The LONGHORNS

of the

NAS FALLON SAR TEAM

invite you to help celebrate the

LAST FLIGHT

of the

U. S. NAVY HUEY

commemorating

43 years of meritorious service

Friday, April 3^rd, 2009

at

Hangar 7, NAS Fallon, NV

1100 – Final Turnup And Takeoff

1200 – Sundown Ceremony

1230 – Photo Opportunities With Aircraft

1500 – Reception at Silver State Officer’s Club to include:

cake cutting, refreshments, Sundown t-shirt & patch sales.

you there!

Bring your best (or worst) Combat or Rescue story!

For more information:

LT Andrew Byrne, USN

andrew.byrne(at)navy(dot)mil

775-426-2693 work
760-443-4683 cell 

Military dress: Uniform of the Day
Civilian Dress: Casual Attire

Welcome to the State of Nevada’s Search & Rescue Conference. This years event is being hosted by the Fallon Naval Air Station, located in Fallon, Nevada.

This event has been developed by volunteers in the Search & Rescue community of Nevada. The many entities include; Carson City SAR, Douglas County SAR, Fallon Longhorns, Lyon County SAR, Nye County SAR, &Washoe County Sheriffs SAR.

This is presented by volunteers for volunteers.

Sponsors of this event include the Nevada Sheriffs & Chiefs Association and the State of Nevada, Department of Public Safety’s, Division of Emergency Management.

Come and join us again for an experience you will never forget.

Please Click the following link for details.

http://nvsarcon.com/

http://nvsarcon.com/

He and his co-pilot were killed when their helicopter hit some wires east of Mosul. An Army spokesman said the crash is still under investigation. Humphreys was attached to Alpha Troop, 6th Squadron, 17th Cavalry Regiment, Task Force 49, U.S. Army Alaska. During his assignment in Fallon, Humphreys was a rescue crew chief for the NAS Fallon Search and Rescue Longhorns.

He left the Navy and joined the Army in 2006 as part of the Blue to Gold program. He then attended flight school at Ft. Rucker, Ala., to become a helicopter pilot. Funeral services will be conducted at Grace United Methodist Church. Interment will follow in Ft. Stanton Cemetery with military honors by the New Mexico National Guard. An honor guard and escort will be provided by the Patriot Guard.

Memorial contributions may be made to Operation Wounded Warrior, New Mexico Legion Riders, 34 Stonewood Dr., Alamogordo, NM 88310.

Authorities conducting the search said at a news conference Monday that a signal sent from the Kims' mobile phone to a tower in the region was key to locating the family.

The search for the Kim family is the latest example of how important cell phone technology has become as a public safety tool.

While other technologies such as global positioning system, or GPS, may help people find their way out of trouble, it does little to help when people are stranded on the side of the road like the Kims were. Tracking devices that send beacons to rescuers could be helpful, but they are used mostly by wilderness backpackers and backcountry skiers. Few people carry them on road trips. And even though satellite-based tracking technology exists, even fewer people are likely to consent to having their whereabouts tracked on a daily basis in the off chance that they might get lost on a backcountry road.

At the end of the day, the technology that has proved the most valuable for locating lost or missing people has been cellular phones.

"Navigation tools may help someone if they need to understand where they are to get to safety," said Kiyoshi Hamai, director of sales and product management with Mio Technology, a company that sells portable navigation devices using GPS technology. "But in order for someone to find you, you really need a device, like a cell phone, that can provide two-way communication."

Even General Motors' OnStar service, which provides GPS navigation and tracks cars when they are stolen, relies on a cellular network to communicate with the GPS receiver in the car.

"We don't communicate with our in-vehicle OnStar device via satellite," said Steve Davis, Service Line Manager for the OnStar Personal Communications service. "We connect to the device through a cellular phone connection. And if we can't connect to it through the cellular network, then we can't retrieve the GPS location information stored in the device."

Always connected
So how does it all work? Mobile devices, when they are within range, constantly let cell towers and the mobile switching center, which is connected to multiple towers, know of their location. The mobile switching center uses the location information to ensure that incoming calls and messages are routed to the tower nearest to the user.

If a subscriber is unable to get service, this location information is usually purged from the mobile switching center. But some location information may remain in call detail records. Some mobile operators may store the most recent communication between a device and a mobile switching center for a certain period of time, usually 24 hours.

When someone is missing, even this small bit of information can prove useful in determining the approximate location of a device using the updates from the mobile switching center. If the mobile subscriber is still within cell phone range, authorities can track his or her general movement by following the sequence of towers the phone has contacted or pinged. And if the cell phone goes out of range or runs out of battery power, the mobile operator may be able to use the last recorded location before the cell phone either lost its signal or lost power.

But the most useful information for locating people when they are lost comes when someone has initiated or received a call or text message on their phone. Mobile operators keep records of these events for billing purposes in what is known as a call data record, or CDR. And they can go back to these records to get a historical account of the cell phone's location.

This is actually what authorities used to locate the Kims' phone, according to Eric Anderson, director of engineering for Edge Wireless, a regional mobile operator that provides cellular phone service in the area where the Kims were stranded. One of Edge Wireless' cell phone towers briefly connected with one of the family's phones at about 1:30 a.m. November 26 near Glendale, Ore. The phone was connected long enough to the network to send a notice that there was a voice mail or text message waiting. But the connection didn't last long enough for the Kims to retrieve the message or initiate a call for help.

Still, the connection was long enough that two Edge Wireless engineers, Eric Fuqua and Noah Pugsley, were able to find this information in the CDR to determine that the family was in sector "Z" in the southwestern portion of the cell site's 26-mile radius. Wolf Peak's "Z" sector provides coverage to remote areas with little population and very little cell phone traffic. Using this information, authorities sent out rescue teams, which eventually located Kati Kim and her children.

Anderson said that the family was lucky that they were Cingular Wireless subscribers. Edge Wireless uses the same GSM network technology that provides roaming coverage to Cingular customers. If the Kims' phone had been with a different provider that didn't have roaming coverage with Edge Wireless, then the company might not have received any signal at all after they left the major highway, and the cell phone would have been of little use to authorities trying to rescue them.

"Where the Kims' car was found was on the fringe of our coverage area as it was," Anderson said. "So it was a miracle that the phone was able to lock onto the network at all."

Anderson said that if people ever find themselves in a similar situation–lost and having difficulty getting cell phone reception–they should search for the highest ground or area that may be in the line of sight to a tower. They should hold the phone away from their bodies or high so it has no obstructions to a possible tower. It may take up to two or three minutes for it to synchronize or connect with the cell tower and mobile switching center. Even if they can connect for a second or two, it could be long enough to register a voice mail or text message, which could ultimately help wireless engineers track their location.

Embedded GPS
The E911 FCC regulations are likely to help rescuers find those who are lost even more quickly, even if people are unable to reach a 911 operator for help.

Phones sold today by Edge Wireless and other carriers using GSM network technology, such as Cingular and T-Mobile, comply with the FCC regulations using network-based technology that calculates a mobile phone's location in real time using signal analysis and triangulation between towers. Wireless carriers using CDMA network technology, such as Alltel, Verizon Wireless and Sprint Nextel, have GPS technology embedded in them to fulfill the E911 government mandate.

Both network and GPS location information allow authorities to send signals or pings directly to these handsets to find an approximate location of the phone.

Some cell phone operators, such as Disney Mobile, Boost Wireless and Helio, are using GPS-enabled phones to provide tracking services. Disney Mobile targets parents wanting to keep tabs on their small children, while Boost and Helio are marketing their services to appeal to young people who are looking to keep in touch with their friends.

Services that allow people to be tracked either through the cellular phone network or by satellite introduce some obvious privacy concerns. But Joe Farren, director of public affairs for CTIA-The Wireless Association, a trade organization representing mobile operators, said that is why people must opt-in to services that allow tracking.

Still, cell phones have their limitations. For example, battery life varies greatly. Some batteries last for several days, while others may lose power after only a few hours.

And even though cellular network coverage has improved tremendously over the past several years, it is still not ubiquitous in the United States. Even some urban areas have dead zones, particularly in buildings or underground. Rural and remote areas suffer most from lack of coverage. And these areas also happen to be places where people are most often stranded or lost.

All that said, Farren believes that cell phones will continue to play an important role in providing safety and security for people.

"Wireless phones are an incredible safety tool," he said. "They are the most valuable tool invented for some time. They save scores of lives. And they will continue to get better."

See more CNET content tagged:

http://news.cnet.com/Turning-cell-phones-into-lifelines/2100-1039_3-6140794.html

"I'm definitely going to miss the Navy," said Russell. "I'm not saying goodbye to the Navy completely. I'll still be involved in the community, but it's also an opportunity for me to move on and try some new things."

Russell said that the timing was right to retire at this point of his career.

"The Navy doesn't have the flying billets available to old guys like me. There are still plenty of flying opportunities out there in the civilian world. That's basically why I joined the Navy was to be a pilot so I'm going to keep flying while I can. Plus, I have three kids under the age of five and I don't want to miss the growing-up stuff."

For four years Russell was not only in charge of the SAR unit aboard NAS Fallon but served as the executive officer for the base as well.

"Fallon is the best tour I've had," he said. "Without a doubt it's been the best four years I've had of my career. The people here are fantastic. The job here is challenging and an important one, and of course flying search and rescue has been extremely rewarding as well."

Russell said his family also loves the Fallon area. "When we first got orders here we weren't sure if we were going to like it or not. My wife was obviously a little concerned about moving to the desert, but in four years we have become part of the community and the community has accepted us. We've had the opportunity to just really love it here and we don't want to leave it."

The military has been the centerpiece of his family, according to Russell. "I grew up in the Navy. My dad was in for 28 years. He and I served on active duty together and I did another 22 of my own. My wife came from a Navy family as well, so it's been a real challenge for us to be able to step away from that a little bit and move into a civilian environment. One thing we do know is that the Navy will always be a part of our family and we'll always be able to rely on the Navy as a retiree as well."

Russell has been accepted by Washoe County Sheriff's Department and will be going to the Police Academy in October. Once he completes that he will be flying with the Raven Unit out of Stead Airport for the Washoe County Sheriff's Department.

"I'd like to pass on to all the folks on the installation my heartfelt thanks and appreciation for all their support the last four years I've been here," he told those attending the ceremony.

" It's been the best experience I've ever had and I owe it all too the sailors, the civilian contractors, DOD civilians, officers and chiefs who worked here on the base and supported me and have helped us do the things we're supposed to do. I can't thank everybody enough. It's been awesome."

A reception followed at the Silver State Club and he went out with a splash.

"The fresh scar over my left eye is a gift from Capt. Scott Ryder, the former commanding officer. He did a flying tackle into the pool. Unfortunately, he picked the shallow end instead of the deep end."

Article was Archived Here.

http://news.rgj.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080815/FALLON/808150309/1029

CDR Yates joins the Longhorns team from NAS Fallon's NSAWC.

To Read his complete bio, click here.

Fallon Naval Air Station is co-sponsoring a major three-day training conference in search and rescue techniques in Mid May.

Approximately 600 professionals from throughout the western United States will pick up the latest tips from the experts in dozens of specific areas of the search and rescue field.

Course selections include Crime Scene Preservation, Mine Safety,  ATV Safety Course,  Wildlife Attacks, Patient Packaging, Working With Search Dogs, Bone Identification, Back Country Survival, and  more.

Registrations are still being accepted.  The cost of the conference is $60 and includes SARCON attendance, Friday night reception, Saturday brunch and dinner and Sunday brunch. 

The fee is is required for attendance. 

NAS Fallon has lodging available with various room options.

Private Room Saturday Night – $20
Private Room Saturday Night – $20
Private Room Both Nights – $40
Private Room Both Nights – $40
Semi-private Room Friday Night – $15
Semi-private Room Friday Night – $15
Semi-private Room Saturday Night – $15
Semi-private Room Saturday Night – $15
Semi-private Room Both Nights – $30
Semi-private Room Both Nights – $30

NAS Fallon has limited full hook-up RV parking available. Call (775) 426-2598 reservations and details.

For Online Registration Information:

CLICK HERE

List of important contacts:

Douglas County Search and Rescue:
(775) 782-9930 or (775) 901-1441

NAS Fallon
- Search and Rescue: (775) 848-6061
- Stillwater Inn (lodging): (775) 428-3003
- Pony Express (RV Park): (775) 426-2598
- Security Office: (775) 426-2853-
Press Coverage: Zip Upham (775) 426-2880

Sponsored by:
Douglas County Sheriff's Office
Naval Air Station Fallon
Washoe County Sheriff's Office
Nevada Department of Emergency Management
Army National Guard
Air National Guard

Fallon, Nevada
May 16-18, 2008
Naval Air Station Fallon
4755 Pasture Road
Fallon, NV 89496

Longhorn SAR Team

Naval Air Station Fallon
4755 Pasture Road
Fallon, NV 89406

We are contacting you to inform you of our availability for the foreseeable future. 

Providing SAR services will be based upon our aircraft availability and military NAS Fallon airfield operations.  During military flight operations, NAS Fallon SAR must maintain one aircraft and crew to remain on local alert.

Our team is capable of providing a GPS equipped HH-1N (Bell 212) Huey with a large array of rescue equipment.  Our capability includes a rescue hoist, multiple litters, rappel gear, medical equipment and various other rescue and signaling devices.  In addition, our typical crew compliment consists of 2 highly trained pilots, 2 skilled Aircrew and a qualified emergency medical technician.

Should you require our assistance, please contact us through the Air Force Rescue Coordination Center (AFRCC) in Langley, Virginia toll free at  1-800-851-3051.  To ensure you will receive a fully capable platform, please specify in your request an airborne asset with hoist capability.  Specifying this capability will increase the likelihood in NAS Fallon SAR being selected to support your requirement.  If a hoist is not requested, civilian agencies will have precedence. 

If you do request our assistance via Langley, please also call us directly at (775) 426-2419 during normal working hours or (775) 426-2715 after hours.  This additional call will help expedite our response. 

Unfortunately, in the recent past we were forced to decline requests for assistance due to aircraft and aircrew availability issues.  Our intent is to provide the best and most capable services to requesting agencies whenever possible. 

If you have any questions or are interested in further information about our program, please feel free to contact our SAR Team representative at (775) 426-3448/3442.  We look forward to working with you and your organization in the future.

                       Respectfully,

                  
                             The Navy Longhorns