed for the sol-diers on the ground.

“They were in danger of being completely overrun by insurgents,” Polidor said. “It was our job to eliminate them.”

What Polidor did not know was that this battle would last for more than eight hours. When the dust

settled around the remote outpost that lay in a val-ley surrounded by three mountains, eight American soldiers had made the ul-timate sacrifi ce in defense of their country. Three Af-ghan soldiers had also lost their lives in the fi ght with several more American and Afghan soldiers wounded.

Nearly 100 insurgents were killed and the at-tempted overrun of the remote outpost was over. A total of 20 bombs were dropped on the battlefi eld that day with several thou-sand rounds hurled at the insurgents as well. Of the 20 bombs dropped Oct. 3, 2009, in Afghanistan, Polidor was responsible for four of them and had fi red 170 rounds from his F-15.

Fast-forward to, Oct. 20, 2012. Polidor and Kulish stand on the 50-yard line of the Memorial Stadium in Clemson, S.C., where more than 80,000 people clap in appreciation after hearing their heroic stories.

“Clemson fans have been amazing to us, and it is an honor to be here on this

fi eld today,” Polidor said. While Polidor was being

honored on the fi eld, he met with Clemson wide receiver Daniel Rodriguez, who had just fi nished battling it out on the fi eld against the Vir-ginia Tech Hokies. Though Polidor and Rodriguez had never met in person until now, their paths had crossed just a few years earlier. The day Polidor was raining down bombs and bullets on the insurgents in that Afghanistan valley, Ro-driguez, a sergeant in the Army at the time, was one of the American soldiers fi ghting for his life on the ground.

“I have never met some-one who was on the ground that day,” Polidor said.

Polidor and Rodriguez met up after the game and spoke about the battle.

“It was very revealing to get his side of the story and from his perspective,” Polidor said. “They fought hard, and we made sure the insurgents never reached the base.”

They hugged one anoth-er, and then Rodriguez ran off the fi eld to meet back with his team.

Polidor received the Dis-tinguished Flying Cross in 2010 for his heroism on that fateful day in Afghanistan.

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Airmen honored by college for heroism in AfghanistanTyndall Air Force Base

SENIOR AIRMAN DENNIS SLOAN | Air Force

Capt. Justin Kulish, left, and Capt. Michael Polidor, B-2 Bomber pilots from Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo., stand with mascots from the Clemson Tigers during a ceremony Oct. 20 at Memorial Stadium, Clemson S.C.


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MS. NEWBY’S8711 Thomas Drive, 234-0030Patio open EverydayFriday & Saturday: HORIZON, 9 p.m.Sunday: ANDY JOHNSON, 3 p.m.Tuesday: Karaoke w/DJ NIGHT AL, 8 p.m.Wednesday: Halloween W/JASONCHAUSSER (formerly w/Saliva)Thursday: LIVE MUSIC, 9 p.m.

NEWBY’S TOO4103 Thomas Drive (on the curve), 234-6203Open everyday 7 a.m. untilFriday, Saturday, Thursday: Karaoke w/Night Al, 8:30 p.m.-2 a.m.Wednesday: Wine Tasting, 5-7 p.m.Wednesday: “SCARAOKE”. Halloween Party. Wear a costume & receive Newby Bucks, 8 p.m.BUZZTIME everyday.Sports Bar, Pool, Foosball, Darts, & Shuffl eboard. Smokers Welcome

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a cocktail. Serving fresh seafood, steaks, sandwiches & more.More Info Sharky’s beach.comOpen Daily 11 a.m.Happy Hour, 11-6 p.m. $2 Domestic Drafts & $3.25 Well DrinksThursday– Sunday: Tiki Time w/ClayMusgrave, 5 p.m.Saturday: Family Halloween-Kids Costume Contest and Team Pumpkin Carving Contest 1-4 p.m.Call Sharky’s to sign up and get all infoSaturday: College Game DaySunday: NFL Sunday Ticketwww.sharkysbeach.com

8795 Thomas Drive / 850-234-7882 / Paradise Grill Open daily at 11 a.m. tillSaturday: Toys for Kids Halloween Bash & Costume ContestSunday: Bar Wars, 9 p.m.- closeRock Arena*Saturday & Sunday: Triggerproof, 10:30 p.m.-3:30 a.m.Groove Room*Saturday: DJ Link, 10 p.m.-close* Sunday: DJ Beachhouse, 9:30 p.m.-closeCantina* Saturday & Sunday: Karaoke, 10 p.m.-3 a.m.

Grill & BrewhouseOn Historic St. Andrews Marina1151 Bayview Ave., 763-8427Upstairs at the Martini Bar, 6:30 p.m.Friday: John CannonSaturday: Jace Smith

a guide to music & other local activities

Area Businesses make sure your listings are showcased in the PanamaCity.com.

For information contact Marie Forrest @ 747-5041,

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Deadline for Nightlife listings

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VENUE FRIDAY SATURDAY SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAYThe Backdoor Lounge Live Music Live Music Live Music 1-5 p.m. Panama Redd PCB, FL 235-0073 10 p.m.-2 a.m. 10 p.m.-2 a.m. Open Mic 10:30 p.m. - Close 8-midnight

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By ASHLEY M. WRIGHT 325th Fighter Wing

Public Affairs

TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE —Building team trust and self-confi dence, Tyndall community partners par-ticipated in the base ropes course recently, which con-cluded with a climb to the top of a 55-foot rock wall and a zip line down.

The day was designed to take 17 members of the Bay County Chamber of Commerce Leadership Bay “comfortably out of their comfort zone” and was an opportunity for experiential education in a safe environment, said Bob Nichols, Air Force Re-search Lab contracted ma-chinist who was the lead volunteer facilitator for the course.

Bonita Bay controls the facility located near the paint ball fi eld, and certifi ed volunteers run the course. Normally, the ropes course is used by 10 or more orga-nizations a year.

“I have had a great ex-

perience doing this,” said Capt. Mona El Oueslati, 83rd Weapons Evaluation

Group weapons analyst and ropes course volunteer. “It is great team building.”

This was the captain’s fi rst time as a volunteer at the course; however, many of the others have been helping for years.

“Leadership Bay has been coming the entire time I’ve been out here,” said Nichols, who has been volunteering for 15 years.

The Leadership Bay mission is to cultivate a broadened network of well-informed leaders whose strengthened com-mitment to community involvement will affect positive change in Bay County, according to the Chamber’s website.

The group began the day-long course doing simple team building chal-lenges and ended with a self-challenging course. Many of the fi rst events of the day focused on communication. Toward the end of the day, the group faced their fears as they climbed up the towering wall and zipped down more than fi ve stories.

Participants will take what they have learned from the day at Tyndall back to their jobs in the community.

“The activities have taken me out of my com-fort zone,” said partici-pant Brenda Parker. “It has been a blast. I learned

a lot of great things (and found) strength I didn’t know I had.”

Leadership Bay will re-turn to Tyndall, which has a more than $500 million yearly economic impact to the local area, for an of-fi cial base tour in the up-coming months.

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ASHLEY M. WRIGHT | Air Force

Julie Miller, Leadership Bay participant, zips down from a 55-foot tower at the Tyndall Ropes Course Oct. 13. Leadership Bay, a subgroup of the Bay County Chamber of Commerce, spent the day completing tasks designed to foster teambuilding. The ropes course is operated by Bonita Bay and run by volunteers.

26 October 2012

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Transcript of 26 October 2012