AIR FORCES IN EUROPE ROCK BAND, TOUCH 'n GO, PERFORMS IN SOUTH AFRICA

 

FROM:  U.S. AIR FORCE, SOUTH AFRICA
VANDERBIJLPARK, South Africa -- U.S. Air Forces in Europe rock band, Touch 'n Go, performs during a show for students and instructors at Northern University here, Sept. 19. The band, Touch 'n Go, has made three performances in local communities across South Africa and will be performing at the Africa Aerospace and Defense Exposition Sept. 22-23 at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. on both days. The band is committed to fortifying international relationships, fostering trust and friendships, and enhancing troop morale. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Benjamin Wilson)

CULLINAN, South Africa -- Staff Sgt. Samuel Kennedy, U.S. Air Forces in Europe rock band bassist, performs during a show for students and instructors of the Cullinan Field Band here, Sept. 18. The band, Touch 'n Go, has made three performances in local communities across South Africa and will be performing at the Africa Aerospace and Defense Exposition Sept. 22-23 at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. on both days. Touch 'n Go is committed to fortifying international relationships, fostering trust and friendships, and enhancing troop morale. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Debbie Lockhart)

RECENT U.S. AIR FORCE PHOTOS

FROM: U.S. AIR FORCE
Warthog Wingmen

A heritage flight that included two F-86 Sabres flanking an A-10 Thunderbolt II demonstrated the proud heritage of military aviation over the past 60 years at Offutt Air Force Base, Neb., Aug. 24, 2012. The 2012 Defenders of Freedom Open House and Air Show included this and many other aerial demonstrations as well as ground shows and static aircraft displays. (U.S. Air Force photo/Josh Plueger)

　

Fill ‘er up

A B-1B Lancer is refueled over Afghanistan during overseas contingency operations, August 4, 2012. The 22nd Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron conducts missions out of the transit center at Manas, Kyrgyzstan, and plays an integral role in keeping air assets refueled in support of U.S. and coalition ground forces. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Clay Lancaster)

A FLYING PARALEGAL

FROM: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE

Air Force Lt. Col. Rich Radvanyi goes over the incentive flight route with Airman 1st Class Nicholas Fennen, at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, June 22, 2012. U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Chad Thompson

Face of Defense: Airman Realizes Dream of Flying
By Air Force Tech. Sgt. Chad Thompson
86th Airlift Wing
RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany, Aug. 10, 2012 - An airman with the 86th Airlift Wing Judge Advocate office here has realized his dream of being a pilot, at least for one exciting mission over Germany.

Airman 1st Class Nicholas Fennen, a discharge paralegal, was selected to participate in the Ramstein Daedalians Aviation Incentive Flight program, which gives deserving young airmen the chance to live out a childhood fantasy of flight.

Fennen might spend his days processing administrative discharge paperwork, but he has a history of being close to planes. "My cousin and his dad were both pilots ... and my uncle flew planes during Vietnam," Fennen said.

Flying seems to be in his blood, which might also explain why one of his initial experiences with a plane came when he was young. "My cousin owned his own plane and he would take me flying around the farm all the time," Fennen, a Katy, Texas, native said. "As a child I loved the feeling of flying, the takeoff was the most thrilling experience as a kid." Those early flights gave him a thirst for being in the clouds.

With two brothers already in the military -- one in the Army, the other in the Air Force -- Fennen said the choice was easy when it came to joining the Air Force. It has always been his dream to be a pilot and a leader. "The drive to become a pilot is more than just the flying aspect," he said. "The leaders of our Air Force are mostly pilots. I want to lead."

With about 15 months in service, Fennen has already proven his dedication to the mission, which is why his supervisor, Air Force Senior Master Sgt. Frank Portillo, submitted him for this opportunity.

Fennen has shown a maturity that normally takes time for a young airman to develop, Portillo said. "He started at legal assistance where he worked at scheduling clients and working power of attorney worksheets," Portillo said. "We felt he was ready to move up because he had the work ethic and attention to detail to move on and do more tasks."

Portillo said Fennen has excelled at every aspect of the job. Submitting him for this incentive flight was just a small thank you for all his hard work and dedication.

When Fennen first heard he was getting the chance to fly, he said he was surprised to be getting the opportunity to fulfill a dream, but for a while it seemed like it wouldn't happen. The flight was plagued by bad weather and cancellations until, after about a month of waiting, he got off the ground June 22.

During his one-hour flight, Fennen took the controls of the Cessna 172 and performed basic maneuvers including climbs, descents, turns and even flew most of the final approach to the runway. "Fennen did fantastic," said Air Force Lt. Col. Rich Radvanyi, pilot and president of the Coleman Aero Club. "This incentive program is designed to give these young airmen a taste of what it's like to fly and show them some basics in navigation."

Radvanyi said a lot of work goes into keeping a small plane on the proper heading when there are strong winds involved and, despite the weather, Fennen was able to keep it on course. "It was bumpy and a little rocky," Fennen said. "It was a lot more work than I thought it would be."

For someone who is only 20, Fennen has already done a lot. He has traveled Europe, has hopes of playing soccer for the base intramural team, and with the right motivation he may one day have his name painted on the side of his favorite aircraft, the A-10 Thunderbolt II.

"It was surreal to be flying over Germany," Fennen said. "When I was a kid I would have never dreamed I would be flying a plane over the Rhine River and castles. It still amazes me ... all the things I'm accomplishing."

U.S. AIR FORCE GIVES MEDICAL HELP IN BOTSWANA

FROM: U.S. AIR FORCE
THEBEPHATSWA AIR BASE, Botswana -- Family and community members of Malwelwe village gather to receive medical treatment during a humanitarian civilian assistance Aug. 7, 2012. The HCA was provided by MEDLITE/SOUTHERN ACCORD 12, a key element in a broader series of military-to-military activities that demonstrate the strong partnership between the U.S. and BDF forces. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Lausanne Morgan)

THEBEPHATSWA AIR BASE, Botswana -- U.S. Air National Guard Tech. Sgt. Latoya Turner, dental assistant, organizes dental equipment during a humanitarian civilian assistance at Malwelwe village, Aug. 7, 2012. The HCA was provided by MEDLITE/SOUTHERN ACCORD 12, a key element in a broader series of military-to-military activities that demonstrate the strong partnership between the U.S. and BDF forces. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Lausanne Morgan)

RECENT U.S. AIR FORCE PHOTOS

FROM:  U.S. AIR FORCE
Capt. Blaine Jones, Thunderbird 6, Opposing Solo pilot, takes off during the Joint Base Lewis-McChord Air Expo, July 22, 2012. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Larry E. Reid Jr.)


　

Fighting the heat
Firefighters from the 51st Civil Engineer Squadron extinguish a fire started from a simulated C-130 Hercules cargo plane crash at Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea, during the operational readiness exercise Beverly Midnight 12-03, July 23, 2012. Each scenario tests their ability to defend the base and conduct daily operations during a heightened state of readiness. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Craig Cisek)


　

Remove before flight
Maintainers from the 81st Fighter Squadron pull out firing pins and chocks to ready an A-10 Thunderbolt II for takeoff before a night combat search and rescue training mission July 20, 2012. The maintainers took part in Dacian Thunder, a month-long partnership building exercise that included U.S. Air Force, Romanian air force, U.S. Marine Corps and the Royal Air Force participants. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Natasha Stannard)

AIR FORCE AEROMEDICAL EVACUATION TRAINING

FROM:   U.S. AIR FORCE
86th Aeromedical Evacuation
　
U.S. Air Force members from the 86th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron, Ramstein Air Base, Germany review the checklist before loading simulated patients aboard an C-17 Globemaster III aircraft from the Heavy Airlift Wing (HAW) before a training flight to Tbilisi, Georgia, July 25, 2012.

The mission marked the first aeromedical training mission executed by the HAW, a multinational C-17 Wing comprised of members from 12 nations. (U.S. Air Force photo/MSgt Wayne Clark, AFNE Regional News Bureau) (Released)

U.S. Air Force members from the 86th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron, Ramstein Air Base, Germany conduct a simulated patient assessment aboard C-17 Globemaster III aircraft from the Heavy Airlift Wing (HAW) during a training flight to Tbilisi, Georgia, July 25, 2012. (U.S. Air Force photo/MSgt Wayne Clark, AFNE Regional News Bureau) (Released)

NEWS FROM AFGHANISTAN JULY 25, 201`2

An F-15E Strike Eagle refuels over the mountains of Afghanistan April 12, 2006. The Strike Eagle is a dual-role fighter designed to perform air-to-air and air-to-ground missions. An array of avionics and electronics systems gives the F-15E the capability to fight at low altitude, day or night, and in all weather. (U.S. Air Force photo)

FROM: AMERICAN FORCES PRESS SERVICE

Combined Force Detains Multiple Suspects, Seizes Explosives

Compiled from International Security Assistance Force Joint Command News Releases

WASHINGTON, July 25, 2012 - An Afghan and coalition security force detained multiple suspected insurgents during an operation to arrest a Taliban leader in the Nawah-ye Barakzai district of Afghanistan's Helmand province today, military officials reported.

The Taliban leader is a specialist in the use of improvised explosive devices and directs IED attacks against Afghan and coalition forces throughout northern Helmand province, officials said.

The security force also seized more than 40 pounds of explosives and other IED-making materials, officials said.

In July 24 operations:

-- In the Waygal district of Nuristan province, a combined force killed Khanjar -- also known as Turab -- an insurgent associated with al-Qaida. Khanjar also had ties with the Taliban insurgency. He provided safe haven to al-Qaida members operating throughout Nuristan province and coordinated Taliban activities in the region. He also oversaw the training of Taliban insurgents in the province.

-- A combined force found and cleared two IEDs in Ghazni province -- one in the Dehyak district and another in the Qarah Bagh district.

-- A combined force found and cleared an IED in Kapisa province's Tagab district.

-- A combined force detained two insurgents in Khost province's Khost district.

-- In Kunar province's Bar Kunar district, a coalition airstrike killed an insurgent.

-- A combined force found and cleared an IED in Logar province's Muhammad Aghah district.

-- A combined force found and cleared an IED in Nangarhar province's Achin district.

-- In Paktika province's Yosuf Khel district, a combined force found and cleared an IED.

-- A combined force detained seven suspects in Paktia province's Zurmat district.

RECENT U.S. AIR FORCE PHOTOS

FROM: U.S. AIR FORCE
Farnborough 2012 wraps up part 1

The Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team 'Red Arrows' amaze thousands of spectators with an aerial demonstration, July 15, 2012, during the Farnborough International Air Show in Farnborough, England. More than 250,000 trade and public visitors attend the bi-annual event which concluded today.

In the Ranks of an Ally
PARIS -- People flood the streets after the 2012, 14th of July parade in Paris. The 14th of July, known in English by Bastille Day, is the French equivalent of the American 4th of July. It commemorates the attack on the Bastille on July 14, 1989, which preceded the French revolution. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Benjamin Wilson)

In the Ranks of an Ally
PARIS -- U.S. Air Force Maj. James Gingras, French Air Force Academy exchange officer, left, speaks with his cadets before marching in the 2012, 14th of July parade in Paris. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Benjamin Wilson)
　

In the Ranks of an Ally
PARIS -- Camps del Elysee during the 2012, 14th of July parade in Paris. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Benjamin Wilson)

　

TRANSPARENT ARMOR STOPS .30 CAL. BULLET FROM 25 YARDS

FROM:  U.S. AIR FORCE
Bullet proof
WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio -- This ground-finish transparent armor test piece withstood the impact of a .30 caliber armor-piercing bullet fired from 25 yards away using a Russian M-44 sniper rifle. Shown is the test piece, which demonstrates the armor's ability to stop penetration from armor-piercing threats. (U.S. Air Force photo)
051017-F-0000S-001 (1)

MINOTAUR I ROCKET REMOVES TACSAT3 FROM EARTH

FROM:  U.S. AIR FORCE
Minotaur I Rocket - TACSAT3
This Air Force Minotaur I rocket launched the Air Force Research Laboratory’s TacSat-3 satellite, NASA’s PharmaSat microsatellite and NASA’s CubeSat Technology Demonstration into a low earth orbit May 19.

Tactical Satellite-3
Integration of the modular bus components on Tactical Satellite-3 is photographed at the Air Force Research Laboratory’s Space Vehicles Directorate, located at Kirtland Air Force Base, N.M. (Air Force photo)
TAC3 SATELLITE

C-130 MODULAR AIRBORNE FIREFIGHTING SYSTEM FLEET RESUMES OPERATIONS

Photo:  C130 Aircraft Fighting Wildfire.  Credit:  U.S. Air Force.
FROM:  U.S. DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE
From a U.S. Northern Command News Release
PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo., July 3, 2012 – The military’s C-130 Modular Airborne Fire-Fighting System fleet will resume operations today to support the National Interagency Fire Center and its firefighters battling wildfires in several states, U.S. Northern Command officials said.
Operational flying was suspended yesterday to review flying and safety procedures after the July 1 crash of a MAFFS C-130 while fighting South Dakota's White Draw Fire. An official investigation into the crash is ongoing.

PRESIDENT OBAMA THANKED FIREFIGHTERS, VOWS TO MARSHAL FEDERAL GOVERNMENT

Photo:  Colorado Fire.  Credit:  U.S. Air Force Photo By Master Sgt. Jeremy Lock

FROM:  AMERICAN FORCES PRESS SERVICE
Obama: Employ All Resources to Fight Colorado Wildfires
WASHINGTON, June 30, 2012 - As President Barack Obama thanked firefighters and volunteers, and met with impacted families in wildfire-devastated areas in and around Colorado Springs, Colo., yesterday, he also vowed to marshal all federal resources -- including military -- to combat the fires.

"We're going to continue to make sure that the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the Forest Service, our military and National Guard and all the resources that we have available at the federal level are brought to bear in fighting this fire," Obama said today in his weekly video address to the nation. He recorded this week's address during his Colorado visit.

The federal government has marshaled thousands of firefighters, hundreds of fire engines, and more than 100 aircraft, including 19 air tankers, to support firefighting efforts in a number of Western states including Colorado, White House officials noted.
Meanwhile, four Department of Defense C-130 aircraft equipped with U.S. Forest Service Modular Airborne Fire Fighting Systems and under the command and control of U.S. Northern Command are assisting in the efforts to control fires in the Rocky Mountain region at the request of the National Interagency Fire Center in Boise, Idaho, according to a Northcom news release issued today.

Northcom, based at Peterson Air Force Base, Colo., partners with other agencies to conduct homeland defense, civil support and security cooperation to defend and secure the United States and its interests.

Four additional MAFFS-equipped aircraft will be arriving later today to assist with firefighting efforts within the Rocky Mountain region, the Northcom release said.
As of early today, DOD aircraft have flown the following wildfire fighting missions in Colorado:

-- Waldo Canyon Fire, near Colorado Springs, Colo.: Fifty air drops, employing approximately 133,500 gallons of flame retardant;
-- Flagstaff Fire, near Boulder, Colo.,: Five air drops, employing about 13,200 gallons of flame retardant; and

-- Arapahoe National Forrest Fire, Colo.,: Six air drops, employing approximately 13,250 gallons of flame retardant.

Military units that conducted those missions are the 302nd Airlift Wing, Air Force Reserve, Peterson Air Force Base, Colo., and the Wyoming Air National Guard's 153rd Airlift Wing based in Cheyenne. Both units are currently flying missions out of Peterson Air Force Base, Colo.

The California Air National Guard's 146th Airlift Wing, from Channel Islands, and the North Carolina Air National Guard's 145th Airlift Wing, from Charlotte, will soon join the 153rd and the 302nd, military officials said.

This is the first time since 2008 that all eight military aircraft have been activated at one time, said Air Force Col. Jerry Champlin, 153rd Air Expeditionary Group commander. In that year, the aircraft were stationed at McClellan Airpark in Sacramento, Calif., to fight fires in that state.

Champlin, a member of the Wyoming Air National Guard, has tactical control over the MAFFS aircraft.
Although all eight C-130s will operate from Peterson Air Force Base for now, where they will drop fire retardant depends on the daily situation in the region, officials said. The U.S. Forest Service also may choose to base one or more aircraft in other operating areas.

U.S. AIR FORCE WAGES WAR AGAINST WALDO CANYON FIRE

FROM:  U.S. AIR FORCE
Air Force firefighters taking fight to Colorado Springs wildfire 
6/28/2012 - Helicopters dump water on the Waldo Canyon Fire that has spread to the outskirts of the Air Force Academy, Colo., June 28. The Waldo Canyon fire has destroyed more than 18,000 acres in the Colorado Springs area. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Christopher Boitz)

ISAF JOINT COMMAND REPORT FROM AFGHANISTAN: JUNE 25, 2012

Photo:  F-15E Refueling Over Afghanistan.  Credit:  U.S. Air Force.

FROM:  AMERICAN 

FORCES PRESS SERVICE 

Combined Force Detains Taliban Explosives Expert

Compiled from International Security Assistance Force Joint Command News Releases

WASHINGTON, June 25, 2012 - An Afghan and coalition security force detained a Taliban explosives expert in the Gardez district of Afghanistan's Paktia province yesterday, military officials reported.

The detained explosives expert led bomb-attack network, trained insurgents throughout the region, and was responsible for several attacks against Afghan and coalition forces, officials said.

The security force seized a pistol, a grenade launcher, rocket-propelled grenades, explosives and bomb components.

Also yesterday, an Afghan-led security force supported by coalition troops detained several suspected insurgents and seized assault rifles, mortar equipment and ammunition during an operation to detain a Haqqani network leader in Khost province's Sabari district. The Haqqani leader has been directly involved in attacks against coalition forces in the area.

In June 23 Afghanistan operations:

-- An Afghan-led security force in Kandahar province's Maiwand district, supported by coalition troops, apprehended a Taliban leader responsible for bomb attacks against coalition forces in Kandahar and Helmand provinces. The security force detained an additional suspected insurgent in the operation.

-- In Zabul province's Tarnak wa Jaldak district, an Afghan and coalition security force detained a Taliban leader who participated in direct-fire and roadside-bomb attacks and distributed weapons and other aid to insurgents. The security force detained another suspect in the operation and seized explosives and bomb components.

CV-22 OSPREY CRASHES IN FLORIDA

FROM:  U.S. AIR FORCE
Local emergency responders extinguish the fires caused by the CV-22 Osprey crash that occurred at Eglin Range at 6:45 p.m. June 13, 2012. Eglin and Hurlburt Field firefighters reacted quickly to control the flames from spreading and causing further damage to the local environment. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman First Class Christopher Williams) Released  

Airmen injured during CV-22 Osprey crash treated at local hospitals
1st Special Operations Wing Public Affairs

6/14/2012 - HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. -- Five aircrew members were injured when their tilt-rotor aircraft crashed north of Navarre, Fla. on the Eglin Range.

At approximately 6:45 p.m. June 13, Hurlburt Field was notified that a 1st Special Operations Wing aircraft had crashed on the Eglin Range during a routine training mission. Emergency responders from the base and Okaloosa County arrived at the scene where they found the five members of the aircrew and transported them to local hospitals.

None of the injuries are life-threatening.

Major Brian Luce, one of the pilots, was transported to Eglin Air Force Base hospital, where he is listed in stable condition.

Captain Brett Cassidy, the second pilot, was transported to Sacred Heart Hospital in Pensacola, where he is listed in stable condition.

Staff Sgt. Sean McMahon, flight engineer, was transported to Sacred Heart Hospital in Pensacola, where he is listed in guarded condition.

Tech. Sgt. Christopher Dawson, flight engineer, was transported to Eglin Air Force Base hospital, where he is listed in stable condition.

Tech. Sgt. Edilberto Malave, flight engineer, was transported to Sacred Heart Hospital in Pensacola, where he is listed in stable condition.

"Supporting our families at home is a critical component of defending our nation abroad," said Col. Jim Slife, 1st Special Operations Wing commander. "Right now, our efforts are focused on doing all we can to support our injured Airmen and their families."

A board of officials is investigating the accident. Base officials stress that the accident site may contain hazardous materials released from the crash, and ask that individuals refrain from entering the area.

MICHIGAN AIR NATIONAL GUARD DEPLOYED TO ESTONIA FOR "SABRE STRIKE EXERCISE 2012"

Michigan Air National Guard KC-135 Stratotanker hooks up with an A-10 Thunderbolt II for an aerial refueling near the border between Latvia and Estonia, June 12, in support of Exercise Saber Strike 2012. Michigan Air National Guard Airmen deployed to Estonia in mid June for the Exercise, which is a multinational exercise based in Latvia and Estonia that promotes trust and interoperability among participating nations. (Air National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Rachel Barton) 

Master Sgt. George Hall, a KC-135 boom operator with the Michigan Air National Guard,refuels an A-10 Thunderbolt II Aircraft, June 12, 2012 while Lieutenent Col. Janek Lehiste, Air Surveillence Wing commander with the Estonian air force at Amari Air Base observes. Michigan Air National Guard Airmen deployed to Estonia in mid June 2012 in support of the Saber Strike Exercise, a multinational exercise based in Latvia and Estonia which promotes trust and interoperability among participating nations. (Air National Guard photo by Staff Sgt Rachel Barton)

A formation of U.S. Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft fly over Amari Air Base, Estonia, prior to landing, June 8, 2012. The aircraft, flown by the 107th Fighter Squadron, Michigan Air National Guard, are believed to be the first A-10s to ever land in Estonia. The aircraft and their Airmen were in Estonia to participate in Saber Strike 2012, a multi-national exercise based in Estonia and Latvia. (National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Rachel Barton)

CV-22 OSPREY DESCENDS DURING AIR FORCE ACADEMY POLARIS WARRIOR EVENT

FROM:  U.S. AIR FORCE
Cadet Wing wraps up 1st Polaris Warrior
A CV-22 Osprey with the 20th Special Operations Squadron at Cannon Air Force Base, N.M., descends on the Air Force Academy Cadet Area during the Academy's Polaris Warrior event April 28, 2012. Polaris Warrior combined several military training challenges designed to reinforce skills that cadets may need in the field. (U.S. Air Force photo/Raymond McCoy)

REMERBERANCE OF WWI VETERANS AT ST. MIHIEL CEMETERY

FROM:  U.S. AIR FORCE
THIAUCOURT, France -- The Ramstein Air Base, Germany, Honor Guard colors detail advances to position during the Memorial Day event at the St. Mihiel American Cemetery May 27, 2012. The 40.5-acre World War I cemetery, about 24 miles southwest of Metz, France, contains the graves of 4,153 of U.S. military dead. It is the third largest of the eight World War I American military cemetery memorials in Europe. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Francesca Popp)

THE USS ARIZONA MEMORIAL

FROM:  U.S. NAVY
Pearl Harbor survivors, military and civilian leaders gather together May 27, 2012, for the USS Arizona Memorial 50th anniversary commemoration ceremony at the USS Arizona Memorial in Honolulu, Hawaii. The memorial was dedicated on Memorial Day in 1962. U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Michael Holzworth (Released) 120527-F-MQ656-282

AIR FORCE SHOWS AFTERMATH OF HURRICANE KATRINA

FROM:  U.S. AIR FORCE
NEW ORLEANS – Scanning for signs of survivors, Tech. Sgt. Andrew Canfield keeps a close watch as the sun sets on the flooded city of New Orleans on Sept. 4, 2005. A provision of the 2012 National Defense Authorization Act permits the federal government to mobilize Air Force reservists like Canfield if they are needed to respond to natural disasters such as Hurricane Katrina. (U.S. Air Force photo/Master Sgt. Bill Huntington)

From an HH-60 helicopter, Tech. Sgt. Keith Berry scans the flooded streets of New Orleans searching for survivors on Sept. 4, 2005. A provision of the 2012 National Defense Authorization Act permits the secretary of defense to mobilize Air Force reservists like Berry if they are needed to respond to natural disasters such as Hurricane Katrina. (U.S. Air Force photo/Master Sgt. Bill Huntington)