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LOL.

We also have an ethics czar, a copyright czar, auto recovery czar, and a Guantanamo Bay czar. The only thing these all have in common is that the administration needed to be "doing something." In this case, they appointed a doctor? Nope, he is Joe Bidens former Chief of Staff. I'm getting the feeling that I'm in the minority, but it shocks me that for a group who normally defends the freedom of US citizens, everyone is ready to shut down the airports and start anal probing everyone arriving from overseas over a death toll of one person in the US. I understand the losses have been horrific in West Africa, but the US medical system is far better than what they have in West Africa. I've seen medical isolation up close when someone I knew was thought to have active Tuberculosis. It was a week in a hospital with airlock doors and medical staff in full gear. I think the medical system is more capable than the news media give them credit. The whole panic that is setting in reminds me of the early days of AIDS when people worried about getting sick from a toilet seat. If the cases start piling up, I retract my previous statements, but the response is getting far out of hand for the level of the threat. Definitely not something to blow off, definitely something to keep an eye on, but not a full blown panic.

He is still winning.

Agree to disagree.....

1. The estimated mortality of Ebola infection in the US (with our modern health care facilities & aggressive supportive care) is about 20%. Of course with just a handful of cases and one death (in a case that was mishandled) that's still pretty much a WAG - but clearly the mortality is much less than overseas where modern care isn't available. That also doesn't factor in experimental drugs (there are a few being used when they are available) and transfusion of antibody-containing blood products from Ebola survivors when compatible type blood is available. It's thought that these treatments may be somewhat effective, but no one knows for sure. 2. What's required to care for Ebola patients is standard isolation, contact isolation & droplet isolation. Theoretically, any hospital can do this. As a practical matter, these patients get very sick with projectile vomiting, explosive diarrhea and lots of other unpleasantness. All of these fluids are quite infectious in Ebola patients. Hence the staff caring for them must wear a very complex ensemble of PPE when caring for the patient, and (this is really important) must be able to decontaminate and safely remove the PPE when they go off duty. And essentially, they have to do it right without error every time around the clock. This is really complex and exhausting for staff to do repeatedly, especially if they're not extensively trained and practice (drill) regularly. This is probably why the nurses at Texas Presbyterian were infected - caring for the patient (who eventually died) at the height of his illness with at best "rushed up" training, no practice or experience with Ebola or other high-level infectious diseases and (some media reports) incomplete PPE ensembles and incomplete training in use and safe removal. In short this hospital (Texas Presbyterian) decided they could care for this patient there - they quickly got in over their heads & got in deep trouble really fast. Hindsight being 20/20, this was a bad decision and those paying the price are the two front-line nurses who were doing the best they could to care for this patient in an environment that just wasn't up to speed. 3. You'll notice that there have been no occupational exposures at the three national biocontainment centers that have cared for Ebola patients - NIH, Emory and Nebraska Medical Center (the fourth biocontainment center at St. Patrick in Missoula, Montana hasn't yet cared for any Ebola patients). That's because the staff of these centers regularly train, teach and drill in caring for patients who require this strict isolation on an ongoing basis. Their staff is qualified & current in use of these PPE ensembles and other things necessary to care for these patients. Right now there are 11 such beds in all of the U.S (2 currently occupied). It seems to make sense to move these patients to one of these four centers although it makes sense to stand up additional resources to care for Ebola patients if more are encountered - there are other hospitals that with help of CDC experts can stand up to the same level of competence with some advance warning, and there are several that are working on that now. 4. If you're interested in the air transport of Ebola patients back to the U.S. check here https://abcnews.go.com/Health/video/ebola-us-walkthrough-inside-ebola-transport-jet-26226918 - it's pretty interesting. 5. I think the CDC has also made some missteps early in this event but they are rapidly correcting and I have confidence in what they are telling us. 6. What's been written that makes sense is that travel bans don't make sense, but screening & individualized monitoring does. Apparently there's a very small number (<200/day) persons who come into the US from the West African areas where the outbreak is centered - indirectly because there are no direct flights - and DHS knows in advance who these individuals are co they can be closely monitored. I think you'll see that this plus screening of overseas PAX will be effective at keeping this situation under control domestically while teh world humanitarian effort gets it under control overseas. 6. Am I overly worried? No. Do we need to take this very seriously - especially while we are still learning the nuances of this disease in the U.S.? Absolutely. I'm old enough to remember when HIV/AIDS was first discovered & not well understood (I was a medical student at the time). This seems very similar - except internet and 24 hour cable communication is more prevalant - and I'm sure we'll get a good handle on it quickly.

Agreed. Waiting for all the haters to post pics of their NFL cheerleader wives so we can compare.

Can you elaborate??

Doubtful, although there's probably been poor attempts leading to a dynamic "it depends". I think we all just focus on studying mission success w/in our own community and how to constantly improve (in the Bone, yes, CRM's a big part of it), granted, with a healthy respect and willingness to learn from how other communities do business. But I don't think it's possible to cross streams and compare mission success v. various platforms; apples & oranges & grapes & pears//with pros & cons everywhere.

Getting hit by a car probably does have a PK around 70 if the speed is high enough. Motor vehicle fatalities in 2012 were 33,561. We've had one death from Ebola. Its spread by contact with bodily fluids. How often have you been puked on recently? The news media is making this into way more of a panic than it should be. I'm just saying to keep the probability of meeting a contagious ebola patient in the US in perspective.

He should just tell the Navy that it's unrealistic of them to expect perfection.

Ebola in the Pentagon?

Found it: Leadership, I normally don't share these with you but find myself needing to send the message that we are being watched. While not uncommon this particular individual has been keep a log of our flying events for some time. I expect you all to be professional and to expect scrutiny. Our industry demands it. Carl's note to me while lengthy is not uncommon. My staff and I see many of these each week as you and your warriors exercise your right to hone your skills on low level training routes and in controlled airspace in preparation to defend this great nation when called. My response and reply are at the end of his complaint. VR Mutha CAPT Mark A. Hubbard USN Commander Strike Fighter Wing Pacific ----->> To: Hubbard, Mark A CAPT CSFWP Commodore Cc: White, Michael S RDML(S) NPC, Pers-4 Subject: Noise Complaint Captain Hubbard, I am having an issue with noise that is generated by aircraft based at NAS Lemoore (and elsewhere), specifically, with their use of a low level military training route that your command is the controlling authority for. Rather than deal with mere underlings, I thought it best to go directly to the source of "where the buck stops". That would be you. My home is located in a rural area of California's Sacramento Valley. I was unaware that when I purchased this home 21 years ago, it was located directly under the centerline of VR-201 (or VR-202, I can't remember which one it is), at GPS coordinates N39.38.610 W121.48.710, 210' MSL (according to the GPS in my car). Over the last 21 years, I have been subjected to the repeated injustices, insults to my eardrums, and affronts to my sensibilities as an American Taxpayer, that your jets have been responsible for. In the early 90's the use of this low level training route was frequent, but I tolerated it nonetheless. From about 1995 until early this year, use of this route was only occasional and sporadic, so I could generally overlook the issue. However, in the last three weeks, there has been a noticeable increase it its use. Specifically, I have observed the following, 1. August 30th, 1135 AM PDT - A single F-18 2. September 18th, 1430 PM PDT - A single EA-6B 3. September 19th, 1120 AM PDT - A single F-18 4. September 19th, 1145 AM PDT - A single F-18 Here is my specific complaint..... 1. None of these overflights were low enough... 2. None of these overflights were loud enough...... 3. And, none of these overflights were fast enough!!! As an American Taxpayer, I pay good, hard earned money, to provide your young Naval Aviators the best training possible. For that money, I EXPECT to get something for it. If my house is not shaken to its foundation, if the windows do not rattle in their frames, I judge this display of airmanship as incredibly weak. All of these jets listed above, were so high, that I could not tell if the Hornets were Super Hornets or Legacy Hornets (the Electic-6 was unmistakable). These jets were so high, that after one of them flew by, my wife looked at me and said, "That fly-by is so wimpy, you should call it a "Whisperjet". The ultimate goal is to earn a five-star rating, as viewed by me. To earn a five-star rating, your jets should create enough noise to break at least one window in the house. Not since '92-'93 has that happened. At the time, a flight of eight jets in a combat spread formation passed over my house at about 200' AGL, approximately 500+ knots. This flight consisted of four Hornets, two Intruders and two Turkeys. The thundering noise was awesome! Not only did I have to replace a few windows, but several of my neighbors did as well!! That was a fly-by truly worthy of Naval Aviators. As a former naval Aviator (back in the day, we flew Lot V Hornets with planning link failures and collapsed landing gear), I am hugely embarrassed for my younger brethren. You and your young naval Aviators should be ashamed, for you have subjected me and my family to the indignity of these transgressions. My son, who is a KC-135 pilot in the Air Force has observed some these so-called "fly-bys", and has said that even his jet makes more noise when it is at 5,000' at cruise power settings. As you know, to fly the American flag upside down is a sign of distress. Perhaps you should bring in the young Naval Aviators responsible for these affronts to our dignity, and instruct them to wear their Wings of Gold upside down on their flight suits the next time they visit the O'Club, as a sign of their humility and penance for committing these transgressions. Very respectfully, Carl A. Raabe VFA-113 (circa '87-'90) -----Original Message----- From: Hubbard, Mark A CAPT CSFWP Commodore Sent: Thursday, September 22, 2011 5:15 PM To: Carl Raabe Cc: White, Michael S RDML(S) NPC, Pers-4; Black, Mark E CAPT CSFWP Deputy Commodore; Nelson, Todd M. CDR CSFWP OPS; Subject: RE: Noise Complaint Carl, I assure you that this has my fullest attention. I have directed my Operation team to investigate these repeated injustices and to bring me the names of all the guilty parties. I am expecting to receive a briefing from my Operation Officer early next week. In the mean time I have asked my staff to review our SOP, route descriptions, and tactical training procedures to ensure we have the guidance in place to achieve the "The five-star rating". In fact, once we are complete with our investigation I personally plan to survey the route myself to ensure we have not overlooked any training opportunities and will encourage others to do so as well. I firmly believe that if we do not use these training routes to their fullest we may in fact loose them all together. Thankfully, we have great Americans like you who remind us that there are still some that appreciate the "Sound of Freedom". For that reminder I applaud your letter and tenacity to go directly to the top! I would like to offer by way of apology an opportunity to re-blue the resonance of jet noise that will in fact shake you to the bone. If you and your wife would be my guest at our air show I would be honored. I have a limited number of VIP seats but would like to send you an invite to attend either Saturday the 15th or Sunday the 16th of October. If you would be so kind to send me your address I will have an invitation in the mail in short order. Sir, it would be an honor to make your acquaintance. Proud to Serve, Mutha CAPT Mark A. Hubbard USN Commander Strike Fighter Wing Pacific -----Original Message----- From: Carl Raabe Sent: Friday, September 23, 2011 17:28 To: Hubbard, Mark A CAPT CSFWP Commodore Cc: White, Michael S RDML(S) NPC, Pers-4; Black, Mark E CAPT CSFWP Deputy Commodore; Nelson, Todd M. CDR CSFWP OPS; Subject: RE: Noise Complaint Captain Hubbard, Thank you for your prompt and complete attention to this matter. I am indeed encouraged and heartened by your rapid response to these past travesties. I am confident that your forcefulness in placing your hands firmly on the helm of this issue will pay dividends for all us... Your young aviators will get the training they truly deserve, the country will be better served by having the most competent aviators in the world, and I will get my "5 star rated" fly-bys. What more can we ask for? Your leadership on this issue is exemplary, and is a credit to you and the Naval Service. I would be most pleased to favorably endorse your next FitRep accordingly, to ensure that the next promotion board is fully aware of your outstanding contribution to our country and the Naval Service. If I may be of additional service, I will gladly assist your staff in any capacity as they pursue the work you have assigned them in reviewing this military training route. Even if the contribution is as small as providing occasional critiques of the aviator's route performance (from the comfort of my lounge chair by the pool), I will answer the call. Your offer to accommodate both my wife and I as your guests at the Lemoore air show is both gracious and generous, and is a sign of your stellar leadership. Accordingly, we humbly accept your offer with great gratitude. We would be honored to attend the air show on Saturday, 15 October. We look forward to meeting you, and being a part of this great event. Best regards, Carl & Gale Raabe P.S. There is an answer to the above question, "What more can we ask for?"..... My wife says that attending this air show, with its "bone-shaking" jet noise, will hopefully, finally shut me up. She has had to tolerate the last 21 years in this house of my complaints about not enough jet noise and afterburners (on active duty, that need was satisfied by endless hours on the LSO platform on the Connie and Indy, and countless hours at the LSO shack out at NASL 32L). She has repeatedly stated that my complaints are louder than the jet noise, and she wants that changed.

You'll never convince me that CAS by committee works. Ever.

All good points, i understand in a crewed aircraft that no one person is just focusing on themselves, i also know that the pilots are not simply just handing everything over to the other guys. i think i may have worded it wrong so let me try this: because of the separate but overlapping jobs in the cockpit, in combat does this lead to a better SA then a singular person with information overload? how does this affect mission success rate? reduction of collateral damage or friendly fire incidents? i was wondering if there were any actual studies on this, also not slamming single cockpit guys, because i understand they have a similar dynamic in that they are usually in a multi-ship formation. The bone is unique in that is is very far away from what is was originally designed for and seems to be doing a very good job