Sticky Thread for MilAir II

[Vschlitz]

Low ceiling conditions in Thurmont for the CAP to start in.

Local PD chatter indicative of a road trip from FRK.

 

[TinEar]

0900 hour and into the 1000 hour had three DC-ANG F-16 flights active...ANGRY, WILD and SCARY. ANGRY and WILD appeared to operate in the Patuxent area and I believe SCARY went south to the Dare County Range in NC. Interflight freqs were 143.15, 143.6 and 139.15. WILD flight returned home first late 0900 hour followed by ANGRY early 1000 hour. SCARY had some problems being held up by the ATC system on the way home and finally landed at 1026. At one point, the flight leader exclaimed, "This is ridiculous. ATC sucks."

1030: TBOLT flight on interflight freq...141.65 (new to me)
TBOLT setting up for red/blue air ACM work.
1030: U/I flight working ZDC-Franklin and check in at FL 210...290.425
1030: NJ-ANG active on interflight....138.875
1036-40: TANKER 01 calling HUNTRESS....x3, no joy...260.9
TANKER 01 = KC-135R, 59-1504, 171st ARW PA-ANG Pittsburgh
1042: SONIC 1 flight w/ZDC-Calvert...281.4
1043: SONIC 1 and 2 checking in with HUNTRESS....as fragged, weapons safe...say Potomac is telling them airspace is not active for another 15 minutes so they're just getting vectors for now...squawks are 5306 and 5300...260.9
1043: TANKER 01 gives his squawk as 0746...260.9
1045: SONIC 1 asking for TANKER 01's position...260.9
1047: TANKER 01 reports he isn't being allowed in the airspace either...says they'll be holding until 1600Z....260.9 (He's currently at FL 250 for his hold)
1049: TANKER 01 reports he's being held over Martinsburg....260.9
1050: More NJ-ANG F-16s active on interflight...138.425
1051: TBOLT flight leader says they'll hold until NAIL is ready...141.65 (These guys sound like F-22As...but on VHF???...don't think so)
1055: TANKER 01 reports holding over Martinsburg and descending from FL 250 to 240...135.525
1056: SONIC 1 and 2 still being vectored by ZDC-Calvert....281.4
1057: SONIC 1 reports being cleared by Potomac into the Guard Dog CAP....looking for the tanker...260.9
1058: SONIC 1 flight working Potomac TRACON...257.2
1058: SONIC 1 flight to Guard Dog for clearance into the CAP area...350.25
1058: TANKER 01 can't make contact with POtomac on 135.525....Potomac asks SONIC to tell TANKER 01 to come up on 350.25.
1059: TANKER 01 makes contact with Potomac...says he could hear them but they couldn't hear him....anyway, all is fine here and he's cleared into Guard Dog in the block 210-250...350.25

1100: TANKER 01 for radio check w/Potomac on the VHF freq...say it's better here so will maintain this freq....135.525
1102: TANKER 01 reports scattered deck of clouds around 10,000 feet...clear above...135.525
1103: SONIC 1 going to the boom and SONIC 2 to the right wing of the tanker...TANKER 01 clears SONIC 1 for contact...1 reports nose is cold, switch is safe at the request of the tanker's boomer...260.9
1107: SONIC 1 gets a disconnect...tanker asks if he wants more fuel and he does so is going back onto the boom...260.9
1110: U/I fighters working interflight but very weak...138.825
1111: SONIC 1 disconnect and cleared to left wing....SONIC 2 ready for the boom and cleared for pre-contact....then cleared for contact...260.9
No comms during refueling so they're on the boom intercom...no report of fuel amount passed to help ID the SONICs.
1112: SONIC 1 gives his tail as 85-4094 and SONIC 2 is 85-4085....TANKER 01 confirms tail I logged above....260.9 (I can't make the fighters' tail numbers compute in Scramble...yet)
1114: DC 22 (KC-135R, 57-1487, 756th ARS Andrews) reports to LIBERATOR he's off the ground....378.1
1116: SONIC 2 off the boom....SONIC 1 reports they'll drop down to 210-230 and TANKER 01 says he'll see them in about an hour...260.9
I was suspecting the SONICs were F-15E types from the 4th FW Seymour Johnson but I can't prove it by those tail numbers they gave. I can't make them work in Scramble.
1123: DEVIL 91 flight (F-16, NJ-ANG Atlantic City) w/ZDC-Brooke at FL 270...327.0
1128: DEVIL 91 cleared to FL 250 and then says he'd like to stay there as long as possible but he can go down in an elevator in a hurry if need be...327.0
1130: DEVIL 91 flight handed off to ZDC-Swann and check in at FL 240...cleared down to FL 200....DEVIL 91 requests direct Atlantic City when able...Swann controller says he has their request...360.7
1133: DEVIL 91 flight cleared down to 15,000 feet...360.7 (Swann controller very weak today by comparison to normal...actually very strong signal but very low modulation level)
1137: DEVIL 91 handed off to ZDC-Casino and check in at 15,000 feet...285.4
1138: SONIC asks HUNTRESS what type aircraft is at BRAA 177/15/7000/heading 210...260.9 (Can't hear HUNTRESS so no idea of the reply)
1139: DEVIL 91 out of 15,000 for 8,000 feet...cleared direct Atlantic City...285.4
1143: DEVIl 91 handed off to Atlantic City Approach...check in at 8000 feet, 32 miles to the west, ask for confirmation active runway is 13...327.125
1144: DEVIL 91 reports out of 8,000 for 3,000 feet....requesting vectors...327.125 (And out of range at 3000 feet so that's all for this flight)

1215: SONICs refueling again w/TANKER 01....260.9
1218: SONIC 1 asks HUNTRESS to confirm various targets he's seeing on his datalink (sounds a bit unsure of the reliability of the tracks he's been seeing)....260.9
1225: DC 21 (KC-135R, 57-1487) to LIBERATOR...says they're overhead now, will do 3 approaches and then land in 20-25 minutes, A-1, land with 38K on the fuel...378.1
1235: DC 21 with ADW Tower for his approaches...118.4 (This aircraft reported as DC 22 when taking off as logged above)
1238: VENUS 94 (C-32A, 99-0004, 1st AS Andrews) in the landing pattern with ADW Tower...118.4 (Heard this one doing locals earlier...also went to ACY for work)
1241: CRAB 53 (C-130J, 97-1353, 135th AS MD-ANG MTN) airborne from MTN...probably 384.1 w/Crab Ops (wasn't paying attention to which radio this came from)
1246: DC 21 w/ADW Tower announces full stop landing this time around...118.4
1247: VENUS 94 going in behind the KC-135 and is cleared for the option...118.4
1247: SCARY flight of two (F-16 DC-ANG) off the deck at Andrews on interflight freq...139.15 and w/TRACON 348.725
1249: Langley interflight active with F-22A flight...257.075
1250: SCARY flight handed to ZDC-Calvert...281.4
1251: SCARY flight handed to Patuxent Check-In for mission 29C...305.2
1253: SCARY flight to Patuxent BayWatch for mission 29C, surface to 20,000 feet for R-6609 and south spin area exclusive...270.8
1255: SCARY reports they'll be in the area for about 15 minutes....270.8
1256: MARINE 474 (UC-35D, 166474, MAW-4) w/ADW Approach for runway 19R at ADW...119.3
1259: WILD 1 flight of two (F-16, DC-ANG) airborne from Andrews....w/TRACON...348.725

1301: MARINE 474 w/ADW Tower for landing...118.4
1301: WILD flight climbing to altitude and heading for Patuxent...348.725....on interflight freq...143.6
1302: WILD 1 to ZDC-Calvert at 13K, heading for 15K, direct Pax....281.4
1302: FLYER 1 (A-10, PA-ANG Willow Grove) w/Ops...141.8
1302: FLYER 1 flight w/ZNY-Pottstown...climbing to 16,000 feet...278.3
1304: BOXER 16 (C-40C, 02-0202, 201st AS DC-ANG Andrews) airborne from ADW....TRACON for Approach (doing approaches)...119.3
1305: SONIC 1 to HUNTRESS reports he wants to go to the boom....contact TANKER 01 to establish his position...260.9
1307: BOXER 16 w/ADW Tower for approach w/option...touch and go next time around...118.4
1314: SCARY flight to SOF to report both Code 1 and on the way home (that was sure short and sweet)...139.9
1314: SONIC 1 off TANKER 01's boom....SONIC 2 heading in...260.9
1317: UGLY 1 flight (A-10, PA-ANG Willow Grove) w/ZNY-Pottstown...climbing from 12 to 14,000 feet...278.3

The website has gone into terminal molasses mode again and is impossible to keep editing the page with new info. End of log.
No sooner typed that when it started working again...for now.

1318: SCARY flight w/TRACON (ADW Approach)...335.5
1319: REACH 5003 (C-5B, 85-0003, 60th AMW Travis) to Dover CP with arrival msg...20 minutes out, A-3 for VU-1 radio fail, nose gear hydraulic motor beyond limits, need crew trans, baggage loader, parking spot...349.4
1322: UGLY 1 flight handed to ZNY-Williamsport and check in there...338.3 (Think he said he was going into VR-705)
1324: SCARY flight to ADW Tower and touch down..."gear, stop, left"...349.0
1327: UGLY 2 to ZNY-Pottstown...climbing to 16,000...requesting direct Slate Run when able and is cleared for there....278.3
1328: REACH 3124 (C-17A, 03-3124, 437th AW Charleston)...arriving Andrews 1900Z, zero cargo, 5 pax, 14 crew members need trans, require 150K fuel for upload, wants a check on U-Drive vehicle, wants billetting office notified they already have made arrangements and don't need any rooms....378.1
1331: ANGRY flight of two (F-16, DC-ANG Andrews) airborne on interflight...143.15 (#2 is the female pilot)
1333: ANGRY flight to ZDC-Calvert....281.4
1335: WILD flight on the way home to Andrews...143.6
1335: UGLY 2 to ZNY-Williamsport...338.3
1338: ROYAL 50 (C-17A, 06-6167, 436th AW Dover) to Dover CP requesting parking...in the blocks at 1910Z.....then something about training 75% complete because of birds??...349.4

Enough for now...will try to return for the next Guard Dog CAP shift to see who replaces SONIC 1/2 and TANKER 01.

 

[BM82557]

Re Tin: 1116: SONIC 2 off the boom....SONIC 1 reports they'll drop down to 210-230 and TANKER 01 says he'll see them in about an hour...260.9
I was suspecting the SONICs were F-15E types from the 4th FW Seymour Johnson but I can't prove it by those tail numbers they gave. I can't make them work in Scramble.
######################################################

Was SONIC used at one time by Langley?

 

[TinEar]

Re Tin: 1116: SONIC 2 off the boom....SONIC 1 reports they'll drop down to 210-230 and TANKER 01 says he'll see them in about an hour...260.9
I was suspecting the SONICs were F-15E types from the 4th FW Seymour Johnson but I can't prove it by those tail numbers they gave. I can't make them work in Scramble.
######################################################

Was SONIC used at one time by Langley?

Yes, it was. However, as far as I know, the Langley F-15C types are still grounded. Guess we'll find out for sure when they get replaced.
_____________________________________________________________________

1354: RAVEN flight (A-10, MD-ANG MTN) active on interflight...142.3
1357: TANKER 02 (KC-135R, 62-3509, 77th ARS Seymour Johnson) calls in to HUNTRESS...says he's still 15 minutes out...260.9
1358: DC 22 to LIBERATOR to report arrival message...A-2 (Co-pilot windshield wiper does not contact windshield and shakes during flight)...pax will ride in with the crew...378.1

1400: WILD 1 flight with ZDC-Cofield...323.0
1401: SONIC 1 has a problem and reports he needs to return to Langley...says he can do that as a single ship...another two ship will be in shortly...260.9
So this proves they're out of Langley but I don't think it's a Langley based flight. Probably a deployed unit. (Well, that was wrong...see below)
1403: SONIC 1 tells HUNTRESS as soon as they get approval from NEADS, he'll head out and leave SONIC 2 in the CAP....260.9
1404: SONIC 1 setting up for the RTB...tells 2 to set up in the north
1404: SONIC 1 IDs as a single F-22 for RTB...directly over DCA at 21,200 feet....350.25 (He's trying very hard to work his clearance back to LFI)
So that solves the mystery of the SONIC callsign....they are F-22A types from Langley and this must be the new Langley F-22A CAP callsign. All we've seen in the past has been the RAPTOR callsign. I thought they had awfully clear transmitters all during this CAP....now we know why.
1408: WILD? flight with ADW Tower for landing....349.0
1409: SONIC 1 cleared direct Harcum....350.25
1411: SONIC 1 handed to ZDC-Swann and is told to squawk 4625...he says that's his current squawk...cleared direct Harcum...260.7
1411: TANKER 02 checking in with Potomac to enter Guard Dog CAP....135.525
1412: SONIC 1 to Langley SOF...says he's got a right generator fail....SONIC 2 still in the CAP....1 says he'll be on the ground in about 15 minutes...says he has NOT declared an emergency and repeats that he's 15 minutes out....383.2
1413: ZDC-Swann clears SONIC 1 direct Langley....360.7
1413: SONIC 01 reports again he has not declared an emergency...on ground in 15 minutes....383.2
1414: SONIC 01 handed off to ZDC-Calvert....checks in as single F-22 direct Langley....281.4 (Swann controller says, "thank you for all your hard work today")
1416: SONIC 3 with ZDC-Calvert requesting direct Guard Dog....281.4
With the discovery these are F-22A types, it also solves the mystery of the tail numbers given earlier....they should have been year 05-4094 and 05-4085. I wonder why he gave the year as 85- twice? Was he trying to mask his aircraft type?
1418: TANKER 01 cleared out....01 and 02 swap squawk codes...01 is 0746 and 02 is 4656...260.9
1418: TANKER 01 to Potomac to pick up clearance back to Pittsburgh...wants to go through Indianhead....135.525
1421: TANKER 01 and 02 swap pleasantries as 01 leaves the Guard Dog boundary....260.9
1422: SONIC 3 reports heading 030 for Nottingham...281.4
1423: BATON 55 (EC-130J, 01-1935, 193rd SOW PA-ANG Harrisburg) reports to BATON Command he's 25 minutes out, 12K on the fuel and has 1 writeup...395.1
1427: SONIC 3 handed to Potomac and checks into Guard Dog at FL 230....cleared to the block 21-25...350.25
1428: SONIC 03 and 04 checking in with HUNTRESS...02 reports at 220...03 says they'll stay at 230 and above....TANKER 02 says he's at 240...260.9
1431: SONIC 03 asking, "Thurmont or Guard Dog?"...260.9
1433: SONIC 03 and 04 going to TANKER 02 in the south part of the CAP....260.9
1441: SONIC 3 reports tally tanker, nose is cold, safe on...260.9
1456: SONIC 02 ready to RTB to Langley...350.25 (SONIC 03 and 04 have refueled and HUNTRESS releases SONIC 02 from duty.)

And now that we've got the new shift in the CAP, have identified the aircraft types and home bases and the ID of the new tanker, I'll shut this down unless something worthwhile happens.

Brian, C-5A, tail 70-0452 is flying this afternoon. I don't know if he's returning to Martinsburg or headed elsewhere. Did you copy?

NOTE: BOLT 04 (KC-135R, 64-14837) is landing at Andrews w/Tower 118.4 at 1535. This aircraft has been assigned to the 22nd ARW at McConnell AFB KS in the past. The callsign changes his assignment from the 22nd ARW to the 91st ARS at MacDill AFB FL. (Scramble still shows 22nd ARW assignment. I've had several tankers recently that have obviously swapped bases based on callsigns and bases to which they return after a mission.)
In the few minutes prior to BOLT 04 landing, there were two C-17A birds from the 183rd AS MS-ANG also arriving at Andrews. They were 03-3114 as EVAC 33114 and 03-3118 flying as RULER 40.

1750: TANKER 03 (KC-135R, 57-1430, 133rd ARS NH-ANG Pease), Mode 3 squawk 3407 on his way to the Guard Dog CAP at FL 280
1755: TANKER 02 gone and on his way back to Seymour Johnson...260.9
1757: SONIC 03 talking to TANKER 03 confirming he's coming in from the east...TANKER 03 says he's now at FL 260 and trying to get down to 240 and still 10 minutes out...260.9 (TANKER 03 still at FL 250 at 1803)
SONIC 03 indicates that he'll top off and then send his wingman in for the same and they'll be good until the end of their shift for fuel rquirements.

1804: TANKER 03 asks SONIC 03 their altitudes...03 says they're at 21500 and 22500...TANKER 03 says he's still at FL 250....260.9
1804: TANKER 03 to Potomac to check into Guard Dog...says he's at FL 250 and going down to 250...135.525
1804: TANKER 02 calls home to Seymour Johnson (first part blocked)...says offloaded 56K fuel to two F-22s...311.0
1806: TANKER 03 tells the fighters he's now at FL 240 and they're free to join...260.9
1806: DC 23 (KC-135R, 756th ARS Andrews) reports airborne at this time to LIBERATOR...378.1
1808: ROMAN 25 (F/A-18, VFA-106 NAS Oceana) with Atlantic City Approach descending from 10 to 8 and tehn 7,000 feet...327.125
1811: SONIC 03 and 04 give tail numbers to TANKER 03 upon request...
SONIC 03 = 05-4101
SONIC 04 = 04-4082
1816: DC 24 (KC135R, 756th ARS Andrews) reports to LIBERATOR he was airborne at 2314Z....378.1
1821: VENUS 40 (C-37A, 97-0400, 99th AS Andrews) w/ADW App 119.3 and then ADW Tower forlanding...118.4
1825: TANKER 03 requesting HUNTRESS check weather at homeplate (Pease) since it was bad when they departed and also wants him to check at Bangor...260.9
1836: SONIC 05 flight with ZDC-Calvert over Nottingham at this time...281.4
1840: SONIC 05 flight to Potomac and checks in at FL 230...350.25
1842: SONIC 05 flight checks in with HUNTRESS as fragged on mission 1305....no joy...calls TANKER 03 to ask him to start his turn...05 reports they're at his 6 o'clock position at 20 miles...260.9
1845: TANKER 03 asks SONIC 05 and 06 for their tail number and they give them as follows...
SONIC 05 = 04-4077
SONIC 06 = 04-x085 (this one doesn't compute...think it should be 05-4085)
SONIC 05 and 06 should have the duty until the CAP is suspended around 2300.
1847-58: Both fighters going to the boom and taking on fuel...260.9
1857: SONIC 03 getting clearance back to Langley from Potomac...350.25
1858: SONIC 05 reports that he and 06 are boom check complete and good to go...260.9
1858: CODY 01 (KC-135R, 63-7982, 22nd ARW McConnell AFB KS) to Andrews CP for call to DSN 743-xxxx at SHOCKER Ops at McConnell to let them know ETA is 0230Z...takeoff was 2350Z...378.1 (Had this same aircraft as CODY 01 on the 17th which is the only other time I've had this unit using this callsign.)

1900: SONIC 03/04 released by HUNTRESS...260.9
1900: SONIC 03/04 to Potomac, get clearance to LFi and are cleared at FL 210 for Harcum direct...350.25
1902: SONIC 03/04 handed off to ZDC-Calvert and check in at FL 210...281.4
1905: SONIC 03 to SPAD Ops at Langley to report 10 minutes out, Code 1...364.125
1906: SONIC 03 flight cleared down to 15,000 feet...281.4
1906: SONIC 04 to SPAD Ops to report he's Code 1...364.125
That should provide a squadron ID for the SONIC F-22s...they belong to the 94th Fighter Squadron, 1st Fighter Wing at Langley.
1915: Both SONIC 05 and 06 report back in the net now...apparently both were having trouble with their datalink prior to this...260.9
1919: SONIC 05 and TANKER 03 about to meet up for refueling...260.9
1925: SONIC 05 off the boom after taking 11,500 pounds of fuel...05 reports descending to FL 230...260.9
Not sure if TANKER 03 is going to get a replacement before the end of the CAP tonight but SONIC 05/06 should be good until the end.

2033: TANKER 04 calls TANKER 03 asking about freq usage...told primary for everything....03 tells SONICs that 04 is still 15 minutes out.
2037: TANKER 03 go Potomac for clearance back to Pease...135.525
2038: TANKER 04 (KC-135R, 58-0098, 133rd ARS NH-ANG Pease)...two in a row from the same unit....260.9
2041: TANKER 03 handed off to ZDC-Brooke and is gone...126.875
2043: SONIC 05, while talking to someone (possibly TANKER 04), says they're part of the 94th SPADs, unless there are complaints and then they belong to the 27th...260.9

2111: EVAC 21098 (C-17A, 02-1098, 437th AW Charleston) arriving at ADW w/Tower...118.4

*****************************************************************
Ref Below:

With credit to the local spotters' list, -6167 was doing takeoffs and landings at Quantico in the early afternoon.

Put them to work again tonight to find him...06-6167 is flying as RIDER 85 tonight. Was up at 1851.

 

[Mateo]

1338: ROYAL 50 (C-17A, 06-6167, 436th AW Dover) to Dover CP requesting parking...in the blocks at 1910Z.....then something about training 75% complete because of birds??...349.4

With credit to the local spotters' list, -6167 was doing takeoffs and landings at Quantico in the early afternoon.

 

[Mark]

1808: ROMAN 25 (F/A-18, VFA-106 NAS Oceana) with Atlantic City Approach descending from 10 to 8 and tehn 7,000 feet...327.125

Rgr Tin heard ROMAN 26 here first mention crossing Coyle at 3k and then ROMAN 25
also check in at 10k going down to 8k like you said with AC Appch.
Then later heard ROMAN 25 say sw to 285.400.
Guess they were going low altitude back home I assume.
Probably safer than at altitude with all that commercial stuff in ZDC SeaIsle area.

Mark

 

[JohnFB]

NOTE: A person with knowledge of what he speaks...ahem...gave me the confirmed freqs for refueling track AR-777...228.0 Primary and 315.9 Secondary. That track is not included in the FAA supplements so it's not on the official list that floats around. A McGuire tanker going from WRI to AR-777 will follow this freq progression...118.65 Twr> 124.15 (119.05) Dep> 128.3 ZNY-Manta> 132.15 ZNY-Atlantic. If the tanker is going from McGuire to AR-20, they follow the same freq pattern except after ZNY-Manta, they'll go to ZBW-Hampton freq 124.525.

Tin .... interesting info on the 'path to AR777." When travelling from the North to S, tnkrs go 124.525 [HTO31] to 133.500 [BWZ74]. I see a lot of oceanic clearance thru BWZ74.

 

[Mark]

Odd,must be a holiday freq.118.625 which I have programmed as normally an Andrews appch freq,this morning is a Cleveland Ctr freq with aircraft Loud and clear.
Probably a few extra controllers and other odd freqs starting today.

Mark.

 

[ka3jjz]

Tin .... interesting info on the 'path to AR777." When travelling from the North to S, tnkrs go 124.525 [HTO31] to 133.500 [BWZ74]. I see a lot of oceanic clearance thru BWZ74.

Yeah, thanx - I'll fix the wiki articles that refer to the AR777 secondary. 73s Mike

 

[TinEar]

Guard Dog CAP resumed bright and early this morning. SONICs are the F-22A fighters from the 94th FS at Langley. The first refueler is TANKER 05 (KC-135R, 58-0109, 153rd ARS, MS-ANG Meridian)...all working HUNTRESS on primary freq 260.9.

0935: TANKER 06 contacts HUNTRESS from long distance to let him know he's coming in as fragged...260.9
TANKER 06 = KC-135R, 62-3512, 126th ARS WI-ANG Milwaukee
0937: TANKER 05 released by HUNTRESS...260.9
0939: TANKER 05 to Potomac to get clearance to Meridian... via MOL (Montebello) at FL 400 is his requested flight route...135.525
0942: TANKER 05 handed off to ZDC-Linden and checks in at FL 240 on a heading of 240...requests FL 400...133.55
0944: TANKER 05 cleared direct Pulaski and up to FL 270...133.55
0946: TANKER 06 checks in with Potomac for clearance into Guard Dog...135.525
0946: TANKER 05 cleared to FL 360...133.55
0950: TANKER 05 handed off to ZDC-Marlinton and checks in at FL 330 climbing to 360...133.025
0952: TANKER 05 cleared to FL 400....133.025 (Dropping coverage here)

There is other activity around the area with transports and tankers moving around. Langley F-22s are also working offshore in W-386 with Giant Killer. One of the flights, NAIL 31, moved to AR-636 to refuel with a HOSER tanker (KC-135E from the 108th ARW at McGuire). I know HOSER 11 was flying around the area and that might be their refueler.

1003: SONIC 33 flight on the way to the CAP at FL 230...currently with ZDC-Irons...360.85
1007: SONIC 33 to 31 to let him know they're coming in as fragged...currently 30 miles south of Nottingham and will notify 31 when done with the tanker...260.9
1009: SONIC 33 now with ZDC-Calvert asking if they can contact Potomac on 288.35 and is quickly corrected that the new freq is 350.25....281.4
1010: I guess SONIC 33 didn't believe ZDC since he then goes to SONIC 31 to ask which freq they are using for Potomac....350.25 is the reply from 31...260.9
1011: SONIC 33 then checks in with Potomac...350.25
1011: SONIC 31 tells 33 that he and 32 will maintain FL 210...lets him know the altitude and position of the tanker....260.9
1012: SONIC 33 checks in with TANKER 06 to begin the approach to the boom....260.9
1018: SONIC 31 to Potomac to notify him they'll be ready to RTB as a two-ship in 5 minutes....350.25
1023: SONIC 33 reports on station so HUNTRESS releases the SONIC 31/32 flight to RTB...260.9
1024: SONIC 31 to Potomac to pick up clearance back to Langley...350.25
1025: SONIC 31 calls SONIC 33 and 34 to notify them his flight is going to depart at this time...they don't bother replying...260.9
1026: SONIC 31 requests to exit south at FL 210...350.25
1026: SONIC 31 handed to ZDC-Calvert and announces exiting Guard Dog at FL 210...281.4
1027: SONIC 31 flight cleared Harcum, Langley route...281.4
1030: SONIC 33 to Potomac to get a separate squawk for his wingman...350.25
1034: SONIC 31 requesting direct Langley...is cleared direct Langley...281.4
1034: SONIC 33 asks 34 if he has high data rate FiDL...negative is the reply so 33 notifies HUNTRESS of the problem....a few seconds later he reports FiDL on (after HUNTRESS resets apparently)...260.9
1036: HUNTRESS asks SONIC 33 for a PIREP...33 repots nothing that will affect them in the CAP...broken cloud deck between 12-12,000 feet, winds 285/45 knots...260.9
So...SONIC 33/34 settled into their shift as is TANKER 06 so this will end coverage unless something significant happens or until the next shift comes on duty.

Mid-1000 hour has Langley interflight freqs 257.075 (NAIL flight) and 262.025 active with F-22A flights.
1024: REACH 7169 (C-17A, 07-7169, 436th AW Dover) calling Dover CP but on wrong freq....319.4
1031: REACH 7169 to Dover CP on correct freq now...arriving with 7 pax, 3 pallets, 5 rolling stock, needs Signature Service, Customs and Ag and then lists the maintenance writeups...349.4
REACH 7169 arriving from Europe where he was last heard at 0743Z and then first heard over Cape Cod area at 1426Z so a little less than 7 hours to cross the pond.

1546: SONIC flight leader says..."SONICs, push Secure Prime" and they go with encrypted traffic. HUNTRESS breaks in for a radio check when he hears the noise and SONIC leader has to explain they're talking "secure" for a bit...260.9 [SONIC 35/36 have the duty now]

1606: REACH 353 flying back to Dover. This is Dover's newest C-17A (07-7170)....he was out on the west coast yesterday...349.4 [They don't waste any time putting these new C-17s to work once they arrive. The first couple flew nothing but training missions the first couple of weeks after arrival.
1619: TANKER 08 radio checking with HUNTRESS as he flies toward the area...he's coming in at FL 250...260.9
TANKER 08 = KC-135R, 57-2599, 77th ARS AFRC Seymour Johnson squawking 4650 on the way in
1620: SONIC 35 asks TANKER 07 for more gas (3-5K) before TANKER 08 shows up...260.9
TANKER 07 asks SONIC 35 for tail numbers...Unfortunately doesn't give his own...
SONIC 35 = 04-4071
SONIC 36 = 05-4101
1623: TANKER 07 to Potomac to say he'll be finished in Guard Dog in 4-5 minutes...135.525
1626: TANKER 07 to Potomac reports he's ready to depart Guard Dog...right turn direct Indianhead for next point...135.525
1629: TANKER 08 checks in with Potomac to enter Guard Dog...135.525
1632: TANKER 07 handed off to ZDC-Hagerstown and checks in at FL 240...134.15
1633: TANKER 07 cleared to FL 200 and begins descent...134.15 (Dropping ATC coverage here)
1635: SONIC 35 heading to TANKER 08 to top off...260.9 [Female boomer aboard TANKER 08]
1638: SONIC 35 advises HUNTRESS he's going to lose SONIC 36's squawk for about four minutes...260.9
1640: TANKER 07 to STEEL Control...reports 20 minutes out, A-1, will land with about 42K fuel, requests parking spot...311.0
1642: TANKER 08 asks SONIC 35 for tails and he repeats what I logged above...260.9

1831: SONIC 61/62 are the new F-22A pair into the CAP...350.25
1832: SONIC 61 into the CAP and heading for the tanker...260.9
1832: SONIC 35 to Potomac to get clearance back to Langley in 10 minutes...keeps asking for routing through "Hookam" and is finally corrected by the controller that it's "Harcum."...350.25
1833: Don't know when TANKER 08 changed altitudes but he's now at FL 230 rather than the usual 240.
1836: SONIC 35 gets routing Nottingham, Harcum, Langley at FL 210 when they leave for home...reports they'll be in non-standard, two-mile trail...350.25
1838: SONIC 61 going to the boom of TANKER 08 for a topoff...is asked for his tail number and reports...
SONIC 61 = 04-4070
1841: SONIC 61 is filled and off the boom...260.9
1843: SONIC 62 going to the boom and reports tail number...
SONIC 62 = 04-4076
1844: SONIC 61 reports in the CAP, 62 on the boom and 61 is ready to take over...HUNTRESS then releases SONIC 35/36...260.9
1844: SONIC 35 to Potomac to report ready to RTB...350.25
1845: SONIC 35 flight cleared to Nottingham....350.25
1845: SONIC 35 tells wingman to change to 350.25 over 32...260.9
1846: SONIC 62 off the boom...250.9
1846: SONIC 35/36 handed off to ZDC-Calvert and check in at FL 210...281.4
1846: SONIC 61 tells 62 to begin a counter rotating trail and says 61 will take altitude 210-215 and 62 should take 220-225...260.9
1849: SONIC 62 reports squawking 4331...260.9
1851: SONIC 35 reporting to SPAD Ops that both are Code 2...35 for AAI and 36 for Am-Ram and AAI...364.125
1859: TANKER 08 asking HUNTRESS to see if their replacement is on the way...135.525

1905: SONIC 61 currently timber sour, 62 is timber sweet (non-working and working datalinks)...260.9
1912: REACH 5007 (C-5B, 85-0007, 436th AW Dover) to Dover CP...IDs as a home-station aircraft inbound...30 minutes out.... A-2 for radar altimeter inoperative, #4 CSD disconnected, UHF 3 intermittent...arriving with about 33K on the fuel...349.4 (Called several times before getting a reply from Dover...he's arriving from the west)
Over the next several minutes, REACH 5007 continues to call Dover CP and has no joy to each call.
1923: KALITTA 53 arriving at Dover w/Tower for landing....126.35
1924: TANKER 08 to HUNTRESS requesting ETA for TANKER 09...260.9
1925: TANKER 08 says he has an offload capability of 14,000 pounds...260.9
1930: TANKER 08 asks SONICs how much gas they can take in about 15 minutes....SONIC 61 says they can take 6-7K apiece....260.9
1931: TANKER 08 explains the fuel situation to HUNTRESS...says he can give the fuel now which will put him at bingo...says he can give 5K to each jet and that'll be bingo for the tanker...SONIC 61 heading for tanker now...260.9
1936: TANKER 08 clears SONIC 61 for contact and asks 61 to turn on his receptacle light...260.9
1937: I've got TANKER 09 on the way but he hasn't checked in yet.
1939: TANKER 08 reports offload complete for SONIC 61...says he took 6000 pounds...61 says he doesn't think he got that much....08 says his fuel indicator shows 6 but if it was 5, that's all he can give...61 breaking off low and to the right...260. (How's that for weasel wording?)
1941: TANKER 08 reports they are bingo (after 62 takes some gas) and must leave within 3 minutes....260.9
1942: TANKER 08 to Potomac...will be done in 3-5 minutes and looking for clearance back to home station (Seymour Johnson)...350.25
1944: SONIC 62 cleared to contact the boom...260.9
1946: TANKER 09 trying to contact HUNTRESS...says he'll be on station at 0100Z...260.9
TANKER 09 = KC-135R, 63-8038, 133rd ARS NH-ANG Pease squawking 3503
1948: SONIC 62 refueling complet after taking 5K....TANKER 08 reports bingo and requests RTB...260.9
1948: TANKER 08 to Potomac reports ready to RTB....heading up to FL 270...then reports level at 250...cleared direct Nottingham, left hand turn, flight plan route...135.525
1950: TANKER 09 to HUNTRESS asks if 08 has departed the airspace yet..says he understands 08 is at 230 and will come in at 250....guess HUNTRESS corrects him that 08 is already at 250 so 09 will come in at 230...asks for squawks for the SONICs...260.9
1951: TANKER 08 handed off to ZDC-Brooke and checks in at FL 250...126.875 (Dropping ATC coverage here)
1962: TANKER 09 asks SONIC 61 about refueling...61 says he'll have both of them topoff as soon as 09 is in the airspace and ready and then get on a normal schedule...260.9

Continued below...character limit reached.

***********************************************************************
Here's the tanker lineup for the CAP so far this week:
TANKER 01 = KC-135R, 59-1504, 171st ARW PA-ANG Pittsburgh (11/20)
TANKER 02 = KC-135R, 62-3509, 77th ARS Seymour Johnson (11/20)
TANKER 03 = KC-135R, 57-1430, 133rd ARS NH-ANG Pease (11/20)
TANKER 04 = KC-135R, 58-0098, 133rd ARS NH-ANG Pease (11/20)
TANKER 05 = KC-135R, 58-0109, 153rd ARS MS-ANG Meridian (11/21)
TANKER 06 = KC-135R, 62-3512, 126th ARS WI-ANG Milwaukee (11/21)
TANKER 07 = KC-135R, xx-xxxx, 171st ARW PA-ANG Pittsburgh (11/21)
TANKER 08 = KC-135R, 57-2599, 77th ARS Seymour Johnson (11/21)
TANKER 09 = KC-135R, 63-8038, 133rd ARS NH-ANG Pease (11/21)
***********************************************************************

Yeah, thanx - I'll fix the wiki articles that refer to the AR777 secondary.

Mike, I hadn't noticed that before but saw your post to the other board about secondary being 288.0 in the old scheme. That freq never was secondary for AR-777. I understand how it got easily confused since it belongs to that unknown AR track I've mentioned that runs along the coast from the Pax area up to about W-107 and has been erroneously called 777 by various people.

 

[BM82557]

First shift today is SONIC 31/32 and TANKER 05. 32 tanked at 0550 and 31 at 0554. 32's squawk is 4617 and 31 gave tail number to tanker as 4069. After 31 tanked at 0554 I heard something a little different. The tanker asked 31 for a "lookover of the right side of the airplane. Heard the thump and saw the flash right around the co-pilot's rear window" I didn't hear anymore about this as HUNTRESS went into fidelity drills with the fighters.

Edit - Had a brain malfunction, forgot to post freq. This was all on 260.9

 

[CitationJet]

11.21.2007 am

Hi,

A few from this morning...

1139Z 260.900 PT HUNTRESS - wkg SONIC 31/32 (F-22A 1st FW/94th FS) in the Guard Dog CAP.

1200Z 118.950 PT DEP - PAT 1202 (C-12T OSACOM/VA RFC shuttle) - @ 6000' req. ILS
rwy 32 @ Davison AAF.
1207Z 260.900 PT HUNTRESS - TANKR 05 discussing grey mark on fuselage as
possible damage with SONICs.
1210Z 342.000 Dover AFB Metro - brief xmsn with ID. Tremendous reception for me
near Davison AAF!

PT = Potomac Consolidated TRACON
ZDC = Washington ARTCC

 

[CitationJet]

11.21.2007 pm

Hi again,

1757Z 118.400 Andrews AFB TWR - DC 31 - cleared for the ILS rwy 19L full stop.

1800Z 118.950 PT DEP - FREEDOM 07 (UH-72A 07-2007) - dir Ft. Washington.
1811Z 260.900 PT HUNTRESS - TANKR 07 to SONIC 33 - cleared to the tanker for refuel and has visual.
1829Z 260.900 PT HUNTRESS - gives TOI to SONIC 33/34 110/8 @ 10500'. 33 maintain lock 34 tries cold to maintain space.
1832Z 260.900 PT HUNTRESS - SONIC 33 is hot right then skip it command issued from HUNTRESS @ 1833Z.

 

[TinEar]

2000: TANKER 09 reports into the Guard Dog airspace at FL 250 descending to 230...135.525
2000: TANKER 09 checks in with SONICs...says he's coming in from the east with a Mode 3 of 3503...260.9
2001: TANKER 09 tells SONIC 61 he's ready for him...says he's in the northeast corner of the CAP....61 requests AR tonight at 310 knots...260.9
2003: TANKER 08 calls LIGHTHOUSE Control...311.0 (Ops at Seymour Johnson)
2004: TANKER 09 asks SONIC 61 if they want to stay on this freq or go to a boom freq...61 says he'd rather stay right here....260.9
2006: TANKER 08 calls LIGHTHOUSE Control again with arrival message....311.0
2010: SONIC 61 off the boom after taking 7,000 pounds of fuel...61 reports AR complete and back in the CAP...260.9
2011: TANKER 09 trying to determine SONIC 62's position...sees him and clears him in...260.9
2019: SONIC 62 off the boom after taking 8500 pounds of fuel...62 reports back on station...260.9
We should be good to go with these players until the CAP is suspended around 2300 tonight.
2043: SONIC 61 tells HUNTRESS that he and 62 will leave the freq for one minute but will monitor 350.25...then he tells 62 to go to "34 Secure AUX'....260.9
2043: SONIC 61 and 62 come up in encrypted (secure) mode on one of the Langley interflight freqs....252.775
2045: SONIC 61 tells HUNTRESS they're back on freq...260.9

At 2055 and again at 2200, SONIC 61 and 62 went to TANKER 09 for fuel. During that second time period, TANKER 09 did some training requirements along with 61...breakaways, etc....260.9
2228: SONIC 61 reports he's going to be off freq for a minute...he goes to SPAD Ops to say their shift will be done in about 30 minutes and he'd like the homeplate weather...364.125
2259: SONIC 61/62 released by HUNTRESS and the CAP is done...260.9
2259: SONIC 61 to Potomac to pick up clearance back to Langley...350.25
2259: TANKER 09 released by HUNTRESS...260.9
2300: TANKER 09 to Potomac for RTB back to Pease...cleared to airspace fix BROSS...135.525
2300: SONIC 61/62 switches to 34 AUX for interflight...252.775
2302: TANKER 09 handed to ZDC-Swann and checks in direct BROSS...cleared as far as Woodstown....09 requests FL 300...134.5
And that ends coverage of the Guard Dog CAP for tonight. Should be back at it at 0600.

 

[TinEar]

The Guard Dog CAP got started bright and early this morning. SONIC 63/64 had the first shift and are about to be replaced by 65/66 shortly after 1000. SONICs are F-22A fighters from the 94th FS at Langley. TANKERs 10 and 11 have been the refuelers so far today. TANKER 10 came into the area about 0530 and 11 at 0930.

Primary freq for NORAD (HUNTRESS) control is still 260.9 and that's also used as a boom freq during this CAP
Potomac TRACON controls entry/exit clearances on 135.525 (the tankers) and 350.25 (the fighters)
Fighters call home to SPAD Ops (94th FS) on 364.125
A common Langley interflight freq for the fighters has been 252.775 (ref 34 AUX)

Recapping the tankers that have been used so far....
TANKER 01 = KC-135R, 59-1504, 171st ARW PA-ANG Pittsburgh (11/20)
TANKER 02 = KC-135R, 62-3509, 77th ARS Seymour Johnson (11/20)
TANKER 03 = KC-135R, 57-1430, 133rd ARS NH-ANG Pease (11/20)
TANKER 04 = KC-135R, 58-0098, 133rd ARS NH-ANG Pease (11/20)
TANKER 05 = KC-135R, 58-0109, 153rd ARS MS-ANG Meridian (11/21)
TANKER 06 = KC-135R, 62-3512, 126th ARS WI-ANG Milwaukee (11/21)
TANKER 07 = KC-135R, xx-xxxx, 171st ARW PA-ANG Pittsburgh (11/21)
TANKER 08 = KC-135R, 57-2599, 77th ARS Seymour Johnson (11/21)
TANKER 09 = KC-135R, 63-8038, 133rd ARS NH-ANG Pease (11/21)
TANKER 10 = KC-135R, 58-0098, 133rd ARS NH-ANG Pease (11/22)
TANKER 11 = KC-135R, 58-0109, 143rd ARS MS-ANG Meridian (11/22)
TANKER 12 = KC-135R, 57-1514, 126th ARS WI-ANG Milwaukee (11/22)
TANKER 13 = KC-135T, 59-1504, 171st ARW PA-ANG Pittsburgh (11/22)
TANKER 14 = KC-135R, 58-0038, 77th ARS Seymour Johnson (11/22)
TANKER 15 = KC-135R, 63-8038, 133rd ARS NH-ANG Pease (11/23)

A couple of Royal Saudi Air Force aircraft have been in the area last night and this morning. They may be involved in the Mid-East Peace Conference to be held in Annapolis.
0145Z last night: A340-213, tail HZ124 arrived. He was noted over Cape Cod at 0111Z and on the other side of the pond in Italy at 1536Z yesterday.
1542Z today saw Gulfstream 4, tail HZ103 in the area. He appeared to be flying OUT of the area though. (Had typo...had it as GLF 3 rather than 4)
Both of those aircraft are regular visitors to this area.

1302: TANKER 11 released by HUNTESS, switches to Potomac and picks up clearance back to Meridian...135.525
1304: TANKER 11 handed to ZDC-Linden and checks in at FL 240...cleared to 270...133.55
1307: TANKER 11 handed to ZDC-Potomac, checks in at FL 255 climbing to 270...then cleared to 280...reports speed as .78 mach...133.975
1309: TANKER 11 cleared to FL 300...speed .70 mach at this altitude but tells controller he'll do whatever speed she wants them at....then cleared to FL 310...133.975
1310: TANKER 12 checks in with Potomac at FL 250 about to enter Guard Dog area...135.525
TANKER 12 (KC-135R, 57-1514, 126th ARS WI-ANG Milwaukee) Mode 3 squawk 6510
1313: TANKER 11 handed to ZDC-Shenandoah and checks in at FL 310...133.575 (Dropping ATC coverage here)
1313: SONIC 65 and 66 head for TANKER 12 for topoffs...260.9

1319: Just heard a commercial aircraft w/ZDC-Shenandoah report that at his present altitude the passengers "in the back of the bus are spewing" and wants to know if he can have a better altitude such as 340....apparently that was denied and he says, "Okay, we'll stick it out then."...133.575 (A not so Happy Thanksgiving aboard that plane.)

1530: Another Saudi Air Force aircraft into the area...this one was a C-130, tail 472. This one came off the Atlantic about an hour earlier and was last heard in the UK at 0800Z early this morning. (About an 11 hour crossing)

1630: TANKER 13 (KC-135T, 59-1504, 171st ARW PA-ANG Pittsburgh)into the area ...squawking 7440.

1725: SONIC 71 to TANKER 13 for AR..gives tail...260.9
SONIC 71 = 05-4085
1733: SONIC 71 off the boom after taking on 9500 pounds of fuel...260.9
1746: SONIC (7)1 wants (7)2 to head for the tanker and get even with him on gas at about 16,000 pounds. He says that will put them at 10-11,000 pounds remaining when the next shift shows up...260.9
1758: SONIC 72 at the tanker...boomer wants to know how much fuel he'll need to get even with 71...reply is 4500 pounds...260.9

1800: TANKER 13 tells SONIC 72 he's got his 4500 pounds and asks if he needs more...no reply from 72 heard (must have been on boom intercom)....disconnect from the boom...260.9
1801: SONIC 71 reports he has 14,800 pounds, 71 reports 16,100 pounds so they didn't wind up even after all....72 reports back on station to HUNTRESS....260.9
1816: SONIC 73 flight with ZDC-Franklin heading toward the CAP...290.425
1824: SONIC 73 flilght to ZDC-Calvert...281.4
1826: SONIC 73 checking in with Guard Dog (Potomac) at FL 230...350.25
1827: SONIC 73/74 checking in with HUNTRESS as fragged and going to the tanker...260.9
1828: SONIC 71 tells 72 to spin left and join up with him in a 2-mile trail...260.9
1830: SONIC 74 picks up a separate squawk from Potomac...4334...350.25
1831: Arriving SONIC flight cleared for the block 210-250...350.25
1831: SONIC 72 reports established (in the 2-mile trail)...260.9
1834: SONIC 71 to Potomac to request clearance home for a two ship flight in a two mile trail...direct Harcum, direct Langley for about 10 minutes from now...cleared Nottingham (OTT), Harcum (HCM), Langley (LFI) at FL 210...350.25
1837: SONIC 73 in trail with the tanker and 74 on the left wing...260.9
1840: SONIC 73 gives tail number to tanker as 078...73 took 7K pounds of fuel from the tanker...74 is then cleared to contact the boom...takes 8K...260.9
SONIC 73 = 04-4078
SONIC 74 = 04-4082
1845: SONIC 71/72 cleared to RTB...SONIC 73 says he's ready to take the CAP...260.9
1845: SONIC 71 to Potomac reports RTB in 2 minutes...cleared direct Harcum (what happened to Nottingham?)...350.25
SONIC 71 tells 72 to change to 33 AUX (I haven't found it yet unless they've got that one programmed for the 281.4 freq but context sounds like interflight freq referernce)
1848: SONIC 71/72 handed to ZDC-Calvert....check in non-standard at FL 210...281.4
1852: TANKER 13 asks HUNTRESS if there's any word on his replacement...260.9
1852: SONIC 71 flight cleared down to 14,000 feet...281.4
1857: SONIC 73 calls Andrews Command Post to see if he can pass a message to the 94th Fighter Squadron at Langley....378.1
1857: SONIC 71 to SPAD Ops with arrival message and Codes...364.125 (71 tells 72 to go back to 33 AUX...this must be their interflight freq and it's obviously a freq I don't have since I'm scanning all of Langley's known interflight freqs)
1859: Apparently Andrews couldn't read SONIC 73 so SONIC 74 comes up with same request...wants "Top 3" at the 94th FS notified that SONIC 73 and 74 are on station as fragged..DNS is 574-xxxx....378.1
[That's kind of strange. They must not realize that everyone else has been able to call SPAD Ops directly from within the CAP when they want to talk to them.]

1903: SONIC 74 calls Andrews again to ask what luck they had passing the message...then thanks him and says he's leaving the freq...378.1 (Typical of Andrews operators. Too lazy to pick up the mic and tell SONIC 74 they were able to pass the message. They are very poor at followup comms with aircraft - things like this and acknowledging they have received a message when an aircraft passes their arrival report.)
1916: TANKER 13 asks to be notified when he can RTB...260.9
1917: SONIC 73 asks TANKER 13 if he has any extra gas before he clears out...he does...260.9
1918: TANKER 13 talking to TANKER 14 but 14 not heard here yet...13 tells him he's talking to HUNTRESS on 260.9....let's 14 know he's at FL 240 squawking 7440...just barely hear 14 now saying she's squawking 5335...260.9
1919: SONIC 73 wants to check the boom on TANKER 14 before 13 leaves the area...260.9
TANKER 14 = KC-135R, 58-0038, 77th ARS Seymour Johnson
1928: TANKER 13 asks if they can go to FL 250 so 14 can come in at 240...260.9 (You obviously see the method to his madness...wants 14 ready for 73 to check the boom and they can get out of here quickly)
1929: TANKER 13 to Potomac to request the 250 FL and are approved...he explains why to the controller...350.25
1929: TANKER 13 reports climbing to FL 250...260.9 (That's the current altitude of TANKER 14 as she flies toward the CAP from the south)
1931: All fixed...TANKER 14 reports at FL 240 and 13 at 250...deconflict accomplished...260.9
1933: SONIC 73 reports he has TANKER 14 at 180/79 (degrees/nautical miles)...260.9
1934: TANKER 14 checking in at FL 240....135.525
1938: TANKER 13 with a heads up to Potomac that they'll be picking up their clearance back to homeplate in about 5 minutes...135.525
1941: SONIC 73 cleared to the boom of TANKER 14...260.9
1943: SONIC 73 asking for a topoff from 14...tells TANKER 13 he has a good boom check and they can press (on)...260.9
1943: TANKER 13 quickly changes to Potomac and says they're ready to head back to Pittsburgh...135.525
1945: TANKER 13 handed off to ZDC-Hagerstown and checks in at FL 250...134.15
1946: SONIC 73 off the boom of TANKER 14 and heading down to FL 210...says 74 will be at the boom in about 15 minutes...260.9
1947: TANKER 13 cleared direct Indianhead but asks for direct Pittsburgh...134.15 (Dropping ATC coverage here)
1947: TANKER 13 to STEEL Control to report 20 minutes out, A-1...311.0
1950: SONIC 74 tells HUNTRESS he'll be flowing to the tanker...nose cold...260.9 (Was that 15 minutes?)
1951: TANKER 14 asks SONIC 74 for his squawk and tail....4334 is the squawk, 04-082 is the (partial) tail response...260.9
1955: Very interesting...TANKER 14 asks SONIC 74 for his unit...74 replies the aircraft is from the 94th Fighter Squadron at Langley and the pilot is from the 149th Fighter Squadron of the VA-ANG...260.9
1956: SONIC 74 then asks TANKER 14 where they're from...reply is Seymour Johnson 916th ARW (77th ARS)...260.9

2000: SONIC 74 off the boom after taking 9100 pounds and reports off left...260.9
2005: SONIC 73 calling Andrews Command Post...x2, no joy...gets him on third try...wants to know if he's got an update on the Dallas-New York game...repeats that he's flying overhead and (repeats request)...378.1
2034: EVAC 44837 (KC-135R, 64-14837, 91st ARS MacDill) to Andrews CP says he'll be landing in about 5 minutes...378.1 (Arriving from the west coast...heard in Phoenix a tad over 3 hours ago)
2042: EVAC 44837 w/ADW Tower for landing on runway 1R...118.4

2133: SONIC 73 to Andrews Command Post looking for a phone patch to their "Top 3" and gives DSN 574-xxxx....73 says obviously he can't call from up in the air...wants the Langley weather and especially the crosswinds...378.1
2139: Not sure of the reply from Andrews but SONIC 73 replies, "Well okay. Thanks for your time."....378.1

2247: TANKER 14 gives total fuel offload to the two fighters...SONIC 73 got 29,600 pounds and 74 got 28,900 pounds...260.9
2258: SONIC 73 asks HUNTRESS about their replacements...260.9 (Either he's confused about the end time for the CAP or they're running it long tonight.)
2259: TANKER 14 asks SONIC 73 if they'll need more gas...nope, they don't...260.9

Character limit reached...continued below.

*****************************************************************
1900: Saudi A340-213, tail HZ124, out of here again...heading northeast...TRACON (This is the one that came in last night at 2145)

New remark for Dulles (IAD) added by FAA:
RMK ASDE-X SURVEILLANCE SYSTEM IN USE: PILOTS SHOULD OPERATE
ADDED TRANSPONDERS WITH MODE C ON ALL TWYS AND RWYS.
( http://www.sensis.com/docs/128/ ) for description of Airport Surface Detection Equipment-Model X

The FAA's 56-day National Airspace System Resources report (otherwise known as FAA supplements around here) for the period 20 December to 14 February was released today. I haven't had a chance to wade through it yet to see if anything new jumps out at me.

 

[CitationJet]

Re: RSAF

Hi Tin,

HZ-103 is actually a G4 not a G3 and HZ-124 is not RSAF rather it is opb the Saudi Government (well, Bandar bin Sultan actually).

Best regards,

Tony

A couple of Royal Saudi Air Force aircraft have been in the area last night and this morning. They may be involved in the Mid-East Peace Conference to be held in Annapolis.
0145Z last night: A340-213, tail HZ124 arrived. He was noted over Cape Cod at 0111Z and on the other side of the pond in Italy at 1536Z yesterday.
1542Z today saw Gulfstream 3, tail HZ103 in the area. He appeared to be flying OUT of the area though.
Both of those aircraft are regular visitors to this area.

 

[TinEar]

Continued from above...

2306: SONIC 73 asks HUNTRESS if he can begin coordination for his RTB...260.9
2307: SONIC 73 to Potomac to work clearance back to Langley for a flight of two, non-standard...350.25
2310: TANKER 14 to Potomac says he wants to start working his clearance back to Seymour Johnson...135.525
2310: SONIC 73/74 released by HUNTRESS...260.9
2311: SONIC 73/74 get clearance and are handed off to ZDC-Calvert where they check in...281.4
2313: TANKER 14 handed off to ZDC-Calvert 133.9 but tell Potomac they're not cleared yet...will work their way toward Nottingham and will do a 360 if necessary...will stay on this freq for now...135.525
2314: SONIC 73 checks with HUNTRESS to see if they are cleared from the CAP...they are...250.9
2314:: TANKER 14 also cleared out by HUNTRESS, tell Potomac they'll switch to 133.9 and check in there with ZDC-Calvert. (Dropping ATC coverage here)
2315: SONIC 73 tells 74 to go to 33 AUX and I finally find that freq...it's...296.9 (Will have to add this one to my Langley interflight freq rotation. It's one I didn't have.)
2318: SONIC 73 tells 74 to switch to 9 AUX and they come up with SPAD Ops to report they're 15 minutes out...73 is Code 2 for bezel light and 74 is Code 1....364.125 (73 then tells 74 to go to 10 AUX and they come back up on ZDC-Calvert 281.4)
2326: TANKER 14 calls LIGHTHOUSE Countrol (Seymour Johnson Ops)...no joy...311.0 (Convenient that 311.0 is used for both Seymour Johnson and Pittsburgh)
2327: TANKER 14 again calls LIGHTHOUSE Control to give Blackjack report as follows...
Item 1 = fragged minus 30 (ETA versus planned time)
Item 2 = A-1 (Maintenance condition - no writeups)
Item 3 = 43.0 (Remaining fuel upon return in thousands of pounds)
Item 4 = 58.5 (Offload during mission in thousands of pounds)
Item 5 = two F-22s (type aircraft refueled)
Item 6 = 3 (?Not sure but possibly number of AR operations during mission?)
Request Item 19 only....311.0
1131: TANKER 14 gets parking spot C-4...311.0

And that's enough Guard Dog for this day.

 

[TinEar]

Guard Dog CAP got restarted when the players arrived around 0530 this morning. SONIC 75/76 are the F-22As from Langley and TANKER 15 (KC-135R, 63-8038, 133rd ARS NH-ANG Pease) is the refueler who's squawking a Mode 3 of 3413. Primary freq still 260.9 with HUNTRESS (NORAD controller.)

0926: TANKER 15 begins asking about his replacement since he's getting close to "bingo"...260.9
0927: TANKER 15 switches to Potomac to ask about the next tanker...he finds out it's coming from Bangor and is 30 minutes out...135.525
0927: TANKER 15 says he has 11K of fuel he can give...right now...also offers to stay and give more and go to a divert base...260.9
0927: SONIC 76 heads for the tanker to take 2-3K fuel...260.9
0932: TANKER 16 trying to call in to HUNTRESS....no one hears him other than SONIC 76 who notifies HUNTRESS...260.9
TANKER 16 = KC-135R, 58-0098, 133rd ARS NH-ANG Pease , Mode 3 is 3454
Hmmmm...15 said 16 was from Bangor but 16 is another Pease tanker. Perhaps he was at Bangor for whatever reason. (Unless Scramble is wrong about that tail number and its assigned base...when TANKER 16 eventually departs the CAP in a few hours, we'll check his clearance back to homeplate and see where he goes.)
0933: TANKER 16 makes contact w/HUNTRESS, tells him his boom is in the green and he'll see them in a few...260.9
0937: SONIC 76 off the tanker's boom and back on station...260.9
0937: TANKER 15 says they'll climb to FL 250 so he can bring TANKER 16 in at FL 240....in return, HUNTRESS tells TANKER 15 he can RTB...260.9
0938: TANKER 15 to Potomac to say he's been released and would like to work his clearance back to Pease...135.525
0943: TANKER 15 gets his clearance and heads for home...handed off to ZDC-Potomac and checks in at FL 250, heading 100...looking for eventual climb to 350...133.975
0946: TANKER 15 cleared to Woodstown, J42, Boston...133.975
0947: TANKER 15 handed off to ZDC-Brooke and checks in in the climb to FL 310....126.875 (Dropping ATC coverage here as he's handed off to ZDC-Woodstown 125.45 at 0949)
0950: Meanwhile...TANKER 16 still chugging toward the CAP...currently still up at FL 300...ZDC VHF
0952: SONIC 81 on the way to the CAP...currently with ZDC-Calvert....281.4 (He used 81 suffix but then just 1 when he gets to the CAP...should be 01/02 flight)
0956: TANKER 16 getting closer...currently FL 260...ZDC
0959: While on 281.4, SONIC 1 tells his wingman to change to "51"...he comes up on the old Guard Dog freq 288.35...obviously no joy
0959: TANKER 16 contacts HUNTRESS...says he'll come into the CAP at FL 240 and states he has 90,000 pounds of fuel to offload...260.9

1000: SONIC 011 flight finally changes to Potomac's correct freq and gets clearance into the CAP...350.25
1001: SONIC 1 checks into the CAP and looks for pointout to the tanker...descending to FL 230...260.9
1002: SONIC 1 does his alpha check (162/46) to the bullseye....327/24 to the tanker...260.9
1004: SONIC 01 to Potomac and gets squawk of 0401 for his wingman....350.25
Looks like the 81 suffix might have been a mistake...they appear to be SONIC 01 and 02.
1007: TANKER 16's female boomer asks SONIC 1 for tails...
SONIC 01 = 04-4079
SONIC 02 = 04-4071
16 asks how much fuel they'll need...01 wants 2000 pounds and a topoff for 02 which will be about 8000 pounds....01 cleared to the boom...260.9
1010: SONIC 01 off the boom after taking 2K...boomer clears 02 to the boom...260.9
1012: SONIC 75/76 flight released by HUNTRESS...260.9
1012: SONIC 75 to Potomac...reports in at FL 210, ready to RTB...given squawk 5331....350.25
1013: SONIC 75/76 switch to interflight freq for the trip home...315.85
It appears the F-22s don't have a fixed freq for interflight in the CAP like the Langley F-15s do (360.15)
1013: SONIC 02 off the boom after taking 7000 pounds....260.9
1014: SONIC 75/76 handed to ZDC-Swann and check in at FL 210 RTB Langley...request descent to 15,000 when able...cleared to FL 200 after controller asks for their types...75 replies they're two F-22s...360.7
1017: Swann controller clears SONIC 75 flight direct Harcum, then Langley and then hands them off...360.7
1018: SONIC 75 flight to ZDC-Calvert and check in at FL 200....281.4
1020: SONIC 75 flight cleared to FL 190....281.4
1022: SONIC 75 tells 76 to switch to 9 AUX...315.85
1023: SONIC 75 on 9 AUX freq with SPAD Ops to report arrival....364.125
SONIC 01/02 and TANKER 16 all settled in for their shift. Log ends here until the next shift shows up.

1308: TANKER 16 cleared by HUNTRESS to RTB...260.9
1310: TANKER 16 with Potomac to pick up clearance back to Bangor...requesting FL 310...126.55 (This also confirms this aircraft is from Bangor no matter what Scramble says. Changing unit affiliation for this tanker in all three places on the joint tanker list below.)
1310: TANKER 17 to Potomac for clearance into Guard Dog...135.525
TANKER 17 = KC-135R, 57-2597, 153rd ARS MS-ANG Meridian, squawking Mode 3 6375
1313: TANKER 16 handed off to ZDC-Brooke and checks in at FL 240...126.875 (Dropping ATC coverage here as he's handed off to ZDC-Woodstown 125.45)
1314: TANKER 17 to HUNTRESS to get the boom freq...260.9
1341: SONIC 01 to SPAD Ops asking if there's any word on the weather...364.125
1342: SONIC 01 tells SPAD Ops he's broken but understands the weather is pretty good down there...364.125
1346: SONIC 02 going to TANKER 17 for some gas...02 reports nose cold, weapons safe, 2992 set (altimeter)...260.9
1353: SONIC 02 off the boom...260.9
1354: SONIC 01 heading for the tanker...reports he has visual, weapons safe, 2992 set...260.9
1357: JOSA 217 (C-21A, 84-0095, 457th AS Andrews) calls Griffin at ADW with arrival message...gives details of his ID, is 25 minutes out and says they departed Langley at 1851Z...378.1 (This aircraft departed Andrews earlier and at 1311 I heard him calling Langley Dispatch on 376.2 trying to give arrival message but had no joy at that.)

1401-03: REACH 9005 (C-5A, 69-0005, 89th AS Wright Patterson) calling someone (can't make it out yet but probably Dover)....134.1 (Dover confirmed below)
1402: SONIC 01 reports off the tanker and back on station in the south...260.9
1406: REACH 9005 to "Command Post" reporting 30 minutes out, A-1, has 4 through pax so needs airstairs, no cargo, no registered mail, no services needed...does need parking spot...134.1 (Still think it's Dover he's talking to)
1409: BOLT 04 (KC-135R, 64-14837, 91st ARS MacDill AFB FL) reports to Andrews CP he was airborne at 1808Z...378.1 (He came in last night as EVAC 44837)
1412: Next SONIC pair with ZDC-Franklin at 16,000 feet....then cleared to FL 210...290.425
1419: SONIC 03/04 flight over to ZDC-Calvert and cleared from FL 210 to 230...281.4
1421: SONIC 03 flight reports at FL 230...281.4
1422: SONIC 03 flight handed to Potomac and check in at FL 230...350.25 (3 tries to get a reply)
1424: SONIC 01 to Potomac for clearance back to Langley...350.25
1424: SONIC 03 signs in with HUNTRESS as fragged and heading for TANKER 17...260.9
1428: REACH 9005 with Dover Tower for landing...126.35 (Confirms his destination)
1430: SONIC 04 to Potomac to get his own Mode 3 squawk...4303...350.25
1437: SONIC 03/TANKER 17 do a boom radio check...both loud and clear to each other...260.9
1441: SONIC 03 off the boom and established on station...SONIC 01 wants to begin flowing south...approved...260.9
1442: SONIC 01 to Potomac ready to RTB and gets clearance...350.25
1446: SONIC 01 flight cleared direct Harcum, direct Langley at FL 220...350.25
1449: SONIC 01/02 handed off to ZDC-Calvert and check in at FL 220...heading 190...281.4
1451: SONIC 01 to SPAD Ops w/arrival message and then change to 32 (AUX)...364.125 (Haven't found 32 AUX)
1452: SONIC 01 cleared down to 12,000 feet....281.4
1454: Found it...32 AUX is the interflight for SONIC 01/02...285.15 (another new freq for me to enter in my scan rotation)
1456: SONIC 01 out of 12 for 10,000 feet...281.4
1457: SONIC 03/04 having been working w/HUNTRESS on their datalinks...04 just reported he sees ground tracks on his...260.9

1555: E-6B, 164410, VQ-4 apparently takes off from Patuxent, climbs out and heads northeast on a 20 degree course...climbing over the next several minutes...crosses Delaware Bay and flies into airspace atop New Jersey...310.15 (At 1635, being heard by a listener in Cape Cod)
1555: TANKER 18 on the way from Milwaukee as expected..crossed Chicago and now with Cleveland Center per listener in that area.
TANKER 18 = KC-135R, 58-0009, 126th ARS WI-ANG Milwaukee , Mode 3 is 3102
1628: TANKER 18 to HUNTRESS...says he's about 10 minutes early...wants to know if anyone is in the area and their Mode 3s...also asks about TANKER 17...260.9
1630: TANKER 17 to Potomac to say they'll depart in about 5 minutes...want to go direct...135.525
1634: TANKER 18 checking in with Potomac at FL 250...135.525
1636: TANKER 17 released from the CAP...goes to Potomac to pick up his clearance...cleared direct Montebello at FL 250...135.525
1637: SONIC 03 was going to take fuel from TANKER 17 but decides to go for 18 instead (after 17 gave him the steely voice about being ready to leave)...260.9
1640: TANKER 17 handed to ZDC-Montebello...checks in, no joy, back to Potomac and right back to Montebello where he checks in at FL 250....at 1648, he asks for FL 380 if possible and gets 330 a couple of minutes later...121.675
1648: SONIC 03 off the boom and SONIC 04 heading there...260.9
1652: TANKER 17 handed off to ZDC-Valley and checks in passing 325 for 330...cleared to FL 340...127.925

1835: Our E-6B 9164410) arriving back in the area...he's out in the Atlantic off the coast of Delaware on a 220 heading...310.15
1841: SONIC 05/06 with Potomac arriving in the area...350.25
1844: SONIC 05/06 checking in with HUTRESS...260.9
1851: SONIC 03/04 flight released by HUNTRESS...switch to Potomac for clearance back to Langley...cleared for flight route Nottingham, Harcum, Langley at FL 210 and a squawk of 4632...350.25
1856: SONIC 03 flight handed off to ZDC-Calvert and check in at FL 210...281.4
1856: SONIC 05 to TANKER 18 for fuel...gave tail but was switching between boom intercom and comm 1 so only heard part of it...260.9
SONIC 05 = 04-4069
1859: SONIC 05 off the boom and established in north part of the CAP...260.9

Character limit reached...continued below.

[[Moved tanker list to next message]]

**********************************************************************
Ref Below:

1503Z 128.425 IAD TWR West - GERMAN AIR FORCE 129 - deps rwy 30 QSY PT DEP 126.650.

It's tail 10+21, an A310-304.

 

[CitationJet]

11.23.2007

1503Z 128.425 IAD TWR West - GERMAN AIR FORCE 129 - deps rwy 30 QSY PT DEP 126.650.

 

[SOMDSCANNERS]

1451: SONIC 01 to SPAD Ops w/arrival message and then change to 32 (AUX)...364.125 (Haven't found 32 AUX)
1452: SONIC 01 cleared down to 12,000 feet....281.4
1454: Found it...32 AUX is the interflight for SONIC 01/02...285.15 (another new freq for me to enter in my scan rotation)

They have also been using 296.9 allot when enroute to/from CAP

Editing here: Oops.. Sri.. Did not see that in your previous post.. Even thought you made it BOLD.. LOL