McGuire supports JTF OBF

Published Feb. 26, 2008
By Airman 1st Class Rebekah Phy
305th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs

McGUIRE AIR FORCE BASE, N.J. -- Ready at a moment's notice.

McGuire recently provided support for the Joint Task Force Operation Burnt Frost.

The JTF quick-response team, which formed in less than one week, stood ready at McGuire to deploy anywhere in the world at a moment's notice to recover debris from a non-functional satellite shot down Feb. 20.

The U.S. Navy shot down the bus-sized satellite after the president decided to take proactive action to reduce the risk to people and property. The objective was to rupture the fuel tank to dissipate approximately 1,000 lbs of hydrazine, a hazardous fuel which could pose a danger to people, before it entered into Earth's atmosphere.

Although the shoot-down mission was a success, the JTF was formed to respond for recovery and consequence management operations if the satellite, or debris, fell to Earth after the shoot down. The JTF, comprised of more than 130 personnel from 15 agencies, included members from all five services, a Hydrazine Response Team, Environmental Protection Agency members, firefighters, hazardous materials experts and other highly-trained professionals.

"The JTF stood up in six days with members from around the country forming a response capability just days after the concept for the operation was conceived," said Army Brig. Gen. Jeff Horne, JTF commander. "The task force was a team of highly-trained, highly-experienced professionals, and it was our honor to answer the nation's call as the rapid response force to handle this situation if/when we were needed."

As a mobility base, with a high through-put of aircraft, and experience with joint task forces and joint operations, General Horne said McGuire was one of they key places looked at for the JTF. Once confirmed as the host, McGuire AFB stood ready to respond to anything needed by the JTF. From lodging to loading, the base was ready and willing to support Operation Burnt Frost.

The 305th Services Squadron provided last-minute accommodations to as many JTF members as possible. The 305th Aerial Port Squadron assisted by loading 65 tons of cargo. The 305th Communications Squadron provided an array of communications support to the team. Many other McGuire units and personnel also supported the JTF OBF mission.

"Being able to support this mission was incredible," said Tech. Sgt. Jason Berberick, 305 APS. "As an aerial porter, I'm involved in a lot of great missions, but this made history. I was honored to assist in JTF OBF."

As the JTF commander, General Horne seemed very thankful for McGuire's support and hospitality during the team's visit.

"I've been in the Army for 27 years, and most of that time has been spent with rapid deployment forces - 82nd Airborne Division, 101st Airborne Division ... all units that frequently spend their time on air bases deploying one way in or out, and I've never been treated this way," General Horne said. "I've never seen a unit respond as well as this air base has to meet the needs of the joint force commander. The leadership here is the best I've ever seen. And, I offer my sincere thanks to all those who sacrificed to get as far as we did here."