STARCOM
The Southwestern Virginia
Scanner Club Newsletter Fall 2001
Newsletter by Mark Myers N4KSS 
Anyone wanting information on the Southwest Virginia Scanner Club, please contact Darrell Rayfield at 540- 510-1103 or drayf@roanoke.infi.net
Air Force One Pic was taken by
Ken Litton (klitton@highpoint.net) at Andrews AFB
VIP-Associated Units & Aircraft
By Ron Perrin (Rapbep@aol.com)
As promised here's my compilation of information on the various US military
units and aircraft involved in transporting VIPs. Most of the narrative is
taken from various Web sites. The aircraft information is based upon my own
logs and information received from several Milcom'ers (Allanstern@aol.com;
Combatsent@aol.com; and Crewrest1@compuserve.com) as well as information
contained in the Scramble database.
The primary US unit providing VIP flight support is the 89th Airlift Wing, at
Andrews AFB Maryland (outside of Washington DC). On July 12, 1991, the 89th
MAW merged with the 1776th Air Base Wing to become the 89th Airlift Wing. The
airlift wing is an Air Mobility Command asset directly assigned to 21st Air
Force, headquartered at McGuire AFB, N.J. Units assigned to the 89th ALW
include: the Presidential Flight; the 1st Helicopter Squadron; and the 99th
Airlift Squadron.
The presidential air transport fleet consists of two specially configured
Boeing 747-200Bs -- tail numbers 28000 and 29000 -- with the Air Force
designation VC-25A. When the president is aboard either aircraft, or any Air
Force aircraft, the radio call sign is "Air Force One."
Principal differences between the VC-25A and the standard Boeing 747, other
than the number of passengers carried, are the electronic and communications
equipment aboard Air Force One, its interior configuration and furnishings,
self-contained baggage loader, front and aft air-stairs, and the capability
for inflight refueling.
Accommodations for the president include an executive suite consisting of a
stateroom (with dressing room, lavatory and shower) and the president's
office. A conference/dining room is also available for the president, his
family and staff. Other separate accommodations are provided for guests,
senior staff, Secret Service and security personnel, and the news media.
Two galleys provide up to 100 meals at one sitting. Six passenger lavatories
-- including handicap facilities -- are provided as well as a rest area and
mini-galley for the aircrew. The VC-25A also has a compartment outfitted with
medical equipment and supplies for minor medical emergencies.
These aircraft are flown by the presidential aircrew, maintained by the
Presidential Maintenance Branch, and are assigned to Air Mobility Command's
89th Airlift Wing, Andrews Air Force Base, Md.
27000 VC-137 AEHP USED AS AF-1 BACKUP-VENUS 07 ?
28000 VC-25A AKFP AIR FORCE 1-VENUS 01
29000 VC-25A AEMP AIR FORCE 1 BACKUP-VENUS 02
Whenever the President flies, especially on cross-country or international
flights, both VC-25s will be used. One of them being Air Force 1 and the
other serving in a back-up role. In addition to the VC-25s, other aircraft
(C-141s or C-5s) will also be used in support roles transporting advance
security and communications teams. On international flights the ABNCP E-4s
are also deployed to support the National Command structure. These E-4Bs
carry the numbers:
73-1676
73-1677
73-0787
73-0125
In addition to the Presidential Flight, there is another VIP transport unit
based at Andrews AFB subordinate to the 89th ALW; the 99th Airlift Squadron.
The mission of the 99th Airlift Squadron is to "MAINTAIN A TEAM OF DEDICATED
PROFESSIONALS TO PROVIDE UNSURPASSED DV AIRLIFT." The squadron operates
specially configured C-9 and C-20 aircraft on Special Air Missions (SAM)
directed by HQ USAF supporting the President, Vice President, and other US
and foreign senior diplomats. Selectively manned aircrews are responsible for
the detailed planning and execution of sensitive missions of national and
international consequence. The crew establishes direct coordination with
numerous agencies to include Headquarters United States Air Force, embassies,
and Congressional offices. Crews conduct these global missions isolated from
normal supply and command and control structures. The aircrews accomplish
Special Air Missions (SAM) into unfamiliar airfields, in all weather
conditions, with 99.5% reliability often while the world is literally
watching. The crews obtain diplomatic clearances and coordinate all enroute
support requirements essential to mission accomplishment. Typical missions
include supporting Congressional delegations sent to monitor election results
in Haiti, shuttle diplomacy missions in the Balkans, missions flown in
support of the 50th Anniversary of the United Nations, and the V-E and V-J
Day celebrations. The 99th Airlift Squadron routinely conducts First Lady and
Air Force Two missions and provides aircrew members to augment Air Force One
missions. The 99th Airlift Squadron has a proud tradition of accident-free
transportation, first class passenger service, and unsurpassed reliability.
Today the 99th Airlift Squadron continues to provide VIP transportation and
is in the process of modernizing its fleet of aircraft
SAM/AIRCRAFT # AIRCRAFT TYPE SELCAL REMARKS
77 VC-137 VENUS 77 HEAVY
90-0300 C-20 DFBS
92-0375 C-20 JSCP
31681 C-9 VENUS 81
31682 C-9 VENUS 82
31683 C-9 VENUS 83
50050 VENUS 50
56973 VC-137 AELP POSS SAM 93
60201 C-20 AFGP VENUS 21
60202 C-20 AFHP EXECUTIVE 1 FOX- VENUS 21
60203 C-20 AFJP VENUS 23
60204 C-20 AFKP VENUS 24
60206 C-20 AFMP EXECUTIVE 1 FOX-VENUS 26
60403 C-20 VENUS 43?
80001 C-32 MSER VENUS 91
80002 C-32 MSFG VENUS 92
86971 VC-137
90003 C-32 MSFL VENUS 93?
90004 C-32 MSFP VENUS 94?
970400 C-37 PSMQ VENUS 40?
970401 C-37 PSMR VENUS 41?
In addition to the 89th ALW aircraft, there are other units in the US
military providing VIP airlift support for high-ranking military and civilian
personnel. Some of these aircraft are called SPAR resources. SPAR is SPecial
Air Resources, and is a callsign used for non-89AW acft on VIP transport
missions. Some SPAR calls stick with the a specific individual; for example:
SPAR 06- ACFT # 61-0327 (POSS SAME AS SPAR 406)
SPAR 56- VC-135
SPAR 60-
SPAR 61-
SPAR 63
SPAR 65 = Dep CinC EUCOM-SPAR65 is the C-135 assigned to the SACEUR but based
at Ramstein (EDAR)
SPAR 66
SPAR 67- POSS USAFE ACFT
SPAR 76 = NATO SCEUR C-9A (#71-0876), The aircraft is assigned to the
SACEUR for his sole use. SPAR76 is a operated by the SACEUR Flight Section in
Chievres AIN, Belgium
SPAR 84 = CENTCOM CinC- EC-135 N/Y # 72-0284 (6th OG, 91st ARS MacDill)
((Also have EC-135N as # 61-0329 & EC-135Y as # 55-3125.
SPAR 87- C-21A # 84-0111 Ramstein (86th AW, 76th AS)
SPAR 89-
SPAR 98-
SPAR 99- C-9A Europe DV aircraft
The SAM & SPAR aircraft consitute the largest numbers of VIP airlift
aircraft. However, there are several other units & aircraft providing VIP
support:
The US Navy's VR-1 Star Lifters, based at Andrews AFB operate two
VIP-configured C-20Ds ( # 163691 & #163692). Also seen as JK 691 & JK 692.
These aircraft provide airlift support for various high-ranking Navy military
and Department of the Navy civilians (SecNav, DepSecNav, etc).
The Navy's VP-30 (NAS Jacksonville) also provides several
specially-configured P-3s (in both CONUS and overseas locations) for VIP
flights:
# 149676 VP-3A VP-30 JAX Chief Naval Ops (CNO)
# 150494 VP-3A CINCLant
# 150515 VP-3A VP-30 CINCAFSE-Sigonella (may use voice callsign Catbird)
Other VIP support aircraft that I am aware of include:
# 61-2668 C-135C PACAF 65th Airlift Sqdn (Hickam AFB, HI)
# 83-0502 C-20A 76th AS (Ramstein, Germany)
# 84-0111 C-20A 76th AS ( Ramstein, Germany)
RON
MIDDLE ATLANTIC MILCOM
MARYLAND, USA
A Review of the Uniden BC780XLT by Peter Vieth
The Uniden BC780XLT has changed my scanning habits. The 780 was heralded primarily because of its ability to track the three major trunking systems, and to scan the various systems simultaneously, along with conventional frequencies. It does that and does it well. But compared to the state-of-the-art scanners of even a few years ago, the 780 offers several other new dimensions.
The neatest one for me was alpha tags. I know that more sophisticated conventional scanners have had this function before, but I had never experienced it. I had the impression it was a way to make scanners more “friendly” for people who really didn’t understand scanning. Now, I see it as a way to allow scanning a huge number of frequencies without the expected confusion over what you’re hearing.
Another great feature for me is the tone searching capability. In my neighborhood, we have a number of common “itinerant” frequencies in use. I have always wanted to be able to use a scanner to distinguish between the different users. Now, I can program Allstate (464.500 / tone 82.5) into one channel and Hidden Valley Country Club (464.500 / tone 179.9) into another. Cuts interference and, with alpha tags, you know at a glance who you’re listening to. These privacy tones also make it possible to monitor agencies like the Franklin and Pittsylvania Sheriffs without hearing the annoying rasp noise when they use their encryption. Since the encryption traffic doesn’t carry tones, the scanner just ignores it.
A third revelation was the ability to use computer software to program the beast. Alpha tags alone make this a real necessity. If, like me, you’re used to just three parameters per channel (frequency, delay, lockout), the vast possibilities of the 780 are both a blessing and a curse. For each channel, you can specify tone, attenuation, delay time, alpha tag, mode, step size, record function, and a beep alert to let you know when the channel becomes active. Programming even a quarter of the 500 channels is a daunting task, made much easier when you can do it on a computer keyboard.
Even with a computer to help, you can burn a lot of time just finding interesting new frequencies, identifying them and their tones, and then programming them into the scanner. Fine tuning the channels you’ve already programmed is also fun, but time-consuming.
Once you actually run the thing, however, a new aspect of this scanner becomes apparent. If it’s programmed right, it pretty much runs itself, making the differences between trunked channels and conventional channels almost disappear. You can set up this radio, install in the car of the most techno-phobic klutz, and let him go. He’ll still be able to monitor the chosen users (trunked and conventional) and actually know what he’s listening to. When you turn it on, it scans both selected trunking ID’s and selected conventional channels without a break. The alpha tags identify the agency, so you don’t have to keep a “cheat sheet” of frequencies and talk groups to know who you’re hearing.
The goal, apparently, was to make a scanner that appeals to both the dedicated hobbyist, who can immerse himself in all the details of radio control, AND the basic appliance operator, who just wants to keep track of the rescue calls and switch to “Tac 2” when necessary. The 780 pretty much fills the bill, with a few compromises on each side. It’s a little too easy for the casual listener to get lost if he hits the wrong key. It’s also a little too hard for the radio geek to quickly switch into the “active monitor” role. Imagine you’re driving and quickly want to search for a tone on a new catch. You have to stop, take your eyes off the road, and press five keystrokes (in exactly the right order) to stop scanning and start searching for a tone. If you forget to stop the car first, you can end up a hood ornament on a large truck.
I almost forgot about trunking. The Roanoke City / County system tracks just great, same as my little BC235. Only now I can forget the talk group numbers, because I’ve got the agency names programmed right in there. Wha tracks just great, same as my little BC235. Only now I can forget the talk group numbers, because I've got the agency names programmed right in there. What’s new for me is the Bedford trunked system. I couldn't monitor those radios before because it’s an Ericsson EDACS system. Lynchburg works, too, but you have to get past the City of Bedford before it picks up. Should you buy this radio? If you want to monitor multiple systems at once, the answer is “Yes.” If you want to find privacy tones and use them to separate agencies and block interference, the answer is “Yes.” If you don't like a lot of buttons and complicated menu-driven controls, and you don't know someone who will program the radio for you, stay away. The price is about $350 and you can get it from Grove and other major mail order suppliers.
Mounted Patrol in Downtown Roanoke. Photo by Darrell RayfieldWater Shortage of 1999 by Paul Cobb KD4CDE
A word of caution to all monitors in the southeast US, because of watershortages and restrictions. Here in the north Metro ATL area, we aregoing thru one of the dryest seasons I can remember. To get caught watering your yard during certain time periods, can be down-right expensive. Cobb County fines a person $500.00 for watering their yard at other than approved periods.This morning, I was rolling out my 125 ft. of MIL-17A/W hard line so that I could clean it off and straighten it out with the sun's cooperation, as it wasforecast to be close to 100 degrees today. I noticed a county utility truck pass by my yard.I didn't think it was strange as the driver and his passenger reallylooked to see what I was doing. In about five minutes, the truck cameback by and the driver stopped. He got out and told me that if I wasplanning on watering my yard with that hose, he would have to write me acitation and I would have to appear in Magistrate's court. I told himhim if he could get water out of that large black coaxial cable, thatboth he and I would be very rich. He saw that he had made a big blunderand proceeded to voice his opinion of my mother and where I should putthat coaxial cable. I later called the water department day shift supervisor on the phone. He promptly said in his opinion that I had "baited" the water department employee, as I should have known that he was patrolling to catch violators. We agreed to disagree and left it at that. If you live in areas that have water rationing, as all areas in the southeast currently do; please don't stretch your coaxial cable out in the sun to help straighten it out; at least until water rationing is over. It definitely makes for opportunities for patrolling waterdepartment personel to make a monkey of themselves and they do tend toget embarrassed, very mad and do not understand at all. Unfortunatelythey can possibly have the last word while holding your water system atransom.Paul Cobb KD4CDE
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