Thule Times - Peterson Space Force Base
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Thule Times
Volume 1, Issue 1 March 2022
Commander’s Corner: Staying Positive!
By Col Heather L. McGee, Commander, 821st Air Base Group Inside this issue:
I can’t believe it’s been over NORTHCOM in March, and exe- something to smile about or
eight months since Chief cute our much anticipated something to look forward to USAF Tech Sergeant 2
Benge and I arrived at Thule Greenlandic Heritage Week in each day in order to stay Maintains Equip-
ment for Thule
– we arrived on 2 Jul as we April. I’ve seen plenty of arctic positive and energetic.
High Arctic Atmos-
were delayed one day for a foxes, some arctic hares, but Sometimes I’ll stop in the
pheric Observatory
STORMCON CHARLIE on have yet to see a Polar Bear – if Chapel – not necessarily to talk
1 Jul! It was 24 hours of I do, I hope to see it from very to Chaplain Hanson (although Op Julemand— 2-3
daylight then – which at the far away and while I’m in my car he always has something funny Santa Comes to
time was hard to get used so I can make a quick escape J to say) – but to just sit in the Town
to, but now after a few I’m not much of an outdoors awesome massage chair that is
months of dark, will be a person, but I have ventured out hidden away over there for a few Thule Air Base on 4
welcome change when we on some Thule Trips in the minutes. I keep finding massage the Map
go back to all daylight in “warmer” months – my next goal chairs all over the base – if it Upcoming Events 5
April (don’t worry, you will is to climb Mount Dundas, but I’ll were up to me (meaning if I had
see plenty of sun by the end save that for when the sun the money), we’d have one in
of this month!) comes out. every office! Of course I have
my moments when I miss my
It’s been a busy command If there is one thing I have
son terribly, but finding some-
tour so far with many activi- learned in my time here at
thing positive to focus on helps
ties and Distinguished Visi- Thule, it’s to keep a positive
me make it through the days.
tors (to include Her Majesty mindset. While being away from
the Queen of Denmark and family and friends, coupled with Not all days will be perfect here Newspaper Staff:
the SECAF), and more continual darkness, can get you – but one positive thought or
coming – we’ll host NORAD/ down, I always try to find vibe can change your whole day
Publishing Advisor:
– and so can a massage chair!
Lt Col Douglas Hickey
Editor-In-Chief:
1st Lt Jennifer Kentgen
Primary Stories Editor:
MSgt Cassandra Denton
Photo Editor:
SSgt David Svendsen
To feature in the newspaper,
please contact the Newspaper
Staff.
Volume 1, Issue 1
USAF Tech Sergeant Maintains Equipment for Thule High Arctic
Atmospheric Observatory
By MSgt Brian Messier, 821st Support Squadron, Chief Air Traffic Controller
located at the Thule High Arctic said, “Because I go up and continue
Atmospheric Observatory (THAAO). the research, I’m able to increase
Operated by an international team their research exponentially. They
of scientists based in Italy and typically only operate the LIDAR
overseen by the National Science once a day for two-ish weeks once a
Foundation (NSF) and other year. I’m able to go up once or twice
agencies, the observatory and its a week, depending on the weather,
instruments are key to data and give them further data that
collection and analysis for several they otherwise would need to fly
multi-year research projects dating here for or have someone
TSgt Charles M. Klinger stands atop the observato-
back to 1991. permanently stationed here doing.
ry during a data-gathering operation. One of the more involved It’s a more complete picture”.
One of the principal complicated processes TSgt Klinger drives is the As a result of his work at the
issues that the international collection of data from the LIDAR THAAO, TSgt Klinger has been listed
community faces for its future is (Light Detection and Ranging). This as the co-author in two recent
global climate change. At Thule Air is a high powered laser used to scientific research papers, the
Base, Greenland, the Air and Space measure temperature, aerosols, findings of which have been
Force, along with their allied and particulate matter from the presented internationally by the
partners, are at the forefront of the Earth’s upper atmosphere, which team of scientists based in Italy,
issue. One Airman in particular is have a direct effect on the with more research still ongoing.
doing just about everything he can increasing temperatures in the For his efforts at the THAAO and
to support one of Thule’s top Arctic region and climate change other environmental research
mission priorities and further the across the world as a whole. This projects at Thule, TSgt Klinger
research capabilities for leading data, along with the data derived received letters of recommendation
scientists around the globe. from the other instruments he from Josh Willis (NASA OMG Lead
TSgt Charles M. Klinger, an Air utilizes and maintains, paints a Scientist) and Giovanni Muscari
Traffic Controller assigned to the detailed picture of atmospheric (INGV Lead Scientist) and was
821st Support Squadron, has been changes in the increasingly accepted into a Land Resources and
operating and maintaining some of vulnerable arctic. Environmental Sciences Master’s
the ground based equipment When asked about the significance Program at Montana State
of the work he’s doing, TSgt Klinger University.
Op JULEMAND—Santa Came to Town
By Capt Clifton Hanson, Installation Chaplain, Thule AB, Greenland
On 18 December, the Operation the enveloping mid-winter area immediately
Julemand team traveled to the darkness, 60 miles north of Thule surrounding Thule
northern Greenlandic village of Air Base to the tiny village. Air Base was still a
Qaanaaq. Our trip had been very recent event,
2021 marked the 62nd annual
delayed multiple times due to and this operation
Operation Julemand. It was started
weather conditions, but on that was one way that
in 1959 by two airmen stationed at
day, Jens and Arne, our helicopter US military
Thule who, being away from their
flight crew, ably ferried Santa Claus members sought
own children, simply wanted to
and our team, comprised of SMSgt to build relations
bring some joy to children at
Cosler, SSgt Hilliard, SSgt Svendsen, with local communities. Four villag-
Christmas time. At that time, the
SSgt DeCosta, and myself through es are part of Operation Julemand:
displacement of locals from the
Volume 1, Issue 1
Op JULEMAND—Cont’d
Qaanaaq, Savissivik, Siorapaluk, and community center with village With Santa’s special visit, the
Qeqertat. Qaanaaq, the largest of leaders where we were given a village leaders made an exception,
the four and the education hub for tour and some lovely gifts of our allowing the children to open their
all the villages, is the focal point of own. gifts early.
the operation.
When we landed outside Qaanaaq,
we were greeted by members and
leaders of the community, loaded
into a fire truck, and taken into the
village lights flashing and sirens
sounding. Children ran along the
side of the road, greeting Santa
with cheers, and followed us to the
local school where over 200
members of the community were
gathered for the festivities. Local families enjoying their presents. (Photo by SSgt
David Svendsen, 821st Security Forces Squadron)
Then, it was back to Thule. The day,
however, was not over yet. Air Thule Team members graciously accepting the
Greenland had made room for gifted painting, which is on display at the chapel.
(Photo by SSgt David Svendsen, 821st Security Forces Squadron)
Santa Claus on the outgoing flight
to Savissivik, an island village of When the day was finished, and
approximately 50 inhabitants. This our team reflected on all we had
was the first time Santa Claus, and seen and done, we realized that
OJ had visited Savissivik in recent something unexpected had
memory—one villager claimed it occurred. Yes, we had
Thule Team Members wrapping presents. had been more than twenty years. “strengthened US military relations
When we arrived, the village leader When the helicopter landed, the with host nations,” which is great
greeted us in Greenlandic, and whole village was gathered nearby, fodder for an award package. And
Santa Claus gave a translated waiting for Santa’s arrival. The yes, we had delivered 250 gifts to
greeting to the gathered presents had yet to be delivered 209 children in the 4 villages, and
community. The gifts, which had here, so Santa got to do the honors there was much Christmas cheer as
been wrapped and sent a month himself. The children looked up at a result. But what experiencing the
earlier, were waiting under the tree him in awe as he trudged next to joy of those communities did to
at the gym center. Santa was given them in the snow, bag of presents each of us—that was something
the honor of giving the first gift; slung over his back. When they more than we expected. In a place
from there, the elves took over, arrived at the tiny schoolhouse, the so dark and cold and isolated, to be
and pure, joyous chaos erupted. children performed a traditional blessed to
Our team was surrounded by kids, song as they danced a circle around bring and
excited to take pictures with the the tree. Santa Claus isn’t one to participate
Americans. Santa couldn’t turn shed tears, but I was told his eyes in that kind
around without having another were welling up as the little ones of shared
infant placed in his arms or a child finished their song. joy marked
on his knee for yet another picture. Because Santa did not typically visit us all in
The experience was absolutely Savissivik, the gifts that come from ways we
electrifying. Operation Julemand are usually gratefully
After the main festivities ended, distributed to the children at carry all of
our team walked to the local Christmas Eve church services. our days. Chaplain Hanson as Santa Claus, holding an infant.
(Photo by SSgt David Svendsen, 821st Security Forces Squadron)
Volume 1, Issue 1
Thule Air Base on the Map
By Lt Col Doug Hickey, Deputy Commander, 821st Air Base Group
Lieutenant General Stephen Whiting;
Commander, Peterson-Schriever
Garrison, Colonel Zachary
Warakomski; Deputy Commander,
Canadian North American Aerospace
Defense Region, Brigadier General
Derek O’Malley; and Deputy Director
Colonel Heather McGee, Commander, 821st Air Base
for the Office of Emerging Security
Chief of Space Operations, General John Raymond, stop by
Group presents a token of appreciation from the Airmen Challenges in the Bureau of Arms
the Thule Air Base radio station to record a shout-out
and Guardians at Thule Air Base to Her Majesty, the
Queen of Denmark, Margrethe II.
Control, Verification and Compliance, broadcasted on the Polar Playbook radio show with TSgt
Leanthony Bosserman, 821st Support Squadron.
(Photo by SSgt David Svendsen, 821st Security Forces Squadron) United States Department of State,
(Photo by SSgt Simplicio Espiritu, 12th Space Warning Squadron).
Thule Air Base, the northernmost Mr. William Shobert II.
Base is a central piece to the Artic
Department of Defense installation,
Strategy, however, it has to compete
remains postured to enable force
with other priorities across the
projection, space superiority, and
Department of Defense to gain timely
scientific research in the Arctic
funding to be able to execute
Region for the United States and
improvements to power generation,
Allies through integrated base
airfield access, communications and
support and defense operations. The
facility infrastructure and achieve the
collective efforts of the 821st Air Base
following mission objectives:
Group (base operating support), 12th
Objective 1: Strengthen our
Space Warning Squadron (missile
partnerships with the DoD and the
warning, missile defense, space
Department of the Air Force (DAF)
domain awareness), and 23rd Space
and with our international allies and
Operations Squadron, Detachment 1
Colonel Zachary Warakomski, Commander, Peterson- research organizations through
(satellite telemetry, tracking, Schriever Garrison, talks with Airmen and Guardians at a
innovation and collaboration
commanding) make this all possible. Town Hall during his first visit to Thule Air Base.
(Photo by SSgt Aziza Wilkerson, 821st Support Squadron) (cooperation).
Objective 2: Enhance our capability
These visits served as an opportunity
to conduct mission operations while
for senior leaders to thank Airmen
building a sustainable physical and
and Guardians for their work in the
cyber infrastructure in an austere
Arctic environment supporting and
environment (resiliency).
safeguarding United States national
Objective 3: Remain mission ready
security interests. Additionally, the
and resourced and adapt for surge
‘eyes-on’ visits to Thule Air Base
Commander, Space Operations Command, Lieutenant operations in support of
General Stephen Whiting, thank the Airmen and Guardi- furthered senior leader
ans at Thule Air Base prior to the Holiday Season. contingencies (response).
understanding of the missions
Over the last 4 months, Thule Air accomplished and associated
Base has had the opportunity to challenges in our remote location
showcase its importance in the Arctic where the only way in or out is via
by hosting numerous United States plane or boat. Having senior leaders
and international leaders. Of note visit Thule Air Base is invaluable to
were Her Majesty, the Queen of furthering the Thule Air Base mission
Denmark, Margrethe II; Secretary of as advocacy is needed at the highest
the Air Force, The Honorable Frank levels for resourcing and funding of
Kendall; Commander, United States Thule Air Base current and future
Space Command, General James investment projects to be able to 12th Space Warning Squadron Guardians pose with Army
General James Dickinson, Commander, United States Space
Dickinson; Chief of Space Operations, keep up with the desires outlined in
Command (USSPACECOM), and Marine Master Gunnery
General John Raymond; Commander, the United States and Department of Sergeant Scott Stalker, Command Senior Enlisted Leader, on
the roof of the radar overlooking North Star Bay.
Space Operations Command, Defense Arctic Strategy. Thule Air (Photo by SSgt David Svendsen, 821st Security Forces Squadron)
Volume 1, Issue 1
THULE EVENTS SCHEDULE
11 Mar Bar Games
11 Mar 80s-90s Party
12 Mar 3 V 3 Basketball Tournament
12 Mar Glow Bowling
12 Mar Karaoke
18 Mar Free Bowling
18 Mar St. Patrick’s Day Party
20 Mar Mongolian BBQ
5 Apr AFE Adventure visit
15-19 Apr Greenland Heritage Week
18 Apr Easter
28 Apr (tentative) AFE Pro-Blitz visit
26 May Combat Dining Out (buy your Nerf guns now!)
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