TIDEWATER CHAPTER - 03/21/2019
In March, the chapter was honored to have guest speaker Brig. Gen. (Sel.) Chad D. Raduege, USAF. Raduege recently returned to the peninsula from a command tour at the White House Communications Agency and is now the director of cyberspace and information dominance, Headquarters Air Combat Command (ACC), Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia. He is responsible for cyberspace and communications policy, resource advocacy and program management supporting the ACC's mission of providing combat-ready forces to deliver dominant combat airpower in support of national security strategy implementation. His team provides critical cyberspace and communications support for the command's 34 wings, 1,300 aircraft, 19 bases and 70 worldwide operating locations with 94,000 active duty and civilian personnel. Raduege talked about the changing focus of IT operations in the Air Force and the emergence of enterprise IT as a Service effort currently being led by the ACC. He also spoke about the ACC command ... READ MORE
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TIDEWATER CHAPTER - 02/21/2019
February's distinguished guest speaker was William E. Marion II. Marion is currently the deputy chief, information dominance and deputy chief information officer at the Air Staff in Washington, D.C. Marion assists in leading three directorates and supports 54,000 cyber operations and support personnel across the globe with a portfolio valued at $17 billion. He provides oversight of the Air Force's Information Technology (IT) portfolio including the IT investment strategy, networks and network-centric policies, communications, information resources management, information assurance and related matters for the Department of the Air Force (AF). His speech is available on the chapter's Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/afcea.tidewater. Marion talked about the IT-related priorities of the Air Force with further topics of The Network We Need, Cybersecurity that Works, Vibrant and Cyber Ready Airmen, and closing with Empowering Partner Transformation. Marion is a former Tidewater mem ... READ MORE
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TIDEWATER CHAPTER - 03/16/2019
The 68th Annual Tidewater Science and Engineering Fair took place in March at Old Dominion University (ODU). The chapter supports STEM education programs to assist and encourage students and prepare them for careers as future professionals in the industry. The chapter and corporate sponsors presented $1,200 in prize awards to first, second and third place in the senior, junior and team categories. An additional $1,200 for event sponsorship was also provided to ODU's Tidewater Science Congress.
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TIDEWATER CHAPTER - 04/21/2016
The 65th Annual Tidewater Science and Engineering Fair took place in March at Old Dominion University (ODU). The chapter supports science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education programs to assist and encourage students and prepare them for careers as future professionals in the industry. The chapter and corporate sponsors presented $1,200 in prize awards to first, second and third place in the senior, junior and team categories. An additional $1,200 for event sponsorship was also provided to ODU's Tidewater Science Congress.
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TIDEWATER CHAPTER - 02/26/2016
The chapter featured Jeff Johnson, director of the Virginia Tech Corporate Research Center at the February luncheon. He provided a very energetic presentation on the leading-edge 100-acre, $450 million Tech Center mixed-use development. The Young AFCEAN Council also raised over $400 to help create bags with toiletries and basic necessities to hand out to the local area homeless. They distributed over 60 bags to needy individuals throughout the Tidewater community. The chapter and Spectrum Corp. donated $850 to Bethel Manor Elementary School, one of only two schools in the state of Virginia selected as a National Title 1 Distinguished School because of the success of its educational programs and progress made by the students.
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TIDEWATER CHAPTER - 12/10/2015
December's luncheon guest speaker was Col. Harvey Newton, USAF, deputy director of operations, Air Combat Command (ACC), Langley Air Force Base, Virginia. Col. Newton spoke on the effects of the cyber domain's emergence and the rise of nontraditional threats. Defending against these threats has reshaped the types of personnel required to operate in this environment, he said. Airmen require greater investments in areas such as science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). These critical skill sets do not merely support the warfighter: "They are the warfighter," Col. Newton said. Collaborations across all operational domains will produce results that are greater than the sum of the parts. The Air Force must instill a multidomain mindset within every airman who will, in the words of aviation pioneer Jimmy Doolittle, be prepared to fight "from the neck up."
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TIDEWATER CHAPTER - 11/21/2015
The guest speaker for the chapter's November luncheon was Randall McFadden, director, Acquisition Management and Integration Center (AMIC), Langley Air Force Base, Virginia. McFadden provided an enlightening and engaging overview of AMIC's role in supporting contracting efforts across Air Combat Command (ACC). He highlighted the challenges involved with managing the major contracts within the command. The success of the AMIC is centered on the employment of integrated program management teams, and the acquisition of information technology systems is a team sport. McFadden also addressed the benefits and challenges of using the lowest price technically acceptable (LPTA) process versus the full trade-off (FTO) source-selection method.
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TIDEWATER CHAPTER - 08/13/2015
The chapter's Young AFCEANs sponsored a “speed networking” event during the Chapter Volunteer Appreciation Social. Based on the concept of speed dating, this event provided a fast-paced opportunity for AFCEA members to meet and talk with industry representatives and senior government staff. This event made the social very engaging and a great way to show what the chapter contributes throughout the year to the community and AFCEA. The chapter also would like to thank General Dynamics for generously donating a Samsung tablet to the youngest Tidewater Science Fair winner at the social, 12-year-old Zachary Tallman. Zachary attends Jolliff Middle School in Chesapeake, Virginia. He demonstrated his project on wind turbine energy.
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TIDEWATER CHAPTER - 05/17/2015
The chapter was fortunate to have Col. Lisa Y. Stevenson, USAF, vice commander, 480th Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Wing, Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia, as the guest speaker at its May luncheon. Col. Stevenson delivered an informative presentation on the roles, missions and outstanding people of the intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) community. She provided insight on how the airmen assigned to the 480th ISR Wing deliver time-dominant fusion and big data analytics globally to significantly improve lethality and reduce the time to close the kill chain.
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TIDEWATER CHAPTER - 05/17/2015
The chapter's Young AFCEAN Council was in full force assisting students at Calvary Christian Academy in Hampton, Virginia, with its “Hour of Code” event in May. This was an opportunity for young students to learn the basic concepts of computer science using drag-and-drop programming, repeat loops, conditionals and basic algorithms. The Angry Birds and Bad Piggies tutorials encouraged creativity and problem-solving skills. The chapter received numerous accolades from the children, parents and school administrators for its support. The Hour of Code is supported by President Barack Obama, and CEOs from Microsoft, Apple, Facebook, Google, Yahoo, Disney, Bing and YouTube joined the initiative that aims to give every child the opportunity to learn computer science to prepare them for any future career.
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TIDEWATER CHAPTER - 03/14/2015
A continuation of the Tidewater Science and Engineering Fair, supported by the chapter in March.
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TIDEWATER CHAPTER - 03/14/2015
The chapter was a Gold sponsor for the Tidewater Science and Engineering Fair in March, which hosted nearly 300 students with an even split between middle and high school. They competed for more than $29,000 in awards and potential scholarships. Many thanks to Rick Beard, the chapter science fair point of contact, and the team of volunteer judges for their outstanding support.
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TIDEWATER CHAPTER - 03/12/2015
The March luncheon featured Gunnar Hellekson, the chief strategist for Red Hat's U.S. Public Sector group. Hellekson presented a lively and informative data center presentation based on lessons learned from Charles Sorensen's approach to improving production of the B-24 Liberator during World War II. By employing standard processes, standard infrastructure and building for change, data centers could become much more efficient and effective. Data centers are often built like the initial lots of B-24s, which were hand constructed by skilled craftsmen. They were well built, but did not provide for standardization and were inflexible to introducing change. Open source technology supports the integration and standardization of data centers while improving efficiencies and productivity.
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TIDEWATER CHAPTER - 03/26/2015
The "Hour of Code" event held in March with the Calvary Christian Academy was successful. Master Sgt. Elias Garcia, USAF, chapter director of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), mesmerized the children and had them excited about coding. Senior Airman Kylie Subjinske, USAF, and the YAC Attack Team were in full force.
Williams and Dr. Mercadel were pleased the YAC Attack Team provided not only technical support but moral support to the children who kept losing the feathers off their angry bird instead of the bird getting bad piggy. Parents were surprised and pleased with the letter from Rep. Scott Rigell (R-VA). The chapter received nothing but positive feedback for chapter support of this event from the children, parents and school administration.
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TIDEWATER CHAPTER - 11/13/2014
The chapter hosted a luncheon in November with guest speaker Maj. Gen. William Hix, USA, deputy director, Army Capabilities Integration Center, U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC), Fort Eustis, Virginia. Gen. Hix relayed an interesting fact that post-Iraqi transformation of the military did not start in Washington, but in the Hampton Roads, Virginia, area with Air Combat Command, TRADOC and U.S. Fleet Forces Command. He also highlighted the Army's multiservice roles and unique missions associated with putting "boots on the ground." Gen. Hix spoke about the dynamic changes that have occurred with the recent growth of nonstate actors (the Islamic State group, al-Qaida, etc.) and the impact that technology advancements have on maintaining global stability. With the advent of social media, revolutions can ignite very quickly, but resolution is a long process. In this redefined operating environment, success depends heavily on globally integrated operations, integration of m ... READ MORE
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TIDEWATER CHAPTER - 10/16/2014
The chapter's October luncheon featured Timothy L. Baker, director, Resource and Acquisition Management Office, Joint Staff J-7. He oversees a $900 million annual budget and manages a $180 million annual contract portfolio and all assigned facilities. Baker provided an informative overview of the Joint Staff J-7 Directorate for Joint Force Development organization. During the luncheon, the chapter also recognized outstanding volunteers and award winners.
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TIDEWATER CHAPTER - 09/11/2014
In September, Chapter President, Col. Rick Folks, USAF, had the opportunity to present awards to several chapter volunteers for their outstanding efforts.
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TIDEWATER CHAPTER - 09/11/2014
September luncheon attendees was fortunate to have several former Air Combat Command directors of communications in attendance, including: Lt. Gen. Bill Donahue, USAF (Ret.); Lt. Gen. Jack Woodward, USAF (Ret.); Maj. Gen. Dale Meyerrose, USAF (Ret.); Maj. Gen. John Maluda, USAF (Ret.); and Brig. Gen. Greg Brundidge, USAF (Ret.). Gen. Donahue was the guest speaker and delivered a compelling speech on the “crossroads” the country and the Department of Defense are facing. He stated an interesting observation that Advanced Research Projects Agency Network and global positioning, timing and navigations were two technologies developed by the Defense Department that changed the world. Cyber technology will be the next to revolutionize the world. However, this cyber domain deserves the same protection as the physical domains, the general said. The Air Force has incredible technology, but more so, incredible people. Gen. Donahue warned that the nation should not become servants to processes ... READ MORE
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TIDEWATER CHAPTER - 05/15/2014
The chapter was honored to have Rep. Scott Rigell (D-VA) of the commonwealth's 2nd District speak at its May luncheon. Rigell spoke to the luncheon on several concerns that impact the Hampton Roads area, including budget deficits, fiscal year 2014-2015 funding and defense spending. The chapter also said farewell to president Col. Glenn Powell, USAF, and thanked him for outstanding leadership. Steve Kelley, AFCEA Virginia regional vice president, was on hand to swear in the chapter's new president Col Rick Folks, USAF.
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TIDEWATER CHAPTER - 05/15/2014
Matt Wilbur, the Menchville High School robotics coach and Justin Langley, the science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) coordinator for the Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command (SPAWAR) Systems Center, provided an update on the school's "Triple Helix" robotics team in May. The robotics program provides students with a fundamental background involving engineering, fabrication, electronics and computer programming. The chapter and Aaron Mills of the 480th Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Wing participated in the "Science of Flight" event at Calvary Christian Academy.
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TIDEWATER CHAPTER - 03/19/2014
The March luncheon featured Don Hudson, technical director, 480th Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) Wing, Langley Air Force Base. He gave a very enlightening presentation on the role of cyber and information technology in ISR operations. Technological advances in communications systems and processes have undergirded the evolution of tactical ISR processing, exploitation and dissemination, which have influenced changes in scope, complexity, scale, volume and type of operations. The close bond between the communications and ISR community has produced amazing warfighting results: 25,000 missions per year; 5 million signals intelligence reports; 2.5 million imagery targets; 1.4 million imagery products; 500 high value individuals killed/captured; and 1,000 improvised explosive devices discovered
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TIDEWATER CHAPTER - 01/16/2014
The chapter's January luncheon featured Michael C. Smith, a professor from the University of Virginia (UVA) Department of Systems and Information Engineering. He provided a very informative presentation on the tenets of systems engineering. Using the emergency landing of flight 1549 in the Hudson River as a backdrop, Smith elaborated on the roles that systems engineering played (both good and bad) in everyday occurrences. In addition, the chapter presented the AFCEAN of the Month Award for January to Bryan Dunsmore, a junior at Tabb High School. Dusnmore is a member of the school's first CyberPatriot Team, which launched this past fall. As the student leader for the team, he planned, trained and commanded the team during the November-December 2013 competition. The team finished in the top tier and will be competing in the state finals in February. Tabb is one of the chapter's Adopt-A-School participants.
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TIDEWATER CHAPTER - 11/21/2013
Thanks to Booze-Allen Hamilton, Spectrum Corporation and BOSH Global Services, the chapter distributed more than $10,000 in November to local schools to meet classroom demands in the areas of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).
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TIDEWATER CHAPTER - 11/21/2013
The chapter made two AFCEAN of the Month presentations during the November luncheon. Staff Sgt. James Brown, USAF, was recognized as the October recipient, and Tech. Sgt. Alan Pickford, USAF, was the November award winner. Both are assigned to the 10th Intel Squadron, Langley Air Force Base, Virginia.
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TIDEWATER CHAPTER - 11/21/2013
November was a great month for the chapter's science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) efforts. Thanks to corporate sponsors Booz Allen Hamilton, Spectrum and BOSH Global Services, the chapter distributed more than $10,000 to local schools to meet classroom demands in the STEM areas. Dr. Albert Mitchum Jr., the political adviser to the commander of Air Combat Command, was the guest speaker for the luncheon and presented a captivating presentation on the impacts globalization, polarization and international power shifts will have on future military operations. Joyce Kuberek, Tabb High School chemistry teacher and the recipient of the chapter's 2012/2013 Teaching Tool Award, attended the luncheon along with one of her students, Nick Anselmo. They shared information about an AFCEA-funded STEM project that involved purchasing a weather balloon for students to learn how to launch, retrieve and perform data collection.
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TIDEWATER CHAPTER - 07/18/2013
The guest speaker for the July luncheon was Becky Carpenter, the Air Combat Command's director of small business. Carpenter provided attendees with a lot of great information on the roles and functions this office plays in ensuring small business gets a “fair share” of contract consideration. She also discussed various regulatory mandates, such as the goal is that 23 percent of all eligible dollars obligated by the federal government should be awarded to small businesses. The chapter also recognized the AFCEANs of the Month for June and July, yearly membership pin recipients and confirmed 2014 Board of Director nominations.
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TIDEWATER CHAPTER - 06/13/2013
The June luncheon featured Carroll McGillin, senior education manager with Cisco System's U.S. education team. McGillin provided an informative industry perspective on the need for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education in America, the current state of STEM and Cisco's STEM initiatives. She provided some very interesting statistics that show that STEM-related occupations pay 30 percent more than non-STEM jobs and the U.S. Department of Labor has projected that by 2018, the U.S. will have more than 1.2 million job openings in STEM but only 16 percent of bachelor's degrees in 2020 will specialize in STEM. McGillin applauded the efforts of the Tidewater Chapter for improved STEM education in the local community. She also highlighted various national level initiatives focusing on improving lifelong STEM learning as well as Cisco's Networking Academy (www.cisco.com/go/netacad). The luncheon also recognized the 2013 chapter scholarship winners and the 2013 Enli ... READ MORE
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TIDEWATER CHAPTER - 04/03/2013
The chapter has been on the forefront of supporting the Tidewater Science and Engineering fairs. This year, the chapter provided cash awards and seven judges to the 62nd Annual Science and Engineering Fair held at Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia, in March. The chapter awarded first, second and third place cash awards in the senior, junior and team categories. These awards promote the development, manufacturing and operations of communications, electronics, intelligence, and command and control systems.
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TIDEWATER CHAPTER - 04/03/2013
The chapter has formed a great relationship with the local Stepping Up America Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) program. This is an exciting new aviation and robotics program for 9 to 14 year olds that promotes early interest in science, technology, engineering and mathematics-related competencies. To support the program, the chapter co-sponsors mini-UAV competitions by providing judges and cash donations. Dr. Angela Goodloe, director of Stepping Up America, has been delighted with the support she has received from the chapter.
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TIDEWATER CHAPTER - 04/03/2013
Science technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) initiatives have long been ranked high on the chapter's priority list. The chapter is in the process of fundamentally changing the way it administers its STEM program. Traditionally, it applied a “peanut butter” approach to provide resources to schools across the Hampton Roads area of Virginia. This method yielded some successes but fell short in establishing lasting community relationships. Ken Hirlinger, chapter president, spearheaded the Adopt-A-School program to refocus STEM resources to a target schools in the local commuting area. Now, the chapter is able to build lasting partnerships with each school and recruit STEM-focused AFCEA mentors for the partnership schools. The priority was placed on middle schools followed by high schools and elementary schools. The chapter felt by targeting middle schools, it would optimize the return on its STEM investments. The STEM focus areas include: classroom equipment (Teacher Tools), r ... READ MORE
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TIDEWATER CHAPTER - 03/21/2013
The March luncheon featured Col. Patrick Shortsleeve, USAF, commander of the 497th Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) Group, Langley Air Force Base. He spoke on the future of ISR and capabilities of the Distributed Common Ground System (DCGS), and he highlighted improvement areas that ensure this critical asset remains an indispensable contributor to the effective application of military power. The chapter also recognized the inaugural launch of its Adopt-A-School STEM program, which began with two schools—Lindsay and Tabb middle schools. Maj. Rolando Aguirre, USAF, program lead, board of directors, joined local industry partners to present checks to each of these schools. This program would not be a success without the unwavering commitment of industry partners that support science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). The chapter also supported the 62nd Annual Tidewater Science and Engineering Fair held at Old Dominion University. This year, it provided ... READ MORE
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TIDEWATER CHAPTER - 12/07/2012
The December luncheon featured Maj. Gen. Steven Kwast, USAF, director of requirements, Headquarters Air Combat Command, Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia. He delivered an energetic challenge to the airmen, civilians and industry partners on how to be more innovative and provide prudent options on how the U.S. Defense Department can maintain the competitive edge over its adversaries during these fiscally constrained times. He suggested that the United States cannot continue to work the same problems with the same solutions and expect more efficient results. Activities such as the Quadrennial Defense Review and the possibilities of sequestration will force the U.S. to become more innovative in how it continues to fly, fight and win against enemies who are quickly adapting to its tactics, techniques and procedures.
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TIDEWATER CHAPTER - 11/08/2012
The November luncheon featured Tom Wojszynski of the Google Department of Defense Team. He described Google as a people-driven, innovation company with a philosophy to focus on the user and take a “wouldn't it be cool if we could …” approach. He made an analogy to the U.S. Air Force, which, like Google, has a culture of innovation. He used an example of how the Air Force's “wouldn't it be cool if …” approach led to the evolution of the unmanned combat air vehicle (UCAV) where they took a UAV, made it stealth and then strapped warheads to it. In keeping with the chapter's focus to reach out to local schools and student organizations to foster science, technology, engineering and mathematics initiatives, the board of directors approved a $3,500 donation to Synergy Hampton Roads to purchase auto pilot hardware and software in preparation for the international UAV competition next year.
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TIDEWATER CHAPTER - 09/13/2012
Teresa M. Salazar, SAF/chief information officer A-6 deputy, Information Dominance and Chief Information Officer, Office of the Secretary of the Air Force, was the September luncheon guest speaker. Salazar provided an overview of the Joint Information Enterprise (JIE). The JIE is envisioned as an enterprise information environment with access at the "point of need" to be used for joint and coalition information sharing. She discussed the Defense Department's approach that builds an enterprise architecture, optimizes network hardware/software, provides common applications and tailors governance processes. The chapter also recognized the volunteers and corporate sponsors who donated time, money and support to chapter luncheons and activities. In addition, the chapter hosted an appreciation social to recognize the outstanding volunteers who support the various chapter functions throughout the year. Lt. Gen. William Donahue, USAF (Ret.), was the featured speaker for this event.
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TIDEWATER CHAPTER - 07/15/2012
In July, the chapter provided cash donations and co-sponsored two Mini-UAV competitions for three local teams: AERO Services, Zenith Challenge Project and Synergy Hampton Roads. These teams teach students about basic flight principles for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), vehicle design and fabrication, and competition at the local and collegiate levels. Synergy Hampton Roads took 10 high school students to Pax River, Maryland, in mid-June for the international collegiate competition. AERO Services wrapped up its second session of instruction for middle school students with a Mini-UAV Competition at Air Power Park and Museum in Hampton co-sponsored by the chapter and the Hampton Parks and Recreation at the Air Power Park and Museum.
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TIDEWATER CHAPTER - 07/18/2012
Maj. Gen. Earl D. Matthews, USAF, director, cyberspace operations, Office of Information Dominance and Chief Information Officer, Office of the Secretary of the Air Force, was the keynote speaker during the July luncheon. The general provided an overview of current cyberspace issues and hot topics. He explained the efforts underway to reduce the number of networks, improve efficiencies and reduce cost through data center consolidation; the Joint Information Environment initiative; and enterprise licensing of software. The general also highlighted improvements in developing the cyber civilian workforce, managing assignments of the larger community of cyber-related career field assignments and cybertraining enhancements made to the Scope Eagle course at Keesler Air Force Base.
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TIDEWATER CHAPTER - 06/21/2012
The June luncheon featured guest speaker Bill Marion, past chapter president and chief technical officer, headquarters Air Combat Command Communications and Information, Langley Air Force Base, Virginia. Marion hit home the message of the changing dynamics by which we communicate in today's society and how there is an expectation of similar communication methods in the Defense Department/Air Force. He provided some interesting statistics, including the fact that more social media communications occur than email, and that Web surfers have proven to be 9 percent more productive at work. Previous communication mechanisms are evolving, and the Defense Department has to evolve as well, the speaker related. For example, instead of purchasing expensive hardware/software "bricks,” more applications, including within the Defense Department, are migrating onto relatively inexpensive mobile devices that can communicate and perform mission application processing and command display. Marion is d ... READ MORE
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TIDEWATER CHAPTER - 05/18/2012
In May, members of the Hampton Roads and Tidewater chapters, as well as AFCEA International staff, visited the U.S. Navy's newest aircraft carrier. U.S. Fleet Forces Command arranged the guided tour through the USS George H.W. Bush for the sixteen guests. The group thoroughly enjoyed the tour and came away with a great appreciation of the carrier and its crew.
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TIDEWATER CHAPTER - 04/12/2012
Gen. Mike Hostage, USAF, commander, U.S. Air Combat Command, spoke at the chapter's April luncheon. The general briefly communicated the importance of the command, control, communications and computers community and then opened up the floor to address specific questions from the audience. In the exchange, he recognized the challenges with certification and accreditation and the acquisition cycle that continue to be a focus for meeting operational mission requirements. The chapter appreciated the insights and the continued engagement of senior leaders.
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TIDEWATER CHAPTER - 03/14/2012
Dr. Mark Maybury, chief scientist of the U.S. Air Force, addressed the chapter in March. He serves as chief scientific adviser to the chief of staff and secretary of the Air Force. Maybury provided insight into the “Air Force 2025 Cyber Vision” by lacing his presentation with interesting facts such as the evolution of cyber attack potential on our critical infrastructure or even an automobile. While threats are increasing, the number of annual science, technology, engineering and mathematics graduates in the United States has declined significantly. This presents the Air Force with a challenge, and under Maybury's leadership, the Cyber Vision is being created through a series of workshops. When complete, it will be a roadmap to keep the Air Force preeminent in the cyber domain—the foundation by which all other domains conduct their operations.
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TIDEWATER CHAPTER - 02/23/2012
In February, Brig. Gen. Peter Gersten, USAF, headquarters, Air Combat Command/A-5, took the opportunity to greet students, leaders and chaperones from local high school unmanned aerial vehicle teams (AERO Services, Zenith Challenge Project and Synergy Hampton Roads).
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TIDEWATER CHAPTER - 02/23/2012
In February, the chapter heard from Brig. Gen. Peter E. Gersten, USAF, director, plans and programs, Headquarters Air Combat Command, Joint Base Langley-Eustis. Prior this assignment, the general served as the commander of the 432nd Wing and 432nd Air Expeditionary Wing, Creech Air Force Base. He presented a dynamic briefing on "Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA): Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow". He highlighted the organization structure and growth in the RPA missions, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities, and shared experiences gleaned from current operations in Iraq and Afghanistan.
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TIDEWATER CHAPTER - 10/13/2011
In October, Brig. Gen. John Ranck, USAF, director, Warfighter Systems Integration Directorate, provided a briefing on the shared goal of warfighting integration to improve the capabilities, flexibility and robustness of forces across the domain. This is accomplished by providing joint forces commanders a network-enabled operational capability to “see with clarity, network with assurance, communicate with certainty, navigate with accuracy and strike with precision.” The general spoke about warfighting integration priorities to institutionalize warfighting through improved integration, digitized senior leader communications and pursuing the Joint Aerial Layer Network vision.
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TIDEWATER CHAPTER - 08/17/2011
In August, the chapter heard from Brig. Gen. Robert Yates, USAF, former director for operations, plans, logistics and engineering, U.S. Joint Forces Command (JFCOM), Norfolk, Virginia. He updated attendees on the disestablishment of JFCOM and his transition to the Joint Staff J-3 Conventional Forces joint force coordinator. He explained how all forces and service components currently assigned to JFCOM will revert back to their respective military departments.
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TIDEWATER CHAPTER - 06/21/2011
Stan C. Newberry, director, Air Force Command and Control Integration Center (AFC2IC), Langley Air Force Base, addressed the chapter in June on the near-, mid- and far-term efforts of the AFC2IC to close capability gaps in Joint Aerial Layer Network connectivity, capacity, information/data sharing and network management. These efforts focus in the near-term on demonstrations, experiments and exercises such as the Joint Warfighting Integrated NetOps. Midterm actions encompass acquisition activities such as the Joint Aerial Layer Network Analysis of Alternatives and future joint concept strategies that will guide, change and influence doctrine, organization, training, material, leadership, personnel and facilities investment decisions. Newberry also highlighted the center's effort to close communication gaps that exist between the ability of 4th and 5th generation fighter aircraft to share battlespace information via tactical data exchanges.
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TIDEWATER CHAPTER - 03/24/2011
Frank Konieczny, chief technology officer, Office of Information Dominance and Chief Information Officer, Office of the Secretary of the Air Force, presented a dynamic briefing on Air Force transformation at the March luncheon. He focused on the major drivers influencing transformation efforts: security, technology, funding and culture. He highlighted the fact that 98 percent of stolen records are linked to exterior threats. There were 73,000 new malware strains per day during the first quarter of 2011. These threats coupled with budget cuts and the cultural change in expectations to operate in a socially networked environment makes the challenge of information technology transformation multidimensional. Therefore, the Air Force is pursuing transformational efficiencies in areas to include the implementation of Air Force-wide enterprise core services, integrating voice, video and data services, migrating apps and services to a standardized environment, reducing firewalls and gateway ... READ MORE
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TIDEWATER CHAPTER - 02/27/2011
In February, Col. Donald Kirkland, USAF, commander, 633rd Air Base Wing, Langley Air Force Base, provided a great perspective on the successes and challenges associated with consolidating services under the Langley/Ft. Eustis Joint-Basing initiative. The chapter also recognized and rewarded the annual Science, Math and Technology Teaching Tools Award winners. This year's nomination packages went to more than 60 area schools with three winners selected; Tysha Sanford (Heritage High School); Renee Raspanti (Point Option School); and Scott Emry (Summit Christian Academy).
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TIDEWATER CHAPTER - 11/10/2010
In November, the chapter welcomed Thomas Entwistle, director of analysis and lessons learned/Air Force Smart Operations for the 21st Century (AFSO21), Air Combat Command, Langley Air Force Base. He presented a bird's eye view into the AFSO21 process. AFSO21 is not a change to Air Force culture; it is a change to the essence of Air Force culture, he explained. He highlighted the fact that performance measurement is the foundation to improving excellence. The subsequent steps of the AFSO21 process (problem solving, strategic alignment, and deployment and process improvement) all hinge on the ability of an organization to accurately measure current performance.
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TIDEWATER CHAPTER - 09/16/2010
In September, the chapter welcomed Allan Resnick, Senior Executive Service, director, Assessment, Architecture and Battle Command, Army Capabilities Integration Center, U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command, Fort Monroe, Virginia. Resnick delivered an overview of how the Army develops, acquires and integrates technology on the battlefield that is relevant to the warfighter by focusing on key tenets: leveraging commercial technology and focusing on what is obtainable today; buying less more often to reduce outdated technology; delivering technology incrementally and reducing the complexity of networks for the user; adjusting the culture of military communications; managing integration using standards; and finding the balance between information assurance and innovation.
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TIDEWATER CHAPTER - 07/15/2010
In July, the chapter hosted a reception in appreciation of its membership and the volunteers who supported numerous events throughout the year. More than 70 industry partners, civilian and military personnel participated in the event organized by Lynne Mills, chapter co-director for membership. Brig. Gen. Steve Spano, USAF, director of communications, Headquarters Air Combat Command, Langley Air Force Base, Virginia, and Bill Marion, chapter president, gave a special thanks to industry partners and chapter volunteers who participated in the following activities: Joint Warfighting Conference; Golf Tournament Committee; member meeting support; science fair judging; Scholarship Selection Committee; and Teaching Tools Committee. A local robotics team called TeamBotz thanked the chapter for sponsoring a portion of their trip to an international robotics competition. The chapter's support for these initiatives encourages local youth to pursue educational activities aligned with AFCEA's fo ... READ MORE
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