The Mobility Forum Posts

Several years ago, The Mobility Forum had the honor of interviewing Ms. Elinor Otto, one of the original Rosie the Riveters. She began working in a California aviation factory in 1942 for 65 cents an hour, building airplanes to support the war effort. Throughout her long career—until she was 95 years old—Ms. Otto helped build the 279 C-17s that the U.S. Air Force flew in times of war and for countless lifesaving humanitarian airlifts. Ms. Otto, and the many other women who stepped up to answer the call during World War II, did more than build aircraft—they inspired a movement and provided the groundwork for the next generation of young women.

When I hear the word icing, I think of cake; to pilots, however, icing is something they definitely want to avoid when flying. When ice forms on aircraft, it introduces a whole new level of risk.

We can all agree that the weather is sometimes unpredictable. According to the Armed Forces Health Surveillance Center, as cold weather is approaching, it is crucial to be prepared for and recognize the dangers of cold weather operations in the U.S. Military. One of the most common and severe cold-weather injuries to prevent is frostbite.

Traveling to various parts of the world can be an exciting experience. There are so many places to explore and create memories. It is important, however, to keep safety in mind and not let your guard down. Traveling may be an adventure, but it is wise to have safeguards in place.

Throughout the year, we see many news stories about cybersecurity breaches in large companies. Of course, we all get worried when we learn that a company—or a bank—we use has been breached because that means our personal information has been at risk. This violation can heighten our awareness for a short time; we check our bank accounts, keep a close eye on our credit score, and change our passwords at the drop of a hat. Unfortunately, these large-scale breaches are not the only time our personal information is at risk.

While participating in the Red Flag exercise at Nellis Air Force Base, NV, the crew of GULF 07 showed exceptional situational awareness, airmanship, and emergency responsiveness. Upon landing and while taxiing to park following a B-52, the crew of GULF 07 noticed the right main landing gear on the B-52 catch fire and quickly begin to spread about the exterior of the aircraft. The copilot alerted the crew members aboard the B-52 of the emergency, of which they were unaware, allowing them to quickly and safely evacuate the aircraft.

UNIT AWARD 96th Airlift Squadron, Minneapolis ARS, MN 65 Years • 225,640 Hours 2,090 FY21 Mishap-Free Flying Hours 65 Years Since Last Class A or…

In a recent event on the flight line, maintenance personnel were prepping an aircraft for an engine run. The jet engine mechanic performed the Inlet and Exhaust (I&E) inspection on the number one engine. He purposefully left the inlet mat in the inlet so the oncoming 7-level trainer could train a 3-level on conducting the I&E inspection.

An Afghan child sleeps on the cargo floor of a C-17 Globemaster III, kept warm by the uniform of a C-17 Loadmaster, A1C Nicolas Baron, during an evacuation fight from Kabul, Afghanistan, Aug. 15, 2021. Operating a feet of Air National Guard, Air Force Reserve, and active duty C-17s, Air Mobility Command, in support of the Department of Defense, moved forces into the theater to facilitate the safe departure and relocation of U.S. citizens, Special Immigration Visa recipients, and vulnerable Afghan populations from Afghanistan.

In July 2021, Lt Gen Mike Minihan was nominated and confirmed for promotion to general and assignment as the Commander of Air Mobility Command (AMC). He is set to succeed Gen Jacqueline Van Ovost, who has been nominated to serve as Commander of the United States Transportation Command.

The Air Mobility Command Safety Directorate recently welcomed Col Charlie M. Velino as the new Director. Velino entered the Air Force through Officer Training School in March of 1995 and, following Basic Computer Officer School, was assigned duties in systems management and software engineering. In 1998, he was selected to attend pilot training and completed Undergraduate Pilot Training in April of 1999.

It has certainly been my honor and privilege to serve with such a phenomenal safety team the past few years. Fortified by outstanding leadership support and advocacy as well as the incredible efforts of safety professionals across the enterprise, the command has achieved a fantastic safety record and received numerous accolades in recognition of its accomplishments. AMC earned the Major General Benjamin D. Foulois Award for best flight safety program three out of the past four years and garnered the Secretary of the Air Force Safety Award for the best program in the Air Force an unprecedented three years in a row! These awards pale in comparison to the amazing mission mobility Airmen safely accomplish every day across the globe. Our business, however, requires steadfast focus on managing risk effectively and making sound decisions every single time.