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Show HILLTOP TIMES 8 TIMES Sept. 16,2010 ORI FAST FACTS Understanding force protection conditions at HAFB Each of the five FPCON levels bears BY STEVEN NUTT Installation Antiterrorism Officer its own unique changes to an installations T eam Hill members have been inquir- security posture. These changes' can some- ing with the Installation Antiterror- times seem like inconveniences, however, ismand Office on one why Team Hill changes by understanding what to expect at each minimized or eliminated. exercises where procedures during installatibn-wide FPCON level, the inconvenience can be begin at FPCON's can obtain information on level "Normal" indicatthe proper implementaing a general threat of tertion of Force Protection rorism. The next level is Conditions. ••&****" "Alpha" which indicates an ^> First, Team Hill needs increased general threat of to know whether it is terrorism. "Bravo" is the facing an exercise or "real third level and indicates world" threat. FPCONs are an increased and more predirectly tied to the threat dictable threat of terrorism. of terrorism; as the threat "Charlie" is next which increases to Department indicates terrorist action or of Defense personnel and targeting against personnel assets within a region, the or facilities. The last and FPCONs increase as well. most dangerous FPCON The FPCON system is is "Delta" which means in place to protect, not inan attack has occurred convenience our work or when intelligence is force, families or visitors. For more information about received that terrorist Everybody plays a vital Force Protection condiaction against a specifple during increased FP- tions, read page 17 of your ic location or person is CONs. Whether you are a Airman's Manual. imminent. first responder or person ^^^ ; v - •;...= " jbehind a desk, Team Hill must work as a FPCON changes to Hill Air Force Base are rdohesive team. using four separate modes of communication. :;-r;.*.¥^C"\.:;;\%y'*§i The first mode is the posting of both the exercise and "real world" signs along the inbound lanes at each of the installation gates, " The next mode of communication is the Giant Voice notification system. The Giant Voice will announce all changes in the FPCON so if you are unsure of the message, immediately contact your Unit Control Center or command section for further guidance and threat updates. ^ _,.L The third communication tool is the AtHoc computer pop-up message. These messages usually coincide with the transmitting of the threat information over the Giant Voice and will automatically pop-up on each computer screen to display threat information and guidance. The last mode of communication is the transmitting of Crisis Action Team Directives, better known at CATDs, to each UCC on Hill Air Force Base. CATDs provide information on current threats along with implementation guidance and reporting information. For further information concerning FPCON measures and actions, or for assistance and tips in the development of a unit specific FPCON guide, contact the Installation Antiterrorism Office at 775-5313 or 775-5314. PREPARING YOU FOR WAR FRASER DECORATIONS From page 1 From page 1 native location for the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter. "I was delighted when I heard Hill was a preferred alternative selection," said Fraser. "It's positioned well here with access to the range and a superior training environment. Coupled with the total force, this makes it a natural blend, and I am looking forward to a final decision." The visit to Hill helped the general meet some of his goals during his time as ACC commander. "I wanted to get out in my first year and visit all of our bases and listen to our Airmen to find out what's on their minds, what their issues are and see if we can work them," said Fraser. 'To open up the lines of communication has been key, and it helps me better understand the issues they face." The commander also gave his thoughts on how the Ogden Air Logistics Center, which is responsible for the depot maintenance of the F-16, A-10 and C-130, contributes to the goals of ACC. "The Ogden Air Logistics Center is a critical part of our weapon systems," Fraser said. "The work they're doing on the F-16 is certainly a key part in keeping the aircraft in today's fight. I appreciate all the hard work that has gone in to making sure those aircraft are ready to go forward and not going to be requiring a lot of additional work by our Airmen downrange." Lastly, Fraser discussed Hill's upcoming Operational Readiness Inspection, which is scheduled in November. "I'm not concerned about the upcoming inspection, because as I've gone around Team Hill today, I have noticed that everybody is doing their job to the best of their ability," the general said. "It's about doing our job the right way all the time not about an inspection. We are in a marathon not a sprint to an inspection and we need to always do our job in a safe manner and prove that we can generate and deploy and then fly, fight and win." Fraser said that he was very pleased with the way Hill AFB is run and how all Airmen work together as a team to get their jobs done right. "As I look forward to the future, I want to make sure that we continue taking care of our Airmen, do everything that we can to fight today and be prepared for tomorrow within the resources that we have." pictures were contemplated for a slideshow in connection with preparations for the event. A brainstorming session developed from a comment by someone working with the decorations and the two jumped on it, in addition to providing history articles on past celebrations. "I like how the women dressed," said Hatfield as she described the photos they researched. "I love their dresses and I like looking back at the times it's changed so much, but not so much because in the end all of the women want to feel like they're beautiful and have a wonderful time." "That's all that it comes down to after reading all the articles and looking back in history," she said. "That's why we jumped hard into this," said Butler as they talked about budgeting considerations and the ideas they had contributed to the total effect. "The ceiling will be draped and the chandeliers lowered," said Hatfield. Black tablecloths, cream colored napkins and elegant glass etched vases with floating candles and blue glass rocks will add to the de"cor. Red, white and blue is a traditional theme she said, and tradition is what this affair is all about. Decorations will incorporate elements from the past 70 years, but in general the goal is to incorporate the idea that back in the 1940s, things were simpler but still beautiful. Hatfield talked about the effect such events have on Airmen and noncommissioned officers. "It shows that we support our leaders, and they support us," she said. "And it's a legacy thing because we leave behind our own contributions. If we leave something good and positive — something noteworthy — it just gives a greater appreciation for everything we're doing for the people who come after us." Butler noted some of her own remembrances about growing up near the base, or Hill Field, as it was called then. "I grew up in Clearfield," she said. "I remember when my husband lost his job, my grandma would say, 'He needs to go work at Hill Field.' They lived in Layton and she worked at Hill Field — and my grandpa (worked there)," She recalled how being close to the base shaped her own community experiences as military students became friends and then moved on. The legacy of Hill Field, the Department of Defense and the Air Force have all been strong in the area. "It's always had a great reputation," said Butler. Tickets and information are available through the website at www.airforceball.org. mi:.' TriCare beneficiaries may obtain influenza and pneumococcal vaccines at any of From page 4 the network pharmacies that participates in the vaccinaat: 1 (800) 275-0659 or visit the tion program at no cost. To find a participating pharmacy Flu Clinic Locator at http:// www.immunize-utah.org/apps/ near you, search online at www.express-scripts.com/ flu/index.php. TRICARE/pharmacy/or call Private provider informa1 (877) 363-1303. Additional tion is not available through information is available at the hotline number. For priwww.tricare.mil/mybenefit/ vate provider information, jsp/Medical/IsItCovered. please call your health care do?kw=Flu+Vaccine. provider directly. FLU 9/11 From page 5 squadron was flying sorties over Los Angeles and San Francisco maintaining the skies with all civilian flights grounded. "Nine years after 9/11/2001 (the Airmen's) mission is certainly very different than on 9/11/2001. It's against the same enemy and this time it's on someone else's turf. I think that that's the way we want it," Zobrist said. He described an Army unit's efforts to thank pilots for air support in Afghanistan and read from an e-mail from Lt. Col. Brad "Detroit" Lyons while in Afghanistan, quoting, "We worked a troops-in-contact situation a week ago and the Army guys asked me while I was flying over them if I could see their troop's ground formation in my Sniper targeting pod. I said, 'Yes,' and they moved their personnel around to form a symbol. It was their special unit symbol. The next day they called the squadron and told me it was their sign of respect for saving their bacon. Those moments are the ones that I'll remember for the rest of my life. I think we've done the wing proud and the United States Air Force proud as well." Zobrist said of the e-mail, "That really hit home, because I knew that our Airmen were making an impact." In his conclusion he said, "Your Air Force is certainly making a huge difference, you should be proud of your Airmen," also thanking all the first responders, emergency workers who serve the people in America while Airmen serve downrange. He also mentioned the great support the state of Utah gives Hill Air Force Base in its efforts to support the Air Force and the Department of Defense. The Air Force Association's initial ride which kicked off the events at the museum started from Clearfield at 8:30 that morning, attracting approximately 60 riders on 50 bikes. The route went up Trapper's Loop to Snowbasin and back down to Mountain Green and then to the museum. "It's the coolest thing you've ever done," said Anne Ernst, of Ogden, about her experience in her enthusiasm about such rides and charitable efforts. All profits will go to support Operation Warm Heart, a program which helps Hill Air Force Base families in need. |