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Special Warfare Training Wing Unveils Maltz Special Warfare Aquatic Training Center

April 17th, 2024

JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, CHAPMAN TRAINING ANNEX, Texas. —

The Special Warfare Training Wing hosts the grand opening of the Maltz Special Warfare Aquatic Training Center at Joint Base San Antonio, Lackland-Chapman Training Annex, Apr. 2, 2024.

“This is a historic day for the Special Warfare Training Wing and the Air Force Special Warfare community as we come together to honor Master Sergeant Mike Maltz”, said U.S. Air Force Col. Nathan Colunga, SWTW commander. “Our ceremony today represents the culmination of years of work from countless individuals who turned the Maltz Special Warfare Aquatic Training Center from an idea into reality.”

The aquatic training center is named after U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Michael Maltz, a fallen pararescueman who made the ultimate sacrifice on Mar. 23, 2003 alongside five other crewmembers of an HH-60G helicopter when it struck a mountain during an aerial refueling attempt on the way to rescue two injured children near Ghazni, Afghanistan, living up to the pararescue motto, “That Others May Live”.

Maltz enlisted in the Air Force in 1978, serving as an apprentice cable splicer before successfully cross-training into the pararescue career field. Maltz earned his maroon beret in December 1985 and was recognized as the class Honor Graduate for his superb leadership qualities and academic excellence.

“Mike was a legend in the pararescue career field, he was admired and respected by all”, said U.S. Air Force Col. Edward “Tre’” Irick, a combat rescue officer and current SWTW deputy commander. “He was the face of pararescue recruiting and became one of the most revered Indoctrination Course instructors of my generation. He forged many of the Special Warfare Airmen who prosecuted the Global War on Terror and I can personally attest to his commitment to develop Airmen because he taught me water confidence skills when I was a young lieutenant. We honor him today by continuing to share stories about his commitment to excellence as we forge the next generation of Special Warfare Airmen.”

First initiated in 2010 and championed by the 21st Chief of Staff of the Air Force, U.S. Air Force Gen. David Goldfein (ret.), construction on the Maltz Special Warfare Aquatic Training Center began in mid-2021, finishing in early 2024. The construction was a collaborative effort between the Air Force Civil Engineer Center, the Fort Worth District of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the 802nd Civil Engineer Squadron, the Special Warfare Training Support Squadron and various contractors.

“We would like to thank all the stakeholders who came together to build the Maltz Special Warfare Aquatic Training Center,” said Colunga. “Your professionalism, speed, and tenacity in helping us build this facility is deeply appreciated. This facility will be used by countless Special Warfare trainees on their journeys to become Air Force Special Warfare operators.

The Maltz Special Warfare Aquatic Training Center is 76,000 square feet, consisting of two enclosed, climate-controlled indoor swimming pools of varying depths geared to meet the training needs for the Air Force’s global combat operations. The aquatic training center will also feature classrooms, restrooms, locker rooms, showers, various medical spaces for treatment and rehabilitation, and a human performance center.

“Today’s ceremony marks a major milestone towards realizing Chapman Training Annex as the home of Air Force Special Warfare training,” said Colunga. “The Maltz Special Warfare Aquatic Center will undoubtedly be a force multiplier in our mission set, and it is only fitting that all of our trainees who will come through this facility must aim to live up to the character of Mike Maltz.”

By Special Warfare Training Wing Public Affairs

Special Warfare Training Wing

Posted in AFSW, Air Force, Guest Post, Memorial, Training | No Comments »

Kromek Shows the Value of Innovation and R&D to Demonstrate New Capabilities at International Events and Win Further Orders

April 16th, 2024

Kromek, the designer and manufacturer of radiological and biological detectors, based in Sedgefield Co. Durham, premiered its “remote mode” for its ground-breaking D5 RIID at Security & Policing held in Farnborough, UK, in March 2024.

The D5 RIID is the most sensitive portable detector produced by Kromek. Its “remote mode” allows it to becarried by an uncrewed ground vehicle. Its long endurance and networked capability means that it can explore potentially contaminated sites and can loiter to scan continuously for radioactive material without putting a human operator in harm’s way. Following recent research and development (R&D) initiatives, the latest technical enhancements to the D5 RIID programme were shown to senior officials in the Ministry of Defence, Police forces and first responders at Security & Policing.

Meanwhile, at the CBRNe Summit Europe in Budapest, Hungary, Mari Tuomela, Kromek’s Head of Sales (EMEA & APAC), demonstrated the D5 RIID (and its additional probe for detecting Alpha and Beta isotopes – another product of innovative R&D) with live sources. The audience was astonished at the speed of isotope identification and also that the device detected the very weakest of sources.

Kromek’s Commercial Director Craig Duff reflects: “The evolution of the D5 RIID, with both the addition of external probes and the ability to mount the detector on an uncrewed ground vehicle for remote operation, demonstrates the benefits of continuous in-house research and development. Our products can be adapted at pace to meet the changing requirements in this complex international political and threat environment.”

Duff’s comments were reinforced by the announcement at the end of March of a further $2.1m order for detectors for the security screening market from a previous OEM customer, where joint R&D had resulted in the original contract, and by a presentation at the Waste Management Symposia 24 in Arizona, USA, on how Kromek’s CZT detectors have been adapted by researchers at the University of Bristol to be carried by drones for wide area scanning and detection.

Back in the European Union, Kromek D3S detectors were deployed in Belgium, on 9th April to secure the launch of the Festival of the New European Bauhaus 2024, at the Brussels Art and History Museum, attended by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo and other dignitaries.

www.kromek.com

Posted in CBRNE, International, Press Release | No Comments »

Adept Armor Releases Jaw-Dropping Video: “NovaSteel Helmet Endurance Test vs. 357 Magnum”

April 16th, 2024

New video showcases the remarkable durability and resilience of the Adept Armor NovaSteel ACH-style helmet when subjected to rigorous testing against a .357 Magnum revolver.

Tulsa, Okla. (April 2024) – Adept Armor, the most innovative company in leading performance body armor, announces the release of its latest video demonstration: “NovaSteel Helmet Endurance Test vs. 357 Magnum.” This video showcases the remarkable durability and resilience of the Adept Armor NovaSteel ACH-style helmetwhen subjected to rigorous testing against a .357 Magnum revolver firing FPJ ammo from PPU.

In this groundbreaking demonstration, viewers will witness the comparative performance of three helmets:

1 Czech M53: The video reveals the rapid penetration of the Czech M53 helmet, exposing the vulnerabilities inherent in 20th-century steel helmets.

2 Police Surplus Helmets (rated IIIA):Despite its purported rating, the police surplus helmet exhibited severe degradation and extreme localized deformation under the impact of the .357 Magnum rounds.

3 NovaSteel ACH-style Helmet (rated VPAM-3 + special threats): The NovaSteel helmet emerged as the undisputed champion, enduring more than two dozen shots with remarkable fortitude. Despite relentless assault, the NovaSteel helmet resisted penetration, exhibited minimal shell deformation, and maintained its padding integrity. The test was only halted when the retention system reached its limit, a testament to the helmet’s exceptional durability.

“We couldn’t be prouder of the performance demonstrated by the NovaSteel ACH-style helmet in this rigorous test,” commented Jake Ganor, founder of Adept Armor. “The video underscores our commitment to providing high-quality protective gear that exceeds industry standards and offers unparalleled protection to our customers.”

To witness the incredible resilience of the NovaSteel helmet firsthand, watch the full video on Adept Armor’s official YouTube channel.

For more information on Adept Armor and its range of innovative protective solutions, visit its website.

Explore Adept Armor NovaSteel helmet options:

•NovaSteel Helmet – High Cut

• ?NovaSteel Helmet – ACH

Posted in Helmets, Press Release | No Comments »

Sneak Peek – Black Hills Designs LBV

April 16th, 2024

Black Hills Designs has offered us a sneak peek of their upcoming Load Bearing Vest which comes after three years of development.

PALS compatible, it’s built with the drone operator and other enablers in mind and retains the ability to carry a full size ruck with kidney belt, including internal and external frames.

Offering in MultiCam in the first round with Ranger Green coming next.

www.blackhillsdesigns.net

Posted in Load Carrying | 1 Comment »

Tactical Tuesday: 37.5 Tech & Products

April 16th, 2024

You work hard and you need gear that can keep you going. At Vertx® we incorporate the best performance technology into our apparel. Our partnership with 37.5® Technology started over 10 years ago with our Integrity Shell Jacket and now encompasses a full line of shirts, pants, and accessories. In any condition, 37.5® fabrics are working with your natural microclimate to keep you performing at your peak, longer. By capturing your natural infrared energy, 37.5® Technology can evaporate moisture to keep you cool or reflect it back to you to keep you warm so, you can stay comfortable no matter the weather or activity.

Head over to our website now and explore our full apparel range featuring this cutting-edge technology!

Posted in Advertiser, Clothing, Guest Post, Materials | No Comments »

OTB Boots Fuels Best Ranger Competition Winners

April 16th, 2024

FORT MOORE, GA – April 15, 2024 – OTB Boots proudly announces that four out of five of the top finishers at the prestigious Best Ranger Competition at Ft. Moore held April 12-14 were wearing its high-performance tactical boots. OTB Boots would like to extend a special congratulations to 1LT Andrew Winski and SGT Matthew Dunphy, representing the 75th Ranger Regiment, for placing first in this year’s Best Ranger Competition. OTB Boots serves elite warrior athletes by addressing their unique needs with best-in-class boots that deliver tactical requirements, comfort and athletic performance features not found in most tactical footwear on the market today.

OTB Boots were worn by roughly one out of three of this year’s competitors at the Best Ranger Competition, with its flagship M-Carbon 8 tactical boot emerging as the favorite among the elite athletes. OTB’s M-Carbon 8 is the only Carbon-plated AR-670-1 / AFI 36-2903 compliant tactical boot available today. Its marathon-inspired carbon plate provides elevated performance through enhanced spring, support and forward propulsion –– factors critical for elite military performance. OTB Boots has been working with multiple Special Operations Forces teams for several years, across all branches, to develop its current lineup of boots.

“Our strategy is to talk to our core consumer –– elite military athletes –– and listen to them intently about their tactical footwear needs. Then it’s up to us to execute at the highest level,” says Dan Ellis, President and Chief Product Officer of OTB Boots.

OTB Boots is a proud partner of the Best Ranger Competition and was extremely honored that so many of this year’s competitors wore its boots through this grueling 3-day competition that pushes each of them to the limit.

All of OTB’s Boots will be available for purchase in November 2024 at select premium military and tactical retailers, as well as on its website OTBBOOTS.COM. In addition to the M-Carbon 8, OTB Boots will also offer two other boot styles, the M-Flex 8 and the Abyss. All three boots are currently viewable on the OTB website and product waitlists are now open for sign-up.

For more information on OTB Boots, visit OTBBOOTS.COM.

Follow along with OTB Boots on Facebook and Instagram @otb_boots

Posted in Boots | 4 Comments »

SIG SAUER ROSE Seminar Series Featuring Lena Miculek at Keystone Shooting Sports in Pennsylvania

April 15th, 2024

NEWINGTON, N.H., (April 15, 2024) – SIG Elite Store, Keystone Shooting Center in Mars, Pennsylvania will host the SIG SAUER ROSE Seminar Series featuring Team SIG professional shooter Lena Miculek this Saturday, April 20,2024.

The ROSE Seminar Series is an in-store experience tailored to women of all skill levels that encourages community and empowerment in your firearms journey featuring Team SIG Professional Shooter Lena Miculek. The schedule for the ROSE by SIG SAUER in-store experience is as follows:

10:00am – 4:00pm: A try-before-you buy experience hosted by the SIG SAUER Training Team featuring SAUER ROSE series pistols and a broad array of SIG SAUER pistols, rifles, optics, and ammunition available to try. Additionally, SIG SAUER will host a ROSE pop-up store with exclusive ROSE branded items available for purchase.

11:00am & 2:00pm: Miculek will host two sold-out seminars at Keystone Shooting Sports covering the how-to basics of incorporating red dot optics into your EDC routine with a product walk through of the newly released ROMEO-X COMPACT ROSE. To join the seminar waitlist please contact the host location directly for details.

Miculek will be in-store throughout the day, as available to meet customers and sign autographs. For specific store event information visit event information at Keystone Shooting Sports. Keystone Shooting Sports is located at, 925 Sheraton Drive, Mars, PA.

The next stop on the ROSE Series is Saturday, April 27,2024 at Nexus Shooting Center in Davie, Florida. Visit sigsauer.com for the full 2024 ROSE Seminar Series schedule.

Become a member of the ROSE Community on Facebook for continued information about the ROSE Seminar Series, get exclusive updates about the ROSE program, and be the first to know about product launches. Access the full ROSE by SIG SAUER training series with Lena on the ROSE YouTube channel and visit sigsauer.com/rose specific product information and additional program details.

Posted in Advertiser, For the Ladies, Press Release, Training | 1 Comment »

TD Inc. MK3 Rifle Magazine

April 15th, 2024

TangoDown® Inc. is pleased to announce the release of the MK3 Magazine. After extensive engineering and testing, the wait is over. The MK3 magazine body is of modular construction and features aggressive texturing along with ribbed design for positive no-slip manipulation. We’re confident you’ll be pleased with the features and function the MK3 brings to your rifle.