Arnold AFB craftsmen assist in NFAC return to service

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Vol. 65, No. 6 Arnold AFB, Tenn. TULLAHOMA TN March 19, 2018
PERMIT NO. 29
Arnold AFB craftsmen assist
in NFAC return to service
By Bradley Hicks
AEDC Public Affairs
A trio of craftsmen at Arnold Air
Force Base recently made a more than
2,300-mile trip out west to help the Na-
tional Full-Scale Aerodynamics Com-
plex expedite its return to service.
In early February, John England, Andy
Riis and Tim Taylor traveled to NFAC,
located at Moffett Field, in Mountain
View, California. There, the three provid-
ed fit-up and welding support in NFAC’s
40-foot diameter fan drive section.
NFAC has been offline since June
2017 and is not yet back online. An in-
cident occurred in which debris severely
damaged a portion of the NFAC fan drive
when it passed through the system during
a test.
NFAC is a large low-speed wind tun-
nel. The facility has two different test
sections, one that is 80- by- 120-foot and
another that is 40- by- 80-foot. These test
sections are the world’s largest and sec-
ond largest. Various models, from fixed-
wing aircraft, helicopters, parachutes
wind turbines and trucks, are tested at
NFAC, and many of the models are ei-
ther full-scale or close to full-scale. The
Sheet Metal Worker Andy Riis completes welding in the Arnold Air Force Base Model and Machine Shop. Riis was one of
facility also has the ability to perform
three craft personnel from Arnold who recently traveled to the National Full-Scale Aerodynamics Complex in California
acoustic testing concurrently with aero-
to assist with a welding project there. (U.S. Air Force photo/Bradley Hicks)
dynamic testing.
The facility’s fan drive is comprised To prepare NFAC to return to service, completed stator repairs and reinstalla- ship at Arnold to see if the facility had
of six 40-foot diameter fans that push these tubes needed to be welded into tion and saw an opportunity to get the vi- three welders available to assist with the
air around the circuit. Behind the fans place. The steel fairings that covered the bration control struts and the stator fair- installation of fairing boots and vibration
are stationary blades, known as stators, connections at each end of the stator also ings installed without taking resources struts on the fixed stator blades in the
which help direct the airflow and remove needed to be welded into place. from the tunnel wall welders. This work 40-foot diameter wind tunnel section. A
swirl. Between each stator is an airfoil- “All the welders onsite here have been is a prerequisite for other return to service quick response was needed.
shaped steel tube called a vibration con- busy since October repairing the damage tasks that are still in queue to be done.” “The first I heard about (this request)
trol strut that helps stiffen the stators and in the tunnel wall,” said NFAC Facility To keep resources on task, NFAC
ties them together to act as a single unit. Mechanical Engineer Dan Boyd. “We project engineers reached out to leader- See CRAFTSMEN, page 6
Matty reflects fondly upon Air Force career
By Bradley Hicks
AEDC Public Affairs
Aside from a brief period around six years ago, Ar-
nold Air Force Base Science, Technology, Engineering
and Mathematics Coordinator Jere Matty had essentially
worked for the U.S. Air Force since the age of 18.
“That’s why tomorrow is going to be so unusual be-
cause I’ve never not worked for the Air Force,” Matty
said with a smile on the eve of his last day and on what he
described as the “best job ever.”
“It’s pretty crazy. In one capacity or the other, either
military or civil service, I’ve always been working for
the Air Force, which has been pretty good to me. I can’t
complain at all. It’s really been great.”
Matty retired on March 8. Of the 44 years he worked
for the Air Force, more than 35 were spent at Arnold in
various capacities.
Following his 1974 graduation from Indian River
High School in his hometown of Chesapeake, Va., Matty
enrolled in the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs,
Colorado. During his time there, he served as an instruc-
tor pilot in the Academy’s Soaring Program. In this role,
he conducted flight tests of the Academy’s SGS 2-32 sail-
plane and trained more than 30 students in all aspects of
sailplane flight. He has been a sailplane instructor ever
since. Arnold Air Force Base Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics Coordinator Jere Matty meets
After graduating from the Academy in 1978, Matty with a group of children from Arnold Village the evening before his last day at Arnold. (U.S. Air Force
went straight into Undergraduate Pilot Training at the photo/Bradley Hicks)
now-closed Reese Air Force Base near Lubbock, Texas.
Matty had earned his bachelor’s in Aeronautical Engi- her future husband, was also an engineer. Rosemary stud-
He said it was there that he was fortunate enough to be
neering from the Air Force Academy. Air Force officials ied Mechanical Engineering at the University of Virginia
selected as a T-38 Talon flight instructor.
decided to put that degree to use. and earned her master’s from Texas Tech University.
Matty was then sent to Randolph Air Force Base in
“At the time, they were really short of engineers,” After their assignment at Reese AFB, the couple was
San Antonio to become an advanced jet pilot training
Matty said. They were paying engineers bonuses to stay.” sent to Arnold AFB.
instructor. He worked in this capacity for a while, but a
Matty’s wife Rosemary, his high school sweetheart
health issue prompted Matty to ask Air Force officials if
there was anything else he could do. who also joined the Air Force after graduating alongside See MATTY, page 5
Excellence in execution key Dr. Woodrow Whitlow Jr. recognized for
to AEDC success his NASA contributions during Cleveland
Cavaliers game
…Page 3 …Page 4
2 • March 19, 2018
Engineers inspire students
Arnold
Air Force
Base
during Engineers Week
By Paul Kelly
AEDC Technical and
Management Advisory Services
Col. Scott Cain
Commander
The theme for this year’s En-
Jason Austin gineers Week was Inspiring Won-
Chief, der. Many high school and middle
Public Affairs school students took part in local
events designed to help inspire
their wondering minds.
Volunteers from the Tullaho-
Cynthia Rivera ma chapter of the Tennessee So-
General Manager,
ciety of Professional Engineers
National Aerospace
(TSPE) and the Tennessee section
Solutions
of the American Institute of Aero-
High Mach Staff:
nautics and Astronautics (AIAA)
Kathy Gattis, together with volunteers from the
NAS Executive Editor
U.S. Air Force, National Aero-
Raquel March, space Solutions, LLC, Quanti-
NAS Editor Tech, University of Tennessee
Engineers from Arnold Air Force Base and the local area dine before listening to guest speaker Dr.
High Mach is published by Space Institute and the Hands-On
Rostislav Spektor at the Engineers Banquet, Feb. 22 at the University of Tennessee Space Institute
Lakeway Publishers, Inc. a pri-
Science Center helped to plan and
vate firm in no way connected Dining Hall, The View, during National Engineers Week. (Courtesy photo by John McInturff)
host activities.
with the U.S. Air Force, Arnold
Air Force Base, Arnold Engi- The first event, MathCounts® packing peanuts through an ob-
neering Development Complex competition Feb. 3, was on the stacle course. The students were
(AEDC) or National Aerospace University of Tennessee Space evil interns helping Dr. Doofen-
Solutions (NAS), under exclu-
Institute campus. Middle school shmirtz hatch his evil plans. The
sive written contract with NAS
at Arnold AFB, Tenn., 37389. students from Highland Rim El- obstacle course included a hula
Everything advertised in ementary School, Lincoln Coun- hoop, a slalom course, a spin,
this publication will be made ty; the Webb School, Bedford roll, and flip, a long distance
available for purchase, use
County; East and West Middle flight, an open frame cube and an
or patronage without regard
to race, color, religion, sex, Schools from Tullahoma; and overhead light fixture. The stu-
national origin, age, marital sta- St. Andrews-Sewanee, Franklin dents had two hours to design and
tus, physical handicap, political County, participated in the event build their device from a kit of
affiliation or any other non-
which consisted of three rounds – supplies ranging from paper clips
merit factor of the purchaser,
a sprint round, a target round and to manila folders. Each team was
user or patron.
The High Mach office is a team round. In the sprint round, given five helium-filled balloons.
located at 100 Kindel Drive, the contestants had to answer 30 Once the device was built, they
Suite A236, Arnold AFB, Tenn.
problems in 40 minutes on an in- were encouraged to test it before
37389-1236. Editorial content
dividual basis with no calculators. the competition. The students had
is edited and prepared by NAS.
Deadline for copy is Wednes- For the target round there were a blast, and each team came up
day at close of business one eight problems given in sets of with a unique solution. A scor-
week before publication. two with six minutes to complete ing equation which accounted for Dr. Rostislav Spektor speaks to engineers at the Engineers Ban-
This commercial enterprise
each set. They could use calcula- payload, obstacles completed and quet, Feb. 22 at the University of Tennessee Space Institute Din-
newspaper is an allowable
NAS contractor publication tors in the target round. The team presentation was used to deter- ing Hall, The View, during National Engineers Week. Spektor is
for personnel at Arnold AFB. round had 10 problems, and col- mine the winners. a manager for Electric Propulsion for Space Exploration at the
The content of High Mach laboration of the four-member Third place went to Kendall Aerospace Corporation and an AIAA Distinguished Lecturer.
does not necessarily reflect the He spoke about the history and future of electric propulsion for
team was allowed. Purdom and Timothy Barlow of
views of the Air Force, Arnold space applications. (Courtesy photo by John McInturff)
AFB, AEDC or NAS. The ap- Second place went to the Webb the Community School, Bedford
pearance of advertising in this School, and the first place team County, and they each received a engineering as a career. They also including China’s use of rockets
publication does not constitute was from East Middle School. $50 Amazon gift card. The sec- took a tour of AEDC facilities in- in 1232 A.D. and Polish drawings
endorsement of the products This competition was sponsored ond place team was Jack Beach- cluding an engine test cell and a for a staged rocket in 1650 A.D.
or services advertised by the
by the Tullahoma chapter of the board and Chloe Spry of Coffee space environmental chamber. The first person to propose elec-
Department of Defense, the
Department of the Air Force, TSPE as a local competition. County Central High School, and After lunch, they paired up tric propulsion for rockets was a
Arnold AFB, AEDC, NAS or The AEDC STEM office also they received $75 Amazon gift with engineering mentors and Russian, Tsiolkovsky, in 1903.
Lakeway Publishers, Inc. sponsored the event. The win- cards. First place went to Alina learned about the work the en- Spektor described some cur-
For general information ning team and four high-scoring Parks and Leanne Turpin from gineers do on a daily basis. The rent and future missions for
about High Mach, call (931)
individuals competed as the Tul- Franklin County High School. students were matched up with electric propulsion in space ve-
454-5655 or visit www.
arnold.af.mil. lahoma team at the state compe- They received $100 Amazon gift engineers in their field of inter- hicles such as a gravity mapping
tition March 17 at the Tennessee cards, a first-place trophy, and est for college studies. Many of mission in low earth orbit and a
Use High Mach to market
Engineering Center, Nashville. will have their names engraved the students have already been mission in which the spacecraft
your products and servic-
es. Contact Renee at 931- The Tullahoma team included on the Spirit of St. Louis model accepted at colleges for the fall will capture an asteroid using a
455-4545 or tnadvmgr@ the East Middle School team of that is on display at the HOSC. semester, and spending time with thruster.
lcs.net.
Jake Bennett, D.J. Dillehay, Can- During the Engineer for a the engineer mentors may help He concluded his presentation
non Emory and Franklin Zhang; Day event on Feb. 21 at Arnold them decide on areas of study. with the following thoughts.
Kyler Cantrell from St. Andrews- Air Force Base, 33 students from Feedback from the students was “Electric propulsion was in-
Sewanee; Jackson Banks and 12 high schools – Cascade High very positive. vented before the birth of the
Garnet Cuello from East Middle School, Community High School, Engineers Week was capped space age, electric propulsion has
School; and Alexander Camron Coffee County Central High off by the Engineers Banquet been in use for decades as a sta-
from West Middle School. School, Fayetteville High School, Feb. 22 at the UTSI Dining Hall, tion-keeping propulsion system,
Forty-two students from eight Franklin County High School, The View, which is situated on increase in available on-board
local high schools – Cascade High Huntland High School, Lincoln the shore of Woods Reservoir. power is allowing EP to replace
Core Values
School, Coffee County Central County High School, Moore The guest speaker for the banquet chemical rockets as primary pro-
• Integrity first High School, Community High County High School, Riverdale was Dr. Rostislav Spektor, man- pulsion systems, and new and ex-
• Service before self School, Franklin County High High School, St. Andrews-Se- ager for Electric Propulsion for citing missions are now possible
• Excellence in all School, Huntland High School, wanee School, Tullahoma High Space Exploration at the Aero- because of EP.”
we do Lincoln County High School, School and Warren County High space Corporation. Spektor is Spektor’s talk was lively, in-
Shelbyville Central High School School – were in attendance. also an AIAA Distinguished Lec- teresting and exciting. Some high
and the Webb School – competed The students were welcomed by turer, and the Tennessee Section school students in the audience
in the 23rd Tullahoma Area Stu- AEDC Commander Col. Scott of AIAA sponsored his appear- may have been inspired to be-
dent Design Competition at the Cain and they saw a video about ance as the banquet speaker. come future electric propulsion
Vision HOSC, Tullahoma, Feb. 20. AEDC. There was a question and He gave a short history of scientists and engineers.
“NAS will be integral to the The project was to design, answer period during which they electric propulsion for space ap- Editorial Note: Paul Kelly
success of AEDC, the U. S. Air
Force’s premier aerospace testing build, market and compete an could ask questions about engi- plications, and he also told some served as the 2018 Engineers
facilities, while applying the highest
airship to transport a payload of neering college curriculum and of the history of rocket propulsion Week Planning Coordinator.
standards of ethics, innovation,
safety, security, and quality to daily
operations.”
Values Action Line
Smoking Policy
• Ethics. We are uncompromising in our
integrity, honesty, and fairness.
• Safety & Health. We are relentless in
keeping people safe from harm, and 1. The following revised Arnold AFB smoking policy is effective immediately and applies to all individuals on Team AEDC
we provide a safe and healthy work Arnold AFB. I believe in free and open communications
environment. 2. Traditional Tobacco products (e.g. cigars and cigarettes): with our Team AEDC employees, and that’s
• Security. We are disciplined and vigilant
in protecting sensitive AEDC information a.Smoking is permitted solely in Designated Tobacco Areas (DTAs) identified by designated signage. If no why we have the Action Line available.
and ensuring system integrity to support signage exists, smoking is not permitted in that area. It is the responsibility of all smokers to keep DTAs People can use the Action Line to clear
national security and our customers. clean of cigarette butts.
up rumors, ask questions, suggest ideas
• Excellence. We thrive on challenge, b.Tobacco use on the Arnold AFB Golf Course is permitted, but discouraged based on the health hazards
accomplishment, and mission success. of tobacco use and secondhand smoke. No smoking is permitted within 50 feet of golf course buildings on improvements, enter complaints or
• Quality. We are passionate about doing except in the approved DTA. get other issues off their chests. They
our work right the first time.
• People. We have a mission-focused, c. Smoking in government-owned/leased vehicles is strictly prohibited. Personnel are allowed to smoke in their can access the Action Line via the AEDC
inclusive workforce who have a diverse personal vehicles at any time; however, at no time will personnel discard cigarette butts outside their vehicle. intranet home page and by calling 454-6000.
skill set, are committed to success, d.For government employees, the fact that a person smokes has no bearing on the number of breaks they Although the Action Line is always
demonstrate innovation and have a can
do attitude. may take. Breaks should be taken in accordance with the current supervisory and personnel policies that available, the best and fastest way to get
• Culture. Our team is proud of our diver- afford all employees the same break opportunities consistent with good work practices and accomplish- things resolved is by using your chain of
sity, inclusiveness, and collaborative work ment of the mission.
command or by contacting the organization
environment. We are proud of what we do 3. Smokeless Tobacco products (e.g. snuff and dip):
and how we do it. directly involved. I encourage everyone to
Smokeless tobacco products are not to be restricted to DTAs. Smokeless tobacco use will be permitted in all
•te Rrmel bautiosninsehsips sre. lWatieo nbsuhilidp sp tohsroitiuvgeh, ltorunsgt-, workplace areas (inside and out) subject to reasonable safety and sanitary conditions. Specifically, containers go that route first, then if the situation isn’t
respect, and collaboration. of tobacco waste product, including sealed containers, must not be left unattended or disposed of in trash made right, give us a chance.
• Innovation. We overcome challenges receptacles. Users of smokeless tobacco must flush tobacco waste down the toilet.
through creativity, perseverance, technol- 4. Electronic Cigarettes (also known as “e-cigs”): Col. Scott Cain
ogy, and flexibility. We actively seek to
continually improve. Pursuant to Air Force Instruction (AFI) 40-102, Tobacco Free Living, e-cigs are considered to be equivalent to AEDC Commander
• Sustainability. We plan and act for the tobacco products; however, e-cigs are not restricted to DTAs and are allowed to be used outdoors at a minimum
long term benefit of our communities and distance of 25 feet from building entry/egress points. (This policy is dated July 27, 2016)
our environment.
March 19, 2018 • 3
Engineers inspire students Excellence in execution key to AEDC success
By Bradley Hicks ” prior to and after the work is complete
AEDC Public Affairs When AEDC delivers a quality product in order to learn from our experiences,”
during Engineers Week
Sweety said.
to our customers, we better enable
In 2018, there is a renewed emphasis Adhering to verification/hold points
on two key components of the AEDC cul- requires work performers to be aware of
weapon system program offices to make
ture – excellence and quality. all hold points. Hold points or verifica-
Over the last few years, Team AEDC billion-dollar, down-select decisions, and tions are points in a process or task that
has been working to elevate the overall require independent verification, inspec-
we better equip the prime contractors we
quality of the product provided to cus- tion and/or approval before proceeding to
tomers. Inside Test Operations, the focus support to make smart design trades. the next step.
has been on more than just delivering hard Among the behaviors outlined in the
Col. Tim West,
drives full of raw test data but on decision “ Own Your Signature Absolute are verify-
quality information that better enables Chief of the Test Operations Division. ing that information provided is correct
billion-dollar down-select decisions and and the actions specified have been com-
more effective design trades, according to pleted before it is signed or stamped. This
Col. Tim West, chief of the Test Opera- includes refusal to sign for work not per-
tions Division. High Temperature Laboratory.” • Stop When Unsure formed or performed incorrectly and self-
“Ultimately, knowledge is our only The failure to properly close two • Follow Procedures checking work before signing or sending
product,” West said. “It’s not blowing air valves in the HTL resulted in $1.3 million • Conduct Job Briefs electronically.
through a tunnel or putting hours on an in damage and two months of downtime • Adhere to Verification/Hold Points Sweety said because “human factors
engine. That’s how we generate our prod- at a time when the customer demand sig- • Own Your Signature and our behaviors have such a significant
uct, but it’s not the product. I am proud nal for arc jet test support was 33 percent Stopping when unsure, in short, means impact on the quality of our work, it’s im-
of the progress Team AEDC has made in higher than the previous two years, ac- an employee should stop work when portant that we emphasize and implement
driving down data uncertainty while ele- cording to West. things do not seem right, if there is confu- the correct behaviors when performing
vating the analytical rigor in our customer Contractors across AEDC have their sion or uncertainty, unexpected outcomes the complex work, which we do for our
deliverables. own programs and measures to ensure arise, or he or she is inexperienced with customers.”
“When AEDC delivers a quality prod- that these components remain a focus the task. Among the behaviors that lead “We’re going to be experiencing an
uct to our customers, we better enable throughout 2018 and into the future. to successfully following procedures are increase in test rates,” he said. “That is
weapon system program offices to make understanding the work instructions/pro- a good thing, but this increased demand
billion-dollar, down-select decisions, and NAS Quality Absolutes cedures for the work being performed, brings with it higher expectations and
we better equip the prime contractors we According to NAS Quality Manager ensuring use of the correct revision of the risks, so these fundamental behaviors be-
support to make smart design trades. The Dan Sweety, the Quality Absolutes are document(s), and adhering to all safety come even potentially more valuable in
end result is quicker, more affordable de- five fundamental practices or behaviors and security requirements. preventing bad days.”
livery of game-changing capabilities to that, when implemented, have been prov- The most significant impacts to build- Personnel should now see posters fea-
America’s warfighters.” en to minimize rework, improve first-time ing a strong Quality culture are made turing the NAS Quality Absolutes around
West also said that continuous quality quality, and have demonstrated their abil- through employee engagement and by Arnold AFB, and NAS leaders are active-
improvement is vital in areas outside of ity to positively impact work execution, ensuring everyone is prepared to perform ly spreading the message of Quality Ab-
test execution. desired outcomes and customer satisfac- each task, Sweety said. solutes through a variety of channels and
“Improving the quality of our main- tion. The Quality Absolute related to job will be providing team members with ad-
tenance program means higher test facil- “Because each of our behaviors have briefs encourages the engagement of all ditional information on the Absolutes and
ity reliability across the complex,” West such a significant impact on the quality of work performers to conduct discussions their relevance to the workforce. Both the
said. “Getting this right will be essential our work, it’s important that we empha- of the tasks and address the task purpose National Full-Scale Aerodynamics Com-
to meeting the demand sign al we’re see- size and implement the correct behaviors and personnel assignments, safety and plex and Hypervelocity Tunnel 9 have
ing for the next several years. Getting this when performing our work each day,” security requirements, as well as the po- rolled out the Quality Absolutes to their
wrong could lead to catastrophic failure, Sweety said. “The Quality Absolutes de- tential hazards, risks and mitigation, pre- workforce as well.
months of downtime, and millions in re- fine five of the key behaviors and expecta- vious lessons learned, and any questions Sweety summarized by stating that
pair costs to restore our world-unique test tions.” or concerns.
capabilities – as we recently saw in the The NAS Quality Absolutes are: “These discussions are valuable both See EXECUTION, page 4
Junior Force Council announces new 2018 officers
By Stephen Maccarino The officers are Stephen Maccarino, Morris, secretary. officers are responsible for providing in-
Arnold AFB Junior Force Council president; Capt. Jonathan Dias, vice pres- The JFC is comprised of military of- formation on career paths and progres-
ident; Dan Ogg, vice president; Brandon ficers O-3 and below, enlisted members sion, promoting communication among
including China’s use of The Junior Force Council at Arnold Hoffman, AEDC Engineering Council E-6 and below, and DOD civilians NH- senior leadership and junior force mem-
in 1232 A.D. and Polish A ir Force Base recently elected new of- representative; Angela Bowden, treasur- 03 (GS-13) and below with less than 10 bers, and organizing career development
for a staged rocket in 1650 fi cers for calendar year 2018. er; Paul Wright, webmaster; and Becky years of government experience. The JFC and career broadening activities.
The first person to propose elec
Russian, Tsiolkovsky, in 1903.
Spektor described some cur
rent and future missions
electric propulsion in space ve
thruster.
with the following thoughts.
“Electric propulsion was in
Stephen Maccarino Capt. Jonathan Dias Dan Ogg Brandon Hoffman Angela Bowden
space age, electric propulsion
been in use for decades as a sta
power is allowing EP to
chemical rockets as primary pro
pulsion systems, and new and ex
because of EP.”
Spektor’s talk was lively, in
teresting and exciting. Some
may have been inspired to be
scientists and engineers.
Paul Wright Becky Morris
Week Planning Coordinator.
AEDC contractor offers small
business training forum
By Raquel March on, NAS Subcontract Administrator
AEDC Public Affairs and Small Business Advocate Certified
Supplier Diversity Professional.
The AEDC Test, Operations and According to Dixon, this training
Sustainment contractor, National Aero- may increase the percentage of awards
space Solutions, LLC, will host a small a vendor can receive after solicitation.
business training forum March 22 at the Those who are interested can regis-
University of Tennessee Space Institute ter at the following link: https://www.
Auditorium in Tullahoma, 9 a.m. – 2 eventbrite.com/e/national-aerospace-
p.m. solutions-nas-vendor-training-forum-
“This small business event will pro- for-arnold-engineering-development-
vide in depth training on how to prop- complex-tickets-41313583039.
erly respond to a request for quote or For more information, call (931)
request for proposal,” said Cindy Dix- 454-5470.
4 • March 19, 2018
Whitlow’s NASA contributions recognized during Cavaliers game
By Deidre Ortiz Director at GRC from December 2005 to
AEDC Public Affairs March 2010. He then went on to hold the
position of associate administrator for
As part of the Cleveland Cavaliers Mission Support at NASA Headquarters
Black Heritage Celebration events dur- from April 2010 until his retirement from
ing the month of February, Dr. Woodrow NASA in August 2013.
Whitlow Jr., technical director for the Whitlow earned his Bachelor of Sci-
AEDC Test Operations and Sustainment ence, Master of Science and Doctor of
contractor, was recognized during half- Philosophy degrees in Aeronautics and
time of the team’s home game on Feb. Astronautics from the Massachusetts In-
25 for being the first African-American stitute of Technology.
director of Research and Technology at In addition to his contributions to
NASA Glenn Research Center (GRC). aeronautics research, Whitlow said some
Serving as the Research and Technol- of his fondest memories in his career are
ogy director at GRC in Cleveland, Ohio, when he assisted with leading NASA
from September 1998 until September space missions.
2003, Whitlow commented on the sig- “After five years as the GRC Re-
nificance of this particular achievement search and Technology Director and fol-
in his career. lowing the loss of the Space Shuttle Co-
Dr. Woodrow Whitlow, Jr., center, technical director for the AEDC Test Op-
“This was historic because NASA is lumbia and its seven-person crew, I was
erations and Sustainment contractor, receives recognition at the Cleveland
one of the world’s premier organizations assigned to the Kennedy Space Center as Cavaliers half-time Feb. 25 as part of a Black Heritage Celebration honoring
for conducting cutting-edge research and the Center Deputy Director,” he said. “I pioneers in space travel. Whitlow was the first African-American director of
developing technologies for the benefit helped ensure American astronauts’ safe Research and Technology at NASA Glenn Research Center (GRC) in Cleve-
for all humankind,” he said. “My selec- return to space by leading processing of land, Ohio, and served in this role from September 1998 until September 2003.
tion for this position was affirmation to the Space Shuttle Orbiter Discovery and Also honored for their NASA contributions and leadership at GRC were Donald
Campbell (left) and Robyn Gordon (right). (Courtesy photos)
America’s research community and to International Space Station payloads that
African-Americans that personal excel- culminated in the successful STS-114 a fellow in 2010 and he currently serves He is also an advocate for children
lence in research and leadership abilities Shuttle mission. on their Board of Trustees. with disabilities. While on the Board of
can result in the opportunity to lead a “I led the U.S. space community in In all his success, he mentioned that Directors of United Cerebral Palsy of
world-class research organization. defining the capabilities needed to fly the it’s has been important to him to give Cleveland, Whitlow assisted in obtaining
“It was also significant because Glenn Space Shuttle safely through completion back by supporting and inspiring youth $50,000 for a High School/High-Tech
is one of NASA’s research centers, and of International Space Station construc- to become interested in Science, Tech- Program that allowed children with dis-
an African-American was selected to tion and the end of the Shuttle program.” nology, Engineering and Math (STEM) abilities to have internships and explore
develop and lead the core research com- Now as an AEDC employee at Arnold fields. careers in science, mathematics, and
petencies that are essential to the health Air Force Base, where developmental “I am a member of Sigma Pi Phi fra- technology.
of the Center. The civil service staff in- testing was conducted on components ternity and serve as a mentor to young Whitlow has coordinated with the Na-
cluded 470 engineers and scientists who for both the Space Shuttle and ISS, and African-American boys at Kenneth W. tional Technical Association to sponsor
had expertise in aeronautical propulsion, numbers of wind tunnel and impact range Clement Boys Leadership Academy in and chair a national science competition
space propulsion, aerospace power, aero- tests were conducted in support of the Cleveland; and as a HistoryMaker, I am for minority students. He also serves as
space materials, communications tech- Shuttle’s return to service, Whitlow said one of the African-American role models a mentor for students by providing them
nology and instrumentation.” he feels at home in his current role. who visit students at schools across the guidance on their decisions for higher
While rewarding, Whitlow mentioned “While at NASA, I was very well United States each year, as part of The education, how to prepare for and apply
the position was challenging at times. aware of AEDC’s capabilities and the HistoryMakers Back to School Day. This to higher-education institutions, how to
“The most significant challenge I outstanding contributions that this work- annual day of service brings African- obtain scholarships and financial aid, and
faced was hiring a diverse workforce with force makes to our nation’s aerospace American leaders from as many indus- how to advance in their professional ca-
the specialized skills that were needed to programs. AEDC has been a great part- tries as possible to speak with middle and reers.
help GRC meet its programmatic com- ner over the years. I like to think of the high school students about our lives and At the college level, he collaborated
mitments and remain among the finest aerospace industry as the crown jewels of career paths.” with the Cleveland State University Dean
research institutions in the world.” the American economy, and AEDC is a In addition to being a HistoryMaker, of Engineering to implement strategies
He began his professional career in big reason for that.” he has served as a member of the Friends to increase the enrollment of students in
1979 as a research scientist at the NASA Over the years Whitlow has received of MC2STEM advisory board and assist- the engineering disciplines and to raise
Langley Research Center, Hampton, Vir- numerous awards, including Presidential ed with fundraising, volunteerism, and their retention rates, as well as developed
ginia. In 1994, he served as Director of Rank of Distinguished Executive, Presi- recommendations for oversight of the de- strategies to increase the number of stu-
the Critical Technologies Division, Of- dential Rank of Meritorious Executive, livery of a rigorous college preparatory dents from underrepresented groups. He
fice of Aeronautics, at NASA Headquar- NASA Distinguished Service Honor program focused on STEM education for has also served as advisor for student en-
ters in Washington, D.C. He assumed Medal, NASA Equal Opportunity Honor Northeast Ohio’s students. gineering projects.
various positions of increasing respon- Medal, U.S. Black Engineer of the Year in Whitlow is also on the Board of Di- A video highlighting the achieve-
sibility before moving to the Glenn Re- Government, and the (British) Institution rectors of the Sisters of Charity Founda- ments of Whitlow and the other hon-
search Center in 1998 as the Research of Mechanical Engineers William Sweet tion of Cleveland and chairs the Promise orees that was shown during the Cavs
and Technology director. Smith Prize. Cranfield University in the Neighborhood Advisory Committee. The game Feb. 25 can be viewed here:
From September 2003 to December United Kingdom awarded Dr. Whitlow Foundation works to improve the lives of http://www.nba.com/cavaliers/video/
2005, Dr. Whitlow served as the Deputy an honorary doctor of engineering de- those most in need, with special attention teams/cavaliers/2018/02/25/19495
Director of the NASA John F. Kennedy gree in 2007. The American Institute of to families, women and children living in 25/1519597638867-bhc-nasa-cavs-
Space Center before becoming Center Aeronautics and Astronautics named him poverty. halftime-1949525.
EXECUTION from page 3
developing a culture that said Warner Holt, ASO ASO services to include • Management will work carry out our quality poli- Bhate Environmental
delivers quality results is branch manager of Logis- our operations process- to ensure the profes- cy,” Holt said. “Our quality Associates Quality
vital to AEDC’s continued tics & Base Maintenance. es and procedures. sional and personal policy is the framework for Assurance
success and to the success “Delivering quality ser- • Constantly monitoring development of em- determining and reviewing Bhate Environmental
of its customers. vices to our customers is ASO services and as- ployees and exercises quality objectives and is Associates performs envi-
“The most significant a key part of our operating sociated processes to the principles of busi- a key factor in our annual ronmental work at Arnold
impact we can make on model.” ensure ASO quality ob- ness quality through the management reviews.” and is required to complete
achieving ‘right the first Holt said this is jectives are met and that constant improvement Holt said ASO conducts a quality assurance project
time’ quality is by engag- achieved by adhering to ASO will address any of ASO processes. The monthly Program Perfor- plan ahead of field work.
ing each other and ensur- the principles of the ASO deviations in a timely results of the processes mance Reviews with Air Frank Gardner, pro-
ing we are prepared for and Quality Program. Those manner. will be monitored with Force leadership to review gram manager with Bhate,
understand each task,” he principles are: • Ensuring that em- the aim of preventing key aspects of its perfor- said the quality assurance
said. • Maintain a focus on ployees received the procedural deviations. mance for all functional ar- project plan outlines how
being a consistent and continuing education, • ASO will maintain eas within its FSS contract. data will be collected and
ASO Quality Program trustworthy partner for targeted training and compliance with all During the reviews, ASO analyzed, among other
Akima Support Opera- the government and our incentives necessary applicable contractual, management specifically project details and stan-
tions is among the other associate contractors at to achieve the required legal, regulatory and discusses challenges, key dards, and is necessary to
contractors at AEDC with AEDC. level of quality. statutory requirements. metrics and performance ensure that collected data
their own quality programs • Maintain a culture of • ASO’s management “The ASO management highlights with a focus on is acceptable and accurate.
in place. open communication. team is committed to team will fulfill our com- ensuring “clear and open “So it’s a very rigor-
“Continual improve- • Ensure a culture of con- ensuring the company mitment to quality in a way communications between ous program that supports
ment in all that we do is a tinuous improvement consistently fulfills its that will ensure all employ- ASO and our Air Force all the work that goes on,”
basic objective of ASO,” related to the quality of contract obligations. ees know, understand, and customers.” Gardner said.
This, Gardner said, al-
leviates possible questions
regarding the project and
the data collected. He also
said accurate data collected
after following measures
specified in a quality as-
surance project plan aids in
decision making, as those
in charge will have in hand
accurate, reliable data with
which to make project de-
cisions.
The goal of the qual-
ity programs across Arnold
AFB is to promote a qual-
ity culture that is every-
present and consistently
applied.
Contractors through-
out Arnold stated person-
nel will be encouraged
throughout 2018 to con-
tinue to keep the quality of
their work in the forefront.
March 19, 2018 • 5
Concentrating on Lockout/Tagout
during the March Safety Focus Campaign
By AEDC Safety servicing or maintenance operation. use the equipment being serviced that may move and injure someone
It applies to all AEDC personnel shall be informed of the LOTO shall be physically blocked in place.
This month’s Safety Focus Campaign and operations, including Air Force, procedures being used and 7. Verify lockout. Effective control of
is Hazardous Energy Control, including Navy, Army Corps of Engineers and instructed not to attempt to start or energy sources shall be verified by
Lockout/Tagout (LOTO). Contractors (including Subcontractors) energize the equipment. the following measures: checking
Just like Arc Flash last month, at the Tennessee location and operations 3. Shutting down equipment. Using that no one is exposed; attempting
for those who work with and around conducted by AEDC personnel outside appropriate equipment shutdown to operate the equipment using the
energized systems this activity is the confines of Arnold Air Force Base. procedures, all controls shall be normal controls; and returning to
critical to perform properly in order to Training requirements (to include turned off. neutral.
keep you and your teammates alive. use and inspection) for subcontractor 4. Locking out equipment. Locks 8. Conducting the desired work on
We will be focusing on LOTO due personnel training requirements are shall be applied to isolate each the system/equipment.
to the potential for loss of life and established and provided by their power source to prevent the 9. Verifying the system/equipment is
major equipment damage. Our goal is management. operation of the equipment controls. safe for re-energizing. Equipment
to achieve and sustain excellence in There are 10 basic steps for following One lock shall be applied to each shall be visually inspected before
LOTO implementation. the LOTO procedures. They are: point of protection. energy is returned. This inspection
It’s important to remember that a 1. Identifying all energy sources and 5. Applying danger tags. Both shall include necessary measures
danger tag alone is never considered procedure development. An initial lockout and tagout shall be required to ensure that everyone is safely
adequate LOTO protection. survey shall be made to identify all except where the equipment and clear of the operating area and that
The Safety, Health, Environmental the system and equipment’s sources its energy supply cannot accept a covers and guards are in place, tools
(SHE) Standard for LOTO addresses of power or energy (including lock, in which case alternate means or debris are removed, and controls
the control of hydraulic, pneumatic, stored energy sources such as of protection that are equally as are off or in neutral.
steam, mechanical, electrical systems, electrical capacitors, springs, or effective as a lock shall be used. 10. Removing lockout and tagout
powered machinery, hazardous gases, elevated movable components) 6. Releasing or blocking any stored device(s).
utility systems or other energy sources so that each energy source can be energy or movable parts. Any The purpose of the 2018 Safety
that could cause hazards to personnel or isolated. At this time a procedure stored energy that may remain in Focus Campaign is to review processes
equipment due to unexpected startup or shall be developed to serve as the the system shall be safely released. and their implementation, identify
release. It shall be used to ensure that basic plan for a safe control of This may include draining charge opportunities for improvement, confirm
any equipment, machine, or system is energy during maintenance, repair out of a capacitor, blocking and employee training is current, ensure
stopped, isolated from all potentially and servicing. bleeding down a steam line, or we are in compliance with the Air
hazardous energy sources, and locked 2. Notifying all affected employees. lowering elevated components that Force safety standards, and to establish
out before employees perform any Everyone who would normally may fall. Equipment components consistency across work locations.
MATTY from page 1
“Well, it turns out for a slot for a full-time STEM partnership, learning tools we have a huge group of people moving into those and Houston to visit their
two engineers it doesn’t person,” he said. and support would be trans- great people willing to help fields and getting excited grandchildren.
really get any better than According to Matty, ferred to the Hands-On Sci- volunteer and mentor our about STEM, this place As he reflects on his ex-
Arnold. The second we more than 10,000 students ence Center (HOSC), al- young folks.” won’t survive.” periences at Arnold, Matty
got here, we thought, ‘This across 50 schools have been lowing the STEM program Matty added that the Matty said he intends to said it was a combination of
place is fantastic. We need involved in Arnold’s STEM to further grow thanks to leadership at Arnold is use his retirement to catch the location, job and those
to stay here.’” program. Along with going improved access for teach- committed to getting as up on some neglected hob- he worked with that made it
The couple would get to out into the schools, Matty er and students. many children as possible bies. He is a volunteer diver an ideal assignment.
remain at Arnold, as their said the effort has been suc- “More kids will be able interested in STEM and with the Tennessee Aquari- “It was just the perfect
Air Force commitments cessful through the numer- to have access to our STEM will continue their support um in Chattanooga, as well place, not only to work,
ran out. Rosemary went to ous teams and activities equipment at the HOSC of the program. as a glider instructor with but also to raise family
work for one of the contrac- that make up the program, than they could coming on “They know that, in both the Civil Air Patrol here,” he said. “To have a
tors then at Arnold and later such as the Reach for the base to our STEM Center, spite of all the wonderful and the Eagleville Soaring high-tech environment in
became a civil servant for Stars National Rocket so it’s actually a better deal equipment we have here Club. He also plays key- the middle of the country,
the Air Force, and Matty Competition, VEX Robot- all around,” Matty said. and the giant test facilities board at his church. beautiful scenery, and re-
continued to work as a proj- ics Competition, AEDC And he said the STEM and all, it’s the people that Matty and Rosemary ally super-nice people, we
ect engineer in the Reentry STEM Summer Camp, program will continue to really make it go,” he said. also plan to make more fre- have been really blessed to
Systems Testing Branch. FIRST® LEGO® League, flourish thanks to the ea- “And without these young quent trips to Minneapolis be here.”
Matty, who earned his Junior FIRST® LEGO® ger volunteers, parents and
master’s in Mechanical League, CyberPatriot, and coaches who have stepped
Engineering from the Uni- Team American Rocketry up over the years and con-
versity of Tennessee Space Challenge. tinue to do so to support it.
Institute, would later be- It was recently an- “It’s all the volunteers
come a project engineer nounced that the Arnold that really make the STEM
for the Space System Test- STEM Center would close program go,” Matty said.
EXECUTIONfrom page 3 ing Branch, the Facility and, through an Air Force “It’s not me. It’s just that
Development Branch and
Bhate Environmental the Facility Development
Associates Quality Planning Branch. He also
Assurance served as chief of the Pro-
p ulsion Tech Flight, Tech
Associates performs envi Division, lead engineer for
ronmental work at s everal teams in the Ap-
p lied Technology Division,
a nd technical director and
plan ahead of field work. later chief of the Applied
Frank Gardner, pro Technology Division.
From 2006 to 2012,
said M atty worked as the depu-
project plan outlines t y director of the Space &
M issile Ground Test Com-
analyzed, among p lex. He retired from this
project details and stan post in 2012, but his time
a way from Arnold would
b e short lived.
After a couple of months
“So it’s a very rigor at home, Matty received a
c all from the technical di-
rector at Arnold to ask if
Jere Matty poses for a photo during his time in Un-
Gardner said. he would be interested in
dergraduate Pilot Training at Reese Air Force Base.
This, Gardner said, al-returning as a retired an-
Matty retired on March 8 after 44 years with the U.S.
n uitant to serve as the Base Air Force, more than 35 years of which were spent at
S TEM coordinator. The Arnold Air Force Base. (Courtesy photo)
p osition offered the oppor-
t unity to instruct – some-
t hing with which Matty
specified in a quality as was already familiar – but
a lso the chance to work
w ith children throughout
in char t he area and bolster their
i nterest in science, technol-
which to make project de ogy, engineering and math.
cisions. The STEM program
The goal of the qual was relatively new when
ity programs across Matty took over in 2012.
AFB is to promote a qual This allowed him a good
deal of autonomy in the de-
s ign of Arnold’s program.
applied. Matty was given a bud-
Contractors through get and space near Arnold
out Arnold stated person Lakeside Center to house
t he Arnold AFB STEM
throughout 2018 to con Center.
“It was really very vi-
their work in the forefront.sionary for the leadership
here at Arnold to designate
6 • March 19, 2018
Sunsetting the MQ-1 Predator:
A history of innovation
By Senior Airman James Thompson were able to tap into its full potential. used satellites to send signals to the aircraft and support.
432nd Wing/432nd Air Expeditionary Wing During early RQ-1 deployments, sev- once airborne, allowing crews to fly mis- “Between the Predators and Reapers
Public Affairs eral aircraft were destroyed due to infra- sions from anywhere in the world. alone, we have 303 aircraft, and we are
structure problems or surface-to-air mis- The Predator showcased its new capa- now approaching 2.5 million (flight) hours,
CREECH AIR FORCE BASE, Nev. siles. Through trial and error, aircrews bilities during Operation Iraqi Freedom in of which 90 percent has been in combat,”
(AFNS) – The MQ-1 Predator is a re- employed innovative thinking which led 2003. said James Clark, the then ISR innovation
motely piloted aircraft flown by aircrew to the transformation of the RPA mission ACC fielded yet another modification director who now serves as deputy chief of
assigned to the 432nd Wing/432nd Air and it highlighted what crews brought to within the RPA community in 2004 called staff for ISR, Headquarters U.S. Air Force,
Expeditionary Wing at Creech Air Force the fight. the Remotely Operated Video Enhanced in a 2014 interview.
Base and units around the world. It has “Airmen retrofitted helicopter missile Receiver, or ROVER for short. ROVER In 2014, the enterprise began executing
contributed to the U.S. warfighting efforts pylons onto the Predator,” said Chief Mas- allowed ground forces to see real-time operations against the Islamic State of Iraq
in unprecedented ways and is scheduled to ter Sgt. Christopher, former superintendent video feeds from Predators overhead via a and Syria as part of Operation Inherent
sunset on March 9, 2018, as the Air Force of the 726th Operations Group. portable tablet, it resulted in greater situ- Resolve. During this coalition effort, MQ-
transitions to an all MQ-9 Reaper force. Additional examples of innovation in- ational awareness which ultimately saved 1s, alongside MQ-9s, played a key role in
With the introduction of aerial warfare, cluded when Airmen switched to a turbo lives. liberating cities from the oppression of ter-
countries all over the world raced to the engine, making the aircraft more depend- As Airmen proved the MQ-1’s strike rorism. In late 2017, Combined Joint Task
skies to gain tactical advantage over their able flying at high altitudes and adding so- proficiency and senior leaders recognized Force OIR declared ISIS defeated.
adversaries. Devices such as balloons were phisticated pods, to include hyperspectral its lethality, the demand for RPAs grew. Airmen of the 432nd WG flew more
used in early conflict for reconnaissance technology. In 2006, the Air Force responded by in- than 12,000 sorties in 2017 alone, equaling
and, while the thought of such technology Airmen flew unarmed Predators from troducing the MQ-9 Reaper RPA as the approximately 216,000 flight hours which
seems primitive today, that same pursuit of Sept. 18, 2001 until Oct. 7 of the same Predator’s successor. The MQ-9 could fly resulted in 2.7 million Iraqis and 715,000
aerial superiority ultimately inspired the year, after which aircrew flew the Preda- faster, climb higher and was optimized for Syrians returning to ISIS-free homes.
MQ-1. tor’s first armed mission as part of Opera- combat with more weapons capacity. In 1945, in a post-World War II ad-
An initial unarmed intelligence, sur- tion Enduring Freedom. The aircraft con- One year later, ACC activated the dress, Gen. Henry H. Arnold, U.S. Army
veillance and reconnaissance RQ-1 version tinued to undergo modifications after it 432nd WG at Creech AFB to oversee RPA Air Forces commander said, “We have
of the Predator first deployed and operated became strike-capable. operations and training worldwide. As just won a war with a lot of heroes flying
out of Albania in July 1995. That same “The mighty MQ-1 may not be fast, but RPA involvement in conflicts grew, the around in planes. The next war may be
month the Air Force activated the 11th Re- our proficient aircrews and support person- community expanded, standing up more fought by airplanes with no men in them at
connaissance Squadron at Indian Springs nel capitalized on its new capabilities to active-duty units along with its first Air all... It will be different from anything the
Air Force Auxiliary Field, Nevada, as Air deliver unmatched persistence, exception- National Guard and Air Force Reserve world has ever seen.”
Combat Command’s first Predator unit. al reconnaissance, and precision attack to units. Arnold never had the chance to see
The 11th RS took operational control of combatant commanders worldwide,” said In 2011, the MQ-1 and MQ-9 enter- the MQ-1 Predator or the MQ-9 Reaper
the deployed RQ-1 at Taszar, Hungary, in Col. Julian C. Cheater, 432nd WG/432nd prise achieved a monumental milestone: in action, but as the commander of the
the fall of 1996. Joined in Indian Springs AEW commander. “I believe the employ- Aircrew flew 1 million combat hours. That 432nd WG said, “Our success employing
by the 15th RS in the summer of 1997, ment of MQ-1s helped shape a new type year also marked the start of the MQ-1’s the Predator reflects the amazing team-
deployed members of these units flew the of warfare, where dangerous enemies of involvement in Operation Odyssey Dawn work with our industry partners, coalition
Predator’s first combat missions over the the U.S. and its coalition partners have no during the Libyan civil war and the end of friends, joint forces and our Airmen to real-
Balkans in 1999 to provide ISR for U.S. sanctuary.” Operation New Dawn in Iraq. ize Gen. Arnold’s prediction. Together we
and coalition strike aircraft under Opera- In 2003, a new tactic was developed. Just two years after completing 1 mil- have found innovative ways to employ a
tion Allied Force. The RPA enterprise called it “remote-split lion hours, the MQ-1 and MQ-9 aircrew remotely piloted, propeller-driven aircraft
Over the years the RQ-1 had its fair operations,” and it changed how RPAs flew 2 million combat flight hours, high- in the modern era to protect Americans and
share of growing pains before Airmen were flown. In this new capability, RSO lighting the demand for RPA operations our way of life.”
CRAFTSMEN from page 1
was at about 8 a.m. on Fri- 7.
day morning, Feb. 2,” said “Basically, we had two
Arnold Technology/Man- days to assemble all of our
ufacturing Planner and materials, weld machines,
Scheduler Jeff Tate. “Riley personal protective equip-
Hoge, another planner in ment and, of course, our
my office, laid a stack of luggage from home,” Eng-
pictures on my desk, stat- land said.
ed that the folks at NFAC Riis said, “We were
needed help in California shown about four or five
starting on Monday morn- pictures of what we were
ing, and that he thought going to do, so we kind of
this would be my planning threw everything but the
work. kitchen sink in there so we
“I reviewed the pic- were prepared for what-
tures, agreed that it would ever hit us.”
be my job to plan, and got As boilermakers, Eng-
back with Manufacturing land and Taylor typically
management to confirm work with thicker metals
the need and schedule, than those they were re-
which they did. This start- sponsible for welding at
ed the planning wheels in NFAC. Some of the mate-
Boilermaker John England inventories equipment at the Arnold Air Force Base Model and Machine Shop.
motion of further discus- rial was .049” in thickness,
England was one of three craft personnel from Arnold who recently traveled to the National Full-Scale Aero-
sion with NFAC manage- and England said, “It was
dynamics Complex in California to assist with a welding project there. (U.S. Air Force photo/Bradley Hicks)
ment to gather informa- very tedious, tight weld-
tion, develop scope for ing.” threw that in,” Riis said of
the work, develop welding The welds on the fair- the MIG welder. “We just
procedures, procure weld- ings and struts were done lucked up.”
ing consumables, pick the in the field and in all weld- The group from Ar-
guys going, put tools to- ing positions, making the nold was originally tasked
gether, and make arrange- welds somewhat tricky. with installing fairings and
ment for transporting the “They had to work on struts on one of the NFAC
craftsmen and equipment a variety of structures in 40-foot fans but, due to
to California.” some atypical positions their proficiency, England,
After all these details and do so safely,” Boyd Riis and Taylor ended up
were nailed down, Tate said. completing work beyond
and others began work to The Arnold craftsmen the initial scope includ-
select the craftsmen who were originally slated to ing welding other bracings
would travel to NFAC. work at NFAC through and fixing other stators.
Based on similar work Feb. 23. However, Eng- “They gave us more
done at Arnold in the past, land returned to Tennessee work than what was
the decision was made to on Feb. 11 and Riis and planned because they had
send two boilermakers and Taylor returned on Feb. seen we were so efficient,”
one sheet metal worker, all 16, thanks to a piece of re- Riis said. “The job we
of whom were to have the cently-acquired equipment went out there to do was to
proper welding qualifica- the crew opted to bring do just one of the six fans. Arnold Air Force Base Technology/Manufacturing Planner and Scheduler Jeff
tions. along. Before John left, we were Tate, left, receives a commemorative coin of appreciation from Technology/
Manufacturing Branch Manager Mark Chappell during a Feb. 23 appreciation
Shop supervisors Cre- They anticipated hav- caught up to where they
luncheon held for the craftsmen who recently traveled to the National Full-Scale
thton Caldwell and Vaughn ing to complete the project were ready for us to put it
Aerodynamics Complex to assist with the facility’s return to service and those
Wilson started with the using a heliarc welding on, and I said, ‘What else
who coordinated the trip. (U.S. Air Force photo/Bradley Hicks)
senior qualified person in process, but Riis suggested you got?’”
each craft and went down that the crew bring along a “When I got there, I to NFAC as the team there over a week-and-a-half did.”
the seniority list asking for metal inert gas welder ac- told them, ‘We’re here to prepares works to return to helped us recover more England, Riis and Tay-
volunteers until the three quired by the Sheet Metal make you look good,’” service. Boyd also wrote than two weeks of sched- lor, along with Tate, re-
slots were filled. Shop just before the trip to England said. “They were their work will help NFAC ule by allowing several ceived that recognition
England, Riis and Tay- NFAC. Riis said the MIG pleased with our work and move on to its next phase processes to be done in during an appreciation
lor, the three men who welder is made specifically said as much.” of work sooner. parallel instead of in se- luncheon Feb. 23 at the
represented the volunteers, for welding thin materials, In an email sent to the “The guys are extreme- ries. We are greatly appre- Model Shop, when each
viewed the photos and with England adding that Arnold craftsmen and their ly hard workers that per- ciative of their work and craftsman received a com-
were provided with the its use “greatly expedited supervisors on Feb. 20, formed difficult work and the work of their managers memorative coin of appre-
scope of work on Feb. 5. the work.” Boyd wrote the work of accomplished it ahead of in getting them out here. ciation from Technology/
They boarded a plane and “It had come in two England, Riis and Taylor schedule,” Boyd wrote. “I These guys deserve rec- Manufacturing Branch
flew to California on Feb. days before we left, so we was of “tremendous help” think that their work here ognition for the work they Manager Mark Chappell.
March 19, 2018 • 7
CRAFTSMENfrom page 1
8 • March 19, 2018
AFRL partners with entrepreneurs
to light the way for the warfighter
By Holly Jordan
Air Force Research Laboratory Materials &
Manufacturing Directorate
WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE,
Ohio (AFNS) – Nearly everyone has used a common
glow stick to light up the night sky, or even as part of a
highway emergency kit. But these handy devices are also
useful in the battlefield, and Air Force Research Labora-
tory researchers have discovered a way to make this use-
ful tool even better.
Dr. Larry Brott, AFRL Materials and Manufacturing
Directorate materials engineer, recently led an effort to
improve glow stick technology for use in military ap-
plications. More commonly referred to as “chemlights”
in military circles, these handy devices can be used for a
variety of applications. They can be used as a wand for
directing vehicles or providing emergency lighting, or the
fluid inside can be splashed onto a surface to mark routes
or positions.
These lights work through chemiluminescence, a
reaction that produces light through the combining of
chemical substances. In chemlights, this reaction is typi-
cally triggered by breaking or snapping an inner cham-
ber to allow two substances to mix together. Depending
on the mixture ratio, these devices can provide light for
anywhere from a few minutes up to several hours. Chem-
lights can be dyed various colors or even made with dyes
Air Force Research Laboratory materials engineer Dr. Larry Brott demonstrates the process through
invisible to the naked eye.
which he microencapsulates chemiluminescent materials for use in applications such as multi-use glow
While useful for a multitude of purposes, a problem
stick “crayons.” (U.S. Air Force photo by Holly Jordan)
with traditional chemlights is that they are single-use,
meaning that users in the field may have to carry hundreds of chemiluminescent materials through his previous work ect. TAP is a pilot project of the Entrepreneurs Center, a
of them to accomplish a singular task. It is also somewhat in the automotive adhesives industry, where he became an Dayton-based technology incubator that seeks to bring
awkward to use the chemiluminescent fluid to write mes- expert in the technique. After coming to AFRL, he began together researchers and entrepreneurs who are interested
sages or draw complex figures. to research ways to use microencapsulation to benefit the in taking technologies to the next level.
The AFRL team sought to address these issues through warfighter. “We strive to make the most of our technologies. If the
an innovative solution: microencapsulate the chemical “This is such an intuitive use for this technology,” Brott breakthroughs we achieve within AFRL can go forward
substances and encase those capsules in a medium that said. “By packaging these materials in this form, we’re into the commercial sector, we can better advance them to
can be used for writing or applying the material, much like saving three things for the warfighter: volume, weight and the benefit of everyone,” said Chavan. “This benefits the
a crayon or a lip balm applicator. The pressure of writing cost.” Brott and his team were awarded a patent for their entrepreneur, that can apply and use the technology for
easily breaks the tiny capsules, creating the glowing ef- work in 2012. commercial products, and the military, that benefits from
fect. By packaging the materials in this fashion, a single To further advance its development and use, the AFRL the resulting technology maturation and reduced produc-
stick can be used precisely and accurately many times, Materials and Manufacturing Directorate Technology tion costs.”
resulting in numerous benefits for the military. Transfer office, led by Sunita Chavan, identified the re-
Brott was inspired to investigate microencapsulation searchers’ work to the Technology Acceleration Proj- See WARFIGHTER, page 9
See the April Services calendar on page 10.
March 19, 2018 • 9
AEDC Woman’s Club to announce scholarship recipients
By Barbara McGuire
AEDC Woman’s Club
TULLAHOMA, TENN. – The April 5 meeting of
the AEDC Woman’s Club will be held at the Lakewood
Country Club in Tullahoma and will feature the scholar-
ship recipients from area high schools and guest speaker
Will Rabb.
Rabb, a sports announcer, received a scholarship
from the AEDCWC in 2007. He graduated from Frank-
lin County High School and the University of Tennes-
see at Knoxville. He began his broadcasting career in
Knoxville, then went to Louisiana, and is currently in
Franklin County. He will talk about persistence, his pro-
fessional experiences and St. Jude Children’s Research
Hospital.
Scholarships will be presented by AEDC Command-
er Col. Scott Cain and Michelle Cain. Donations at the
April meeting will go to St. Jude.
The March meeting of the AEDC Woman’s Club
featured fashions and a scarf tying demonstration by
fashion specialist Dorene Briggs from Dillard’s of Cool
Springs Galleria, Franklin, Tennessee. The March meet-
ing donations went to the AEDCWC Scholarship Foun-
dation.
The social hour of the April 5 meeting starts at 9:30
a.m., with the business meeting and program beginning
at 10 a.m. The meeting is being held at 1900 Country AEDC Woman’s Club meeting participants pause for a photo with fashion stylist Dorene Briggs with Dil-
lard’s of Cool Springs Galleria, Franklin, March 1 at the Lakewood Country Club in Tullahoma. Pictured
Club Dr., due to renovations at the Arnold Lakeside
left to right are Joan Hartvigsen, Diane Gawrys, Susan Harris, Briggs, Susan Lewis, Gale Klingelhoets and
Center.
MaryEtta Ward. (Courtesy photo)
Reservations must be made no later than noon March
29. Make reservations by calling [phone] or become a member. You don’t need to have military con- call the membership chairman at [phone].
[phone]. nections or be involved with Arnold Air Force Base to Disclaimer: This is a private organization which is
The meetings are open to the public and provides visit and become a member. not part of the Department of Defense or any of its com-
the opportunity to meet the AEDCWC members and For information about the AEDC Woman’s Club, ponents and has no governmental status.
WARFIGHTER from page 8
Battle Sight Technologies LLC, a Day- After entering into a licensing agree- Air Force Research
ton, Ohio-based startup company founded ment giving the company exclusive rights Laboratory-developed
by military veterans, seized the opportunity to use the AFRL technology for military and microencapsulated che-
to partner with AFRL to bring improved first responder use, Ripplinger says Battle miluminescent materials
can be used to create
chemiluminescent materials to the warf- Sight Technologies began product devel-
“crayons” to write glow-
ighter. opment. With the help of project partners,
ing messages or mark
“As a former U.S. Army soldier and they are currently producing a prototype
items in the field. This
warfighter, I instantly saw the impact this infrared writing device called the MARC,
technology was recently
technology could have for the end users,” which stands for Marking Appliance Re- licensed to startup com-
said Nick Ripplinger, Battle Sight Technol- usable Chemiluminescent. Once the initial pany Battle Sight Tech-
ogies president. “After looking at it from a prototype production run is complete, the nologies LLC for com-
business standpoint it made sense to bring it product will go directly into the hands of mercial production. (U.S.
to market.” the warfighter for field test and evaluation, Air Force photo by Holly
Jordan)
Ripplinger explained that when he be- possibly as early as spring 2018. If all goes
came aware of the material breakthrough well, their goal is to have a fieldable product current focus is on military applications. the power of partnerships through AFRL,”
through TAP, he and his partner Bennett by late summer. “Right now, we are 100 percent focused Chavan said. “Through the combined ef-
Tanton became excited about the possibil- The company can foreseeably market on providing the warfighter the MARC in forts of our innovative researchers and our
ity of harnessing AFRL technologies and their product for consumer use and use the the most efficient and timely manner pos- commercial partners, this technology will
accessing the knowledge and expertise of AFRL technology to develop other products sible,” he said. soon be used for the good of our people in
project researchers. as well, but Ripplinger says the company’s “This agreement is another example of the field.”
10 • March 19, 2018
ALC@GLC
50₵Wings 5-6pm
Dine in only
Admin –454-7779
ALC –454-3350 2 Café 100 3 6 7 Arnold Play
ALC@GLC Family Movie
Barber –454-6987 ALC Golf Course individual
Café –454-5885 @GLC Draw for
showing 6pm
FC –454-6440 your
GC –454-GOLF “The Masters
Mktg–454-3128 Greatest partner
Mulligan’s -454-FOOD ALL AGES
Showman”
ODR/ITT –454-6084
6-10
PG
RRRP –454-6068
pm
Wingo Inn -454-3051
dining 5-7pm
10 12 ALC@GLC
6-8pm
ALC 9am
@GLC $30 plus green fee and cart
ODR
Sign up by Apr 6
Hours
all ages 6-8pm 454-GOLF
as of
Apr 1 14 Kayaking
2 families/groups of friends (5 per team)
ODR Class
compete head to head to move on Hems
1-3pm
Seams $15/$12mbr
Final team wins $25 Services Gift Card AND Rips
includes
return as defending champ next month Buttons
teens & adults Stitches 5hr use
Min 4/Max 10 Fusing after lesson
17 18
ALC@GLC Family Movie age 12+
M
showing 6pm P@laAyrenrosl md Geeotlifn Cgo (uagres e18+) 19 ALC@GLC 21ODR Stand Up
“Jumanji: 4:30pm $25 6-8pm Paddleboard
Welcome to plus green fee/cart $30 1-3pm Class
the Jungle” Match Play age $15/$12mbr
PG 13 416p-e1r9s owne etekasms o4r 5445-4G-O64L4F0 21+ 1a0ge+ in5chlru dueses
dining 5-7pm 25 Café 100 after
Administrative lesson
24 Professionals Day
Sign up by Apr 13
454-3350 Always 28 Arnold Golf Course
BUY COMBO remember
GET FREE Min 4/Max 10 to drink
responsibly
DESSERT
9am
26 BACK@ALC
$30 plus green
27 BACK@ALC fee and cart
6-8pm $45 Sign up by Apr 27
454-GOLF
Tony Patterson
6-8pm
www.boilerroomimages.com age 21+ only 28 ODR Zip Lining
Recently exhibited at
$35/$30mbr
Nashville Airport and
Tullahoma Arts Center 5:30am-4pm
Community
stopping for
6-8pm BACK@ lunch on the
FREE show ALC way back
age 10+
for all ages
Sign up by Apr 14
7am-2pm spots $20/$30
$25 Services Gift Card Prize 454-6084
As of 3-13-18. Subject to change. Please call to verify. Services eligibility required except Golf-Open to Public. Contractors follow company policy when necessary. Visit www.arnold.af.mil/Home/Services/ for more details.
See the March Services calendar on page 8.