Noozhawk North County Editor

A new wave of rocket companies and hundreds of small satellites needing rides to space have Vandenberg Air Force Base officials looking toward modernizing military safety systems to handle a higher launch rate in the future.

Col. Anthony Mastailr, commander of the 30th Space Wing, talked recently about the Air Force “range of the future” and other programs aimed at reducing the time between blastoffs, while noting that Vandenberg’s launch rate historically waxes and wanes.

“What I see is an increased demand for space launch, and it’s not going to be satisfied entirely by the Eastern Range, so the Western Range is going to be part of that solution,” he said.

“Our job here is to make sure that the range is prepared to handle that increased capacity, and that’s really my responsibility,” he added.

The 30th Space Wing operates the Western Range, which ensures just-launched rockets and missiles remain on their flight paths. For those veering off course, crews send commands to destroy the vehicle.

It’s a role performed from VAFB for more than 1,900 launches over six decades, using a network of radar, sensors and telemetry along the West Coast.

For the record, it’s not Mastalir or any other commander who determines how many launches occur at Vandenberg each year.

That number comes down to something simple — how many satellites need rides to space. In the past, that included scientific missions for NASA, spy satellites for U.S. national security purposes, weather satellites for the federal government, and commercial craft for international customers or communication constellations.

Orbital mechanics also determine launch rates, with Vandenberg, located on California’s elbow, able to launch satellites into polar orbit without the rockets passing over populated areas.

Other launches involve tests of unarmed Minutemen III intercontinental ballistic missiles or tests of the Defense Department missile-defense system, with those missions flying toward the southwest, again avoiding heavily populated areas.

While recent launch rates haven’t been hampered by the Western Range requirement for days to configure older equipment between launches, Vandenberg has started prepping for a future when missions might need to occur within hours of each other.

One step to reduce the time between launches calls for an autonomous flight safety system employing Global Positioning Satellites.

“Those programs are specifically designed to be able to more efficiently turn launches more quickly with less manpower, less footprint,” Mastalir said.

Today, mission-critical equipment that suffers a failure at a remote location requires workers to go to the site to make the repairs. In the future, modern systems would enable fixes to be done remotely and quickly.

“We don’t ever want the range to be a reason why a launch provider missed a launch window,” Mastalir explained.

Rocket-manufacturing companies such Blue Origin, Firefly and Relativity Space have worked to enter the field already filled with United Launch Alliance, SpaceX and Northrop Grumman Innovation Systems.

The Air Force also is in the midst of a competitive bid for companies to carry out its future rocket launch missions, between 2022 and 2026.

Another space race involves efforts to launch hundreds, in some cases thousands, of satellites to provide high-speed Internet and other services from space.

‘That’s a lot of investment that’s being put into commercial space so I do think it’s an exciting time for Vandenberg,” Mastalir said.

Mastalir covered a wide range of topics during an interview with local news media just months after assuming command of VAFB’s primary unit.

Vandenberg was not picked as the initial home to the new U.S. Space Command headquarters, led by Air Force Gen. Jay Raymond, who also leads the Air Force Space Command, with both based at Peterson Air Force Base in Colorado Springs.

But Mastalir sees only opportunity in the future for 100,000-acre Vandenberg Air Force Base.

“In terms of mission growth, which may mean more people, more jobs, more economic development, Vandenberg has a lot to offer and the Air Force is keenly aware of that,” he said.

“I think that’s why you find Vandenberg is often in the discussion when it comes to these sort of things.”

Noozhawk North County editor Janene Scully can be reached at jscully@noozhawk.com.

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By Janene Scully

Noozhawk North County Editor

A new commander has taken the helm of the primary unit at Vandenberg Air Force Base.

Col. Anthony J. Mastalir assumed leadership of the 30th Space Wing during a morning change of command ceremony July 12, replacing Col. Michael Hough after Hough had spent approximately two years on the job.

Maj. Gen. Stephen N. Whiting, 14th Air Force commander and Joint Force Space Component Command deputy commander, presided over the ceremony held at the base parade grounds.

“Serving in the 30th Space Wing is a dream come true for me,” Mastalir said. “When I was an ROTC cadet, I had the opportunity to observe an Atlas II rocket launch … Afterward, I knew I wanted to be part of the space enterprise, and space lift is where it all begins.

“It is the most tangible mission in Air Force Space Command … you can see it and at T-zero, you can hear it and feel it.”

Mastalir previously served as the deputy director of the Space Security and Defense Program at Peterson Air Force Base in Colorado Springs. He also previously served as 50th Space Wing vice commander at Schriever Air Force Base, also in Colorado Springs.

He emphasized the importance of each member’s role for the 30th Space Wing’s mission rocket launches and missile tests to occur safely.

“It is the most exhilarating peacetime mission in the Department of Defense, bar none, and we own it,” Mastalir said. “Every member of this wing plays a critical role in mission success.”

The 30th Space Wing commander, sometimes likened to the role of a municipal mayor, oversees Vandenberg, which at approximately 100,000 aces is the Air Force’s third-largest base with 11,000 military members, civilians and contractors’ employees.

Mastalir is familiar with Vandenberg, having attended undergraduate space and missile training at the base in 1995 and missile initial qualification training in 1999.

Among his previous positions, he held several assignments at Air Force Space Command headquarters at Peterson Air Force Base, including as aide-de-camp to the commander, then Gen. Lance Lord, a former 30th Space Wing commander.

During the change of command ceremony, Whiting praised the departing commander as a “phenomenal leader and mentor” who has “earned the respect and gratitude of the men and women of the 30th Space Wing, the local communities and all of Vandenberg.”

Hough arrived in June 2017 and next will become Air Force ROTC commander for the University of Virginia. Most 30th Space Wing commanders spend about the same amount of time before moving to a new assignment.

His time at Vandenberg included the West Coast’s first interplanetary mission to Mars, the last Delta II rocket launch, many of the Falcon 9 Iridium Next launches and the first double shot of two missile-defense interceptors.

His final days as 30th Space Wing commander included hosting Vice President Mike Pence and his wife, Karen, during a whirlwind visit.

“Sir, again welcome to Vandenberg Air Force Base, in my biased opinion, home of the best wing in the Air Force, the 30th Space Wing,” Hough told Pence while rattling off facts and figures about the base, including its 46 miles of coastline.

“We really sit on a strategic piece of real estate here,” he added. “It is a national treasure.”

Noozhawk North County editor Janene Scully can be reached at jscully@noozhawk.com.

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reporter@santaynezvalleystar.com

Students interested in learning to fly are urged to obtain an application now for the Airport Day 2018 Flight Scholarship, which will pay for aircraft rental and a flight instructor for the first several hours of flight instruction needed for earning a private pilot’s license for a powered airplane or glider.

The scholarships are available for all Santa Barbara County students age 14-17, and at least two will be awarded at the fifth annual Airport Day on May 19 at Santa Ynez Valley Airport.

Airport Day planner Robert “Captain Bob” Perry, who has been flying for almost 40 years, explained that the scholarship is a great starting point for youth interested in aviation.

“Learning to fly gives them the knowledge to learn how to do something they didn’t know how to do,” he said. “The scholarship gives them that start.”

Local high school graduate Amy Moore earned an Airport Day scholarship and then became an Air Force pilot. “I thought it would be great to have a desk with a view,” she says.

Maj. Amy Moore, an Air Force reservist and graduate of Santa Ynez Valley High School, knows first hand the impact of learning to fly at a young age. In 2003, she applied for a local youth aviation scholarship after hearing about it from a friend.

“I just knew a desk job wasn’t for me, but I didn’t know what was,” Moore explained.

The scholarship allowed her to get her private pilot license in 2004, completing most of her training in the Santa Ynez Valley.

“I didn’t know if I’d like it or even be good at flying,” Moore said. “I was able to find out I was, and learn to fly at some level. It helped me figure out I could do this for my career.”

Moore went on to attend the Air Force Academy from 2004-2008 and completed her Air Force pilot training in 2009.

“I chose a career based on flying, so it helped to have some basic knowledge before entering the Air Force,” she added.

Moore left active duty in 2014 and has been a reservist ever since, completing Air Force missions every six weeks or so. The job has taken her to about 30 different countries all over the word.

“I thought it would be great to have a desk with a view every day, and it turns out it is,” Moore said.

The Airport Day 2018 Flight Scholarship is funded by grants from the Santa Ynez Valley Airport Authority and the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians Foundation. Over the past several years five local students have received flight training at Santa Ynez Valley Airport with the most recent student, Colin Jamison, achieving a solo endorsement for flight in a Cessna 172.

Airport day will take place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, May 19, with registration for the Young Eagles youth flying event starting at 9 a.m. A free hotdog and hamburger barbecue will be served by Santa Ynez Valley Rotary Club volunteers.

Applications for the Airport Day 2018 Flight Scholarship are available in the airport office at Santa Ynez Valley Airport or online at www.eaa491.org/scholarship. Deadline for applications is 5 p.m. Friday, May 4.

For more information, email Perry at CaptainBobsPlaneTalk@gmail.com.

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Col. Michael S. Hough, 30th Space Wing commander, was the space launch commander for this mission.

“This is the fourth Falcon 9 and the third Iridium NEXT launch in 2017 from Vandenberg,” said Hough. “This launch continues to highlight the extraordinary level of teamwork and precision that exists between Team Vandenberg and SpaceX.”

This was the third Falcon 9 launch supporting the deployment of Iridium Communication Inc. global satellite constellation, Iridium NEXT. Each launch contributes to replacing the world’s largest commercial satellite network and the only network that covers 100 percent of the earth. Iridium NEXT will enable new capabilities like Aireon’s real-time, global aircraft surveillance and tracking service, and Iridium Certus?, the Company’s next-generation communications platform that will bring broadband speeds to even the world’s most remote locations.

To view the 30th Space Wing Public Affairs media video launch highlights
visit:
https://www.dvidshub.net/video/556926/spacex-falcon-9-iridium-3-launch

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Team Vandenberg is scheduled to launch a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket carrying a National Reconnaissance Office payload from Space Launch Complex-3 on Thursday, Sept. 21, with a
launch window opening at 10:38 p.m. PDT.

Col. Gregory Wood, 30th Space Wing vice commander, will be the launch decision authority.

“This launch is the culmination of many months of work by United Launch alliance, the National Reconnaissance Office and the 30th Space Wing,” said Wood. “All of Team Vandenberg is dedicated to mission success and proud to play a part in delivering these capabilities to our nation.”

The 4th Space Launch Squadron executes integrated launch operations with a focus on mission assurance for this launch operation.

“This launch is a prime example of teamwork by multiple organizations that have worked around the clock to assure mission safety and security,” said Lt. Col. Kenneth Decker, 4th Space Launch Squadron commander. “Given the dedication of the men and women have worked to ensure readiness of the launch vehicle and payload, we’re on track for a successful launch.”

For questions related to the United Launch Alliance Atlas V, email Lyn Chassagne, Communications Lead, at lyn.chassagne@ulalaunch.com.

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Col. Chris Moss, 30th Space Wing commander, was the launch decision authority.

“It’s always a privilege to partner with the tremendous professionals of Air Force Global Strike Command to conduct test launches like this one,” said Moss.

“The dedication and expertise of the combined 341st Missile Wing, 576th Flight Test Squadron and 30th Space Wing team is simply amazing. Their efforts over the past 10 months to make this mission possible shows why they are some of the most skilled operators in the Air Force,” Moss added.

For questions regarding the launch window or Vandenberg AFB range operations, contact 30th Space Wing Public Affairs at 805-606-3595 or 30sw.pa.workflow@us.af.mil.

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The purpose of the ICBM test launch program is to validate and verify the effectiveness, readiness, and accuracy of the weapon system, according to Air Force Global Strike Command.

Col. John Moss, 30th Space Wing commander, is the launch decision authority.

“Team V is once again ready to work with Air Force Global Strike Command to successfully launch another Minuteman III missile,” said Moss. “These Minuteman launches are essential to verify the status of our national nuclear force and to demonstrate our national nuclear capabilities. We are proud of our long history in partnering with the men and women of the 576th Flight Test Squadron to execute these missions for the nation.”

The 576th Flight Test Squadron will be responsible for installed tracking, telemetry, and command destruct systems on the missile.

Vandenberg officials said on-base viewing for those with regular access is at the Ronald Reagan Memorial Observation Site. For those without base access, a viewing site is located on Corral Road near the base.

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The purpose of the ICBM test launch program is to validate and verify the effectiveness, readiness and accuracy of the weapon system, according to Air Force Global Strike Command.

Col. Chris Moss, 30th Space Wing commander, is the launch decision authority.

“Team Vandenberg is poised to provide safe launch operations in support of Air Force Global Strike Command’s important demonstration of our Nation’s secure and effective combat ready ICBM force,” Moss said. “The tremendous teamwork between the 30th Space Wing and Air Force Global Strike Command is apparent each time we launch a Minuteman III missile.”

The 576th Flight Test Squadron is responsible for installed tracking, telemetry and command destruct systems on the missile, which collect data and ensure safety requirements are met.

For information call Air Force Global Strike Command Public Affairs at (318) 456-1305 or after hours at (318) 532-1215.

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Team Vandenberg is scheduled to launch the WorldView-4 satellite on an Atlas V rocket from Space Launch Complex-3 on Friday, Nov. 11, with a launch window opening at 10:30 a.m. PDT.

The rocket, a United Launch Alliance Atlas V 401 provided by Lockheed Martin Commercial Launch Services, has a four meter fairing to safely hold the satellite as it accelerates to 17,000 miles per hour during launch. The 30th Space Wing at Vandenberg Air Force Base is responsible for range safety and launch operations. Col. Chris Moss, 30th Space Wing commander, will be the launch decision authority.

“Team V is thrilled to be launching again following the devastating wildfires we experienced in September. We are excited to launch the Atlas V WorldView-4 mission from Vandenberg’s Western Range and are looking forward to a safe and successful mission,” said Moss.

WorldView-4 is the latest in a series of imaging and data satellites built by Lockheed Martin for customers around the world. The satellite is outfitted with cutting-edge star trackers that enable extremely precise pointing for its imaging system, which is so advanced it can discern the make of a car from its orbit in space.

The local community can view this launch from the Hawk’s Nest on Highway 1 just a half mile south of Vandenberg Air Force Base’s main gate.

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The cover story for the November Santa Ynez Valley Star on local nonprofit We Support the Troops SYV moved Doniece Parson and Jon McDermott, owners of Mother Hubbard’s Restaurant in Buellton, and they decided to donate all their profits from their November Farm to Table Locavore dinner on November 19 to the organization.

“If you truly want to provide support to the brave men and women who have truly been in harms way for the last 15 years, this is a local group who send care packages to troops around the globe. So please, if you’ve ever thought of attending one of our dinners make it this one. You’ll get a four course dinner that’s locally sourced and provide financial support to a wonderful cause,” Parson said.

The menu has been set to:
House Bacon Wrapped Stuffed Figs
Roasted Butternut Squash and Pumpkin Soup
Steak Gorgonzola with Crispy Basil
Homemade Pasta

and dessert of Pumpkin Waffles with Ice Cream

Reservations required by Tuesday, Nov. 15 either by calling 688-3912 or email motherhubbardsrestaurant@verizon.net.

From the Santa Ynez Valley Star cover story:

Retired Air Force Col. Pat Sullivan realized in 2004 that the war in the Middle East wasn’t going to end anytime soon, so she decided to do send care packages to help the U.S. troops there.

Sullivan and Sonie Lindquist, both valley residents, launched SYV Support the Troops — but October was the first month they didn’t prepare any packages, because of a lack of funds. Sullivan tries to provide as much as she can from her own pocket and has had support from local organizations such as the Santa Ynez Elks, but the donations have been dwindling.

“We need all we can get for our Christmas boxes. We are hoping to raise $20,000 because the cost of shipping overseas is so expensive,” Sullivan said.

The recipients are usually connected to someone from the Santa Ynez Valley, whether it’s a relative or a friend or co-worker. They send letters to Sullivan requesting things such as phone cards to call home, jerky, baby wipes, moisturizer, shampoo, batteries, and sanitary items for the women.

To see the things that the group sends, and find out how to help, go to www.supportsoldiers.us.

“We don’t just send to soldiers in the Middle East. We are now sending to the Philippines and Africa. Wherever there are conflicts, we want to make sure our troops have provisions and a little love from home,” Sullivan said.

The next packing date, for the Christmas box shipment, is at 10:30 a.m. Nov. 30. To learn more, call Sullivan at 688-8404. Sullivan encourages donating to the group’s GoFundMe page at https://www.gofundme.com/wstcarepackages?ssid=775999723&pos=9, following them on Facebook at We Support The Troops SYV, or logging onto www.supportsoldiers.us.

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