DoD C-17 Swank Flying Residence Eyeball

Donate $25 for two DVDs of the Cryptome collection of files from 1996 to the present
Natsios Young Architects

27 December 2009. Add three following Air Force reports on on the Silver Bullet.
http://search.dma.mil/search?q=cache:-r9JWCHhlmgJ:www.mcguire.af.mil/news/story_print.asp%3F
id%3D123032223+%22c2+module%22&access=p&output=xml_no_dtd&ie=UTF-8&client=DEFENSE_
frontend&site=airforce_all&proxystylesheet=DEFENSE_frontend&oe=ISO-8859-1
21st AMOS, Silver Bullet bring command, control to sky
by By Lt. Col. John Millard
21st Air Mobility Operations Squadron commander
11/17/2006 - MCGUIRE AIR FORCE BASE, N.J. -- The 21st Air Mobility Operations Squadron is a dynamic, total force squadron of 36 different Air Force specialties.
During its 30-year history, the squadron has evolved into a weapon system of recognized experts in air mobility leadership, strategic and operational planning, command and control, theater mobility support and expeditionary communications.
Not only does it produce theater air mobility operations for combatant commanders as the core of an air mobility division in an air and space operations center, the squadron also execute the distinguished visitor [DV] airborne communication mission. This is unique to the Air Force, and it is the only squadron to provide this capability with the Silver Bullet and VIPER II Aeronautical Terminal systems.
The DV airborne communication mission started in the early 1990s when a requirement to transport DVs into and out of a high-threat or austere environment was needed. Air Mobility Command, working with combatant commanders, developed a mobile command and control module that could be loaded onto a C-141 aircraft to provide long-range transportation with a robust global communications capability. The C2 module was a palletized Airstream trailer, with an embedded communications suite, and became known as the Silver Bullet. Two Silver Bullets were developed by the Air Force Research Laboratories, one was stationed at McGuire and the other at Yokota Air Base, Japan.
In the mid-90s, both Silver Bullets received a separate communications module to provide UHF/VHF communications and commercial satellite voice and data services. During the same period, the mission at McGuire became the responsibility of the 621st Air Mobility Operations Group.
In 1998, the capability to transport the Silver Bullet was expanded to include the KC-10, and then expanded to the C-17 in 2000. In late 2005, the Yokota Bullet became permanently assigned to McGuire and the communication mission is currently assigned to the 21st AMOS.
Each Silver Bullet mission typically deploys with three satellite communications maintainers who are trained in UHF/VHF communications and commercial satellite voice and data services.
The Airmen serve as both operators and maintainers in-flight and are the key to the program's success. Their expertise includes aircraft loads and connections and the applicable technical challenges of maintaining connectivity at 30,000 feet while moving at 400 knots. The typical mission lasts five-to-seven days, and the troops maintain a TDY rate greater than 200 days a year.
The Silver Bullet is literally an office in the sky with a full suite of command and control capabilities spanning all entities of the U.S. government and military. People who use the Silver Bullet include the vice president, secretary of defense, secretary of state, chairman, joint chiefs of staff, members of Congress and many of the combatant commanders. This vital capability is not executed alone; the squadron works closely with the 605th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron to keep the mission on track.
The 21st AMOS Communications Flight is also responsible for maintaining and executing the mission with a more flexible and mobile system called VIPER II.
VIPER II is a transit case-based satellite communications system. It is designed to give the technicians the ability to hand carry the system on and off C-17, KC-10, and C-130 airframes. This system deploys with two maintainers and provides the robust communication capability required in DV travel. There are STEs for secure voice and SIPRNET/NIPRNET connectivity utilizing four, 64K satellite channels for both the data and voice communication.
The 21st AMOS has transformed into a squadron with an amazing skill set. Whenever a DV needs global communication connectivity while traveling into and out of austere or hostile locations, it is the 21st AMOS who takes them to the fight.
The Silver Bullet is an amazing system for the long range deployments of the senior leaders. And when the requirement is to get them into and out of the really remote sites, VIPER II is the perfect choice.
The 21st AMOS is a leading expeditionary force, maintaining a forward posture to support our senior leaders and "ready to roll" at a moment's notice.

http://www.e-publishing.af.mil/shared/media/epubs/AFI11-2KC-10V3_TRAVISAFB_I.pdf
13.14. Cargo and Material Handling Equipment (MHE) Issues.
13.14.1. Joint Task Force/C2 Module. The C2 module (CCM) is a 36-foot long Airstream-type trailer built in 3 sections commonly referred to as the “Silver Bullet.” Each section is permanently mounted on 12-foot long airdrop pallets. Since the trailer is not FAA certified for occupancy during takeoff or landing, do not occupy for takeoff or landing. Procedures for installing the module are in Section 5 of T.O. 1C-10(K)A-9 and Chapter 25 of this instruction.
13.14.1.1. The module has the capability to carry up to 10 personnel, four in seats with seat belts. When cleared by the PIC the communications suite operator and flight attendants (FAs) will proceed to the module after take-off, establish power application, and establish interphone contact with the cockpit. Once interphone contact has been established, additional personnel will be cleared to the module. The right side section of the environmental curtain and cargo barrier net should be stowed to allow easy access to the module after passing 10,000 feet MSL and reinstalled after the module has been cleared prior to final landing. Interphone contact will be established and maintained with the module operator anytime the module is occupied.
13.14.1.2. The CCM is equipped with 10 EPOS units. In the event of a loss of cabin pressurization all occupants of the module will don the EPOS and proceed to the forward cabin when directed by the AC or a uniformed flight crewmember. Once seated in the forward cabin, they will be directed to use the drop-down masks as required.
13.14.1.3. The PIC remains responsible for the safety of all occupants of the module, and all additional individuals associated with the mission.
13.14.1.4. Normally, FAs will accompany the CCM and manage the DV and accompanying party. When reporting for the mission, they will provide the PIC with a current ground training report and copy of the most current AF IMT 8 certifying that they are current and qualified to operate equipment on the KC-10. FAs are qualified to operate doors (normal and emergency operation), brief and monitor passengers, accomplish customs and border clearance, and operate emergency equipment located in the forward cabin and cargo compartment. The lead FA will coordinate duties with the senior BO before the mission. Management of the DV and party is the primary responsibility of the senior FA; however, the overall responsibility of managing the forward cabin and cargo compartment rests with the senior BO on board the aircraft.

http://www.e-publishing.af.mil/shared/media/epubs/AFI11-2SAM-CSMV3_86AW_I.pdf.
3.2.2.1. Flight Attendant/CSO Crew Complements on Organic AMC “Silver Bullet” (KC-10/C-17/C-141/KC-135) Missions. For planning, the normal FA/CSO crew complement for basic FDP organic AMC missions will include 2 flight attendants and, if required, 1 CSO. The crew complement for augmented FDP organic AMC missions will consist of 3 flight attendants and, if required, 2 CSOs. At least one flight attendant will be MT qualified on an aircraft and, if required, at least one CSO will be MK qualified. All others will be at least FT or FK qualified. OG/CC, through unit C2, will determine the actual CSO/FA crew complement (increased or decreased) based upon passenger loads, configuration, and mission requirements. OG/CC will maintain waiver authority over CSO/FA crew complements on all organic AMC missions.

25 December 2009. Add ten photos of the Airborne Operations Center interior.

22 December 2009. Add photo of the Silver Bullet shot 12 April 2005.

21 December 2009

This shows the "executive compartment" installed in a C-17 Globemaster to provide comfortable travel accommodations
for the Secretary of Defense, VIPs and senior officers. It appears to be three-sections of joined Airstream mobile-home type units.
Nearby appears to be a communications module. It is not clear how many there are of these special installations. Air Force
personnel call this the "Silver Bullet" (ref 1) (ref 2).

[Image]
Source Uploaded to Flickr June 9, 2005 by ByronM, who writes:
If you have to spend 15 hours in the back of a plane, might as well do it in comfort. This is an old airstream trailer cut into pallet-size easily loadable chunks. While obviously very comfy, it's main value is the massive number of comm options it provides its passengers. [No location provided.]
[Image]
A trailer sits inside a U.S. Air Force C-17 cargo plane where U.S. Secretary of Defense Robert Gates sits while enroute to Baghdad, Iraq December 10, 2009 over Afghanistan. Secretary Gates stopped in Iraq following a two day trip to Afghanistan one week after U.S. President Barack Obama announced that he will send an additional 30,000 troops to Afghanistan. Getty
[Image]
White House staff, press and Secret Service personnel sit outside a luxury
trailer where U.S. first lady Laura Bush flies in privacy inside a C-17 military
aircraft for seven hours from Afghanistan to Slovenia, after a surprise visit to
Afghanistan, June 8, 2008. Reuters

C-17 Swank Flying Residence

Eyeball

This appears to be the earliest photo (4/12/2005) of the Silver Bullet on the DoD imagery site.
It shows the Airstream is not yet as securely strapped as in later photos.

[Image]

Members of the Office of the Secretary of Defense (SECDEF) and the traveling press work diligently around the "Silver Bullet," an Airstream trailer serving as an airborne command center, on board the US Air Force (USAF) C-17A Globemaster III in flight over Iraq. Date Shot: 4/12/2005. Date Posted: unknown

U.S. Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates' delegation works aboard a C-17 Globemaster III aircraft, based out of Charleston Air Force Base, S.C., en route to Baghdad, Iraq, July 28, 2009. Gates is traveling to Iraq to receive operational updates and meet with key Iraqi officials. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Jerry Morrison/Released) Date Posted: 7/29/2009

The cattle version for comparison:

[Image]

U.S. Marines with 2nd Battalion, 7th Marines Regiment wait aboard a C-17 Globemaster III aircraft at Manas Air Base, Kyrgyz Republic, March 27, 2008, to be flown to Kandahar Air Base in the Helman province of Afghanistan. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Jason T. Guiliano) (Released) Date Posted: unknown.

Department of Defense officials and military members enjoy a meal onboard a C-17 Globemaster III aircraft from Travis Air Force Base, Calif., Dec. 3, 2007, while enroute to Kabul, Afghanistan, from Djibouti during a recent trip with Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates. Gates is on a weeklong trip to Africa Command and U.S. Central Command areas of responibility for defense updates. DoD photo by Tech. Sgt. Jerry Morrison, U.S. Air Force. (Released) Date Posted: unknown

[Image]

U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgts. Tamara Collum and Rob Ferry, both flight attendants from the 89th Operations Support Squadron's Special Air Mission, prepare a meal onboard a C-17 Globemaster III aircraft from Travis Air Force Base, Calif., for Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates and his delegation while enroute to Kabul, Afghanistan, Dec. 3, 2007. DoD photo by Tech. Sgt. Jerry Morrison, U.S. Air Force. (Released) Date Posted: unknown

Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates and members of his staff take a flight on board a U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster III aircraft to Kabul, Afghanistan, Sept. 16, 2008. Gates is in Southwest Asia to meet with Iraqi and Afghan leaders and to preside over the change of command ceremony for Multi-National Force - Iraq. (DoD photo by Tech. Sgt. Jerry Morrison, U.S. Air Force/Released) Date Posted: 9/16/2008

[Image]

Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates holds a press conference on board a C-17 Globemaster aircraft en route to Iraq Feb. 10, 2008. Gates decided on the unannounced trip to Iraq following the Munich Security Conference. DoD photo by Tech. Sgt. Jerry Morrison, U.S. Air Force. (Released) Date Posted: 12/9/2008

Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates talks with members of his staff on board a U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster III aircraft en route to Kabul, Afghanistan, Sept. 16, 2008. Gates is in Southwest Asia to meet with Iraqi and Afghan leaders and to preside over the change of command ceremony for Multi-National Force - Iraq. (DoD photo by Tech. Sgt. Jerry Morrison, U.S. Air Force/Released) Date Posted: 9/16/2008

Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates, right, speaks with U.S. Army Gen. George W. Casey Jr., commander of Multinational Force - Iraq, aboard a C-17 Globemaster aircraft en route to Basra, Iraq, Jan. 19, 2007, to meets with British Maj. Gen. J.M. Shaw, commander of Multinational Division - South East. DoD photo by Cherie A. Thurlby. (Released) Date Posted: unknown

Defense Secretary Robert Gates reviews his notes on board a C-17 Globemaster as he travels throughout the Middle East, Jan. 18, 2007. Defense Dept. photo by Cherie A. Thurlby (released) Date Posted: unknown

Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates, left, meets with members of the traveling press on board a C-17 Globemaster III aicraft en route to Iraq Dec. 19, 2006, just one day after he took the oath of office as the 22nd secretary of defense. Gates is going to Iraq to meet with deployed troops, military leaders and key Iraqi government officials to help him assess the current situation and to prepare for the future. DoD photo by Cherie A. Thurlby. (Released) Date Posted: unknown

Defense Secretary Robert Gates, right, and U.S. Marine Gen. Peter Pace, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, share ideas on board a C-17 to Iraq, while Robert Rangel, special assistant to the secretary of defense, and Eric Edelman, under secretary of defense for policy, look on, Dec. 19, 2006. Gates is going to Iraq to meet with deployed troops, military leaders and key Iraqi government officials to help him assess the current situation and to prepare for the future. Defense Dept. photo by Cherie A. Thurlby (released) Date Posted: unknown

Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Gen, Peter Pace, shares his perspectives of the current military operations in Iraq during an interview with AP reporter, Bob Burns (right), ABC News reporter, Jonathan Karl (center) and DoD reporter, Jim Garamone (left), while, Special Assistant to the Chairman, Marine Col. Katie Haddock, takes notes onboard a C-17 aircraft enroute to Baghdad Iraq Aug. 11, 2006. Dept. of Defense photo by Staff Sgt. D. Myles Cullen, U.S. Air Force (released) Date Posted: unknown

Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Marine Gen. James E. Cartwright reenlists U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Thomas Lyons in an executive compartment aboard a C-17 Globemaster III aircraft over Afghanistan Nov. 13, 2008. Lyons is a C-17 crew chief assigned to the 305th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron at McGuire Air Force Base, N.J. (DoD photo by Master Sgt. Adam M. Stump, U.S. Air Force/Released) Date Posted: 11/26/2008

SecDef's accommodation before the executive compartments were rigged

[Image]

The Honorable Donald H. Rumsfeld (front-right), U.S. Secretary of Defense, and Lt. Gen. John Craddock (front-right), senior military assistant to the Secretary of Defense, and staff, are flying aboard a C-17 Globemaster III cargo aircraft, from Charleston Air Force Base S.C. to Afghanistan, on Dec. 4, 2003. (DoD Photo by Tech. Sgt. Andy Dunaway, U.S. Air Force) (Released) Date Posted: unknown

Alternative travel for the SecDef is on the E-4B Advanced Airborne Command Post, a militarized B-747-200.

http://www.af.mil/information/factsheets/factsheet.asp?fsID=99&page=2

The E-4B serves as the National Airborne Operations Center for the president, secretary of defense and the Joint Chiefs of Staff or JCS. In case of national emergency or destruction of ground command control centers, the aircraft provides a highly survivable, command, control and communications center to direct U.S. forces, execute emergency war orders and coordinate actions by civil authorities.

The main deck is divided into six functional areas: a command work area, conference room, briefing room, an operations team work area, and communications and rest areas. An E-4B crew may include up to 112 people, including a joint-service operations team, an ACC flight crew, a maintenance and security component, a communications team and selected augmentees.

The E-4B has electromagnetic pulse protection, an electrical system designed to support advanced electronics and a wide variety of new communications equipment. Other improvements include nuclear and thermal effects shielding, acoustic control, an improved technical control facility and an upgraded air-conditioning system for cooling electrical components. An advanced satellite communications system improves worldwide communications among strategic and tactical satellite systems and the airborne operations center.

[Image]

Deputy Chief of Mission to Afghanistan Ambassador Ricciardone and U.S. Army Gen. David Rodriguez, the deputy commander of International Security Assistance Force, greet Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates as he arrives in Kabul, Afghanistan, Dec. 8, 2009. Gates is on his first trip back to Southwest Asia after President Barack Obama announced he is sending an additional 30,000 troops to Afghanistan. (DoD photo by Master Sgt. Jerry Morrison, U.S. Air Force/Released) Date Posted: 12/8/2009

Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates talks to reporters while en route to Kabul, Afghanistan, Dec. 7, 2009. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Jerry Morrison/Released) Date Posted: 12/8/2009 [An office-bedroom suite is behind Gates in the nose of the aircraft (below).]

Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates listens to a question from a reporter while en route to Kabul, Afghanistan, Dec. 7, 2009. Gates is flying to Afghanistan to speak about the U.S. strategy to deploy an additional 30,000 troops. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Jerry Morrison/Released) Date Posted: 12/8/2009

[Image]

[Maureen Dowd, New York Times columnist at center, wasted from dozing in a seat for the flight while Gates snoozed in a VIP bedroom.]

U.S. Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates listens to questions from members of the press Feb. 18, 2009, during a press availability aboard a National Airborne Operations Center aircraft prior to departure from Andrews Air Force Base, Md. (DoD photo by Tech. Sgt. Jerry Morrison, U.S. Air Force/Released) Date Posted: 2/19/2009 [Behind the reporters is the global communications facility (see below).]

Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates holds a press conference aboard his aircraft Oct. 10, 2008, while enroute to Washington D.C. after meeting with NATO leaders during the Budapest NATO Conference. (DoD photo by Tech. Sgt. Jerry Morrison, U.S. Air Force/Released) Date Posted: 10/12/2008 [Behind Gates is his office-bedroom suite in the nose of the aircraft (below).]

Kristin Roberts, a reporter with Reuters, asks Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates a question during a press conference aboard his aircraft Oct. 10, 2008, while enroute to Washington D.C. after meeting with NATO leaders during the Budapest NATO Conference. (DoD photo by Tech. Sgt. Jerry Morrison, U.S. Air Force/Released) Date Posted: 10/12/2008

Reporters listen to Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates during a press briefing aboard the E-4B National Airborne Operations Center aircraft Oct. 6, 2008, while in flight over the Atlantic Ocean enroute to the Southeastern European Defense Ministerial. (DoD photo by Tech. Sgt. Jerry Morrison, U.S. Air Force/Released) Date Posted: 10/7/2008 [Behind the reporters is the global communications facility.]

Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates speaks during a press briefing aboard the E-4B National Airborne Operations Center aircraft Oct. 6, 2008, while in flight over the Atlantic Ocean enroute to the Southeastern European Defense Ministerial. (DoD photo by Tech. Sgt. Jerry Morrison, U.S. Air Force/Released) Date Posted: 10/7/2008

Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates finishes up some paperwork onboard the National Airborne Operations Center aircraft prior to his arrival at Camp Lemonier, Djibouti, Dec. 3, 2007. Gates is in the Horn of Africa during the kickoff of Africa Command and U.S. Central Command trip. DoD photo by U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Jerry Morrison, U.S. Air Force. (Released) Date Posted: unknown [This within the office-bedroom suite in the nose of the aircraft.]

Members of the Secretary of Defense's staff prepare for arrival at Camp Lemonier, Djibouti, Dec. 3, 2007. Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates is visiting the region for Department of Defense updates in the Horn of Africa. DoD photo by U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Jerry Morrison, U.S. Air Force. (Released) Date Posted: unknown

Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates talks to members of the traveling press onboard a U.S. Air Force E-4B National Airborne Operations Center aircraft Oct. 2, 2007, during his trip to Latin America. DoD photo by Tech. Sgt. Jerry Morrison, U.S. Air Force. (Released) Date Posted: Unknown [Behind the reporters is the global communications facility shown in the previous photo.]