Combat Edge articles from August 2003

Combat Edge archives from August 2003

Speeding just a little is okay.(ACCent on Safety)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... I often hear from ACC members that speeding a little doesn't hurt anyone. Unfortunately, it is that incorrect perception that leads to getting so many of our ACC men and women killed. When we complete our safety mishap investigations I think we...

Red Flag lessons: aircrews gain valuable experience.
August 1, 2003... The Red Flag Exercise should have been a great memory. Flying an F-16CG with and against world-class pilots on world-class ranges in a very challenging scenario were all Red Flag standards. But this time, launching with me as part of the Blue...

Loud bangs are not a good thing!
August 1, 2003... It was a hot June day as I donned my pressure suit for a local, high-altitude sortie above California. As the life support crew strapped me in the cockpit, I checked to see where all the switches were in this airplane. No two U-2s on the ramp...

The two-headed foe: Mr. Murphy & Ms. Complacency.
August 1, 2003... Supporting Operation IRAQI FREEDOM was an all-out effort that paid off in an early victory. Despite the fact Baghdad has fallen, it's important to remind ourselves the war is not quite over, not in Iraq and certainly not at many deployed...

Extreme sports.
August 1, 2003... Extreme sports involve the greater risks of death and injury. Often the best risk control measure is not to participate. However, for those who pursue the adrenalin rush, you can help mitigate the risk by using extreme equipment to gain a...

57th Wing: the predator.
August 1, 2003... Nellis AFB, Nev. Lineage Established: 57th Fighter Wing on March 15, 1948 Organized: April 20, 1948 Redesignated: * 57th Fighter Interceptor Wing, on January 20, 1950 * 57th Fighter Weapons Wing, on August...

Monthly award winners.
August 1, 2003... Crew Chief Safety Award of Distinction SrA Benjamin Brunkow was de-paneling an F-15C for a hourly post flight one inspection. Having removed panels 110R and 106R, he took it upon himself to do a preliminary inspection of the primary...

Mirror, mirror.
August 1, 2003... Tired of being told you will die if you don't use your seat belt? Maybe it's time we focus more on the reality of what happens to those who don't wear their seat belts, survive, and are "treated and released." My pre-military days training as a...

Over the hump: the need for safety in combat.
August 1, 2003... Safety professionals report that in spite of today's emphasis on safety by top leadership, there is still a perception among some young leaders that safety is something you have to consider in peacetime missions; but in wartime; safety becomes...

In memory of Cherish.
August 1, 2003... I am writing this with the hope that my story will place some insight into your lives. Cherish, a childhood friend of mine, and I had gone to school together for as long as I can remember. Cherish was a cheerleader and very jovial person. She...

Inspect electrical cords.
August 1, 2003... Extension cords, with their ability to bring any appliance or lamp within easy reach of an electrical outlet, are one of the most convenient products in the home. But when they are misused, they can also be a source of potential danger. ...

Unaware is not an excuse: I had to give a eulogy.
August 1, 2003... You may think you are doing all the right things concerning the health and welfare of your energetic young airmen, but do you really know what is happening during their prized and well-deserved days off? I thought I did. This Airman had...

Fleagle.(Illustration)
August 1, 2003... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Caption: I DON'T THINK I'LL NEVER GET USED TO THIS DESERT HEAT. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Caption: IT TAKES A WHILE, BUT I THINK ONE CAN LEARN TO COPE. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Caption: HOW'S TINY TAKING...

Mishap statistics scoreboard.
August 1, 2003... Aircraft Notes After 2 months of not having a Class A flight mishap in ACC, our streak of good luck ran out. ACC experienced two Class A flight mishaps, one ground mishap that resulted in two jets being taken out of action for quite some...