NMRC Researchers Help Demonstrate Vaccine Protects Against Malaria

From Naval Medical Research Center Public Affairs

SILVER SPRING, Md. (NNS) -- Researchers from the Naval Medical Research Center (NMRC) partnered with other federal and industry partners to publish the results of a successful clinical trial of a new malaria vaccine Aug. 8.

NMRC researchers played a key role in the design of the study, particularly in testing the efficacy of the vaccine by exposure to infectious mosquitoes and in the volunteer follow-up.

"The work done by researchers at the Naval Medical Research Center and their colleagues represents a big step forward for malaria vaccine research," said Vice Adm. Matthew L. Nathan, Navy Surgeon General and chief, Bureau of Medicine and Surgery. "Navy Medicine researchers began working on this vaccine in the early 1970's with unwavering commitment. Their efforts have been instrumental to this study."

This is the first time that 100 percent protective efficacy has been achieved in any clinical trial testing a candidate malaria vaccine.

"Our NMRC researchers are dedicated to conducting medical research to enhance deployment readiness of DoD personnel worldwide and to protect our warfighters in harm's way," said Nathan.

The vaccine used in this clinical trial was given at varied doses by intravenous injection to 40 volunteers from October 2011 to October 2012.

Three weeks after the final immunization, volunteers were exposed to the bites of five mosquitoes carrying infectious Plasmodium falciparum malaria. At the highest vaccine dose, six of nine volunteers receiving four doses and six of six volunteers receiving five doses were protected against malaria infection.

"This is a historical moment in malaria vaccine research development," said Capt. Judith E. Epstein, the NMRC lead investigator on this trial. "For the first time, we and our collaborators have a malaria vaccine approach which has demonstrated the high-level vaccine efficacy required to protect our troops. As the leader of the NMRC effort to bring this vaccine strategy to licensure, I see the U.S. Navy paving the way to a vaccine which can be used within the next three to four years for military personnel and for the millions of individuals suffering and dying from malaria worldwide."

Malaria has had a significant impact on U.S. military operations throughout history. It was responsible for a greater loss of manpower than enemy fire in all conflicts occurring in tropical regions during the 20th century.

Malaria continues to present a major challenge to force health protection during operations in any environment where malaria is endemic. This includes over 100 countries spanning the tropical and subtropical regions of the world, including most of sub-Saharan Africa and larger regions of South Asia, Southeast Asia, Oceania, central Asia, the Middle East, Central and South America and the Caribbean.

"We need an effective vaccine against malaria, which has been a constant threat to military personnel," said Nathan. "Our naval forces may be deployed on short notice to regions where malaria presents a leading infectious disease threat to mission success. In our military population, malaria infection can severely degrade performance, result in missed duty, may require prolonged hospitalization and, in some cases, result in death. The news that NMRC researchers have participated in the first trial which demonstrates 100 percent protective efficacy of a candidate vaccine for malaria brings new hope that a malaria vaccine may become available for military personnel deployed abroad. I look forward to the next developments in this ground-breaking research."

NMRC collaborated with federal researchers from the Vaccine Research Center Clinical Trials Core at the National Institutes of Health Clinical Center and the Walter Reed Army Institute (WRAIR) of Research and the vaccine developer, Sanaria, Inc., Rockville, Md. NMRC participated in the development the protocol, provided malaria microscopists and slide-reading assistance, performed cellular assays, and assisted with the care of volunteers during the impatient post-challenge stay.

Sheppard technology unit saves training squadrons an estimated $344,000

by Airman 1st Class Jelani Gibson
82nd Training Wing Public Affairs

8/9/2013 - SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- At the click of a mouse an Airman can virtually step off into the wild blue yonder, looking at an airplane that reacts to real-time keyboard controls.

This simulation is an electronic world created by the 982nd Maintenance Squadron's instructional technology unit meant to mimic flight controls and show how they correspond with the movement of the aircraft. Creating this virtual world was an in-house project which saves an estimated $344,000.

Their mission is to find innovative and technological approaches to teaching Airmen in Training about the different aspects of the maintenance career field.

"Everybody has a stake in this," said Patrick Gilbert, 982nd MXS project manager. "It enhances the instruction."

Many maintenance Airman won't touch their first fully functioning plane until they reach their first base. Before this project, many of the instructors had to resort to explaining, or "acting out", plane controls.

"It puts a more realistic picture in their head," said Master Sgt. Jeremy Dyess, 362nd TRS heavy flight chief. "This gives them more of a comprehension."

The simulator, originally meant for the 365th Training Squadron, soon found itself useful for three other maintenance oriented training squadrons as well, which cut down on redistribution costs.

"We save money, the product sells itself and students learn," Gilbert said. "It's C3-minded because that's the way we operate."

The ITU credits a lot of their success to their development process and team cohesion. They also incorporated the knowledge of subject matter experts to get as accurate a product as possible.

"We all work as a team and make decisions while simultaneously meeting mission objectives," said Rachel Lewis, 982nd MXS project designer. "We're able to get products out more quickly than in the past."

While creating the simulation may have been challenging for the team, they have a lot of confidence in the usability of their training system.

"We build our products so they can be used in their entirety or used as pieces," Lewis said.

The simulator can also be used for higher skill-level courses across multiple occupations of the maintenance career field, which adds to the cost savings.

"When we build it for the customer, it's not service-specific," said Gilbert. "It's built for maximum reuse."

With the simulator slated to affect as many as 5,400 students per year, the team's goal is to constantly find new ways to instruct students in a cost-efficient manner.

"That's the best part of the job," said Jennifer Andrews, 982nd MXS project designer. "That's what we're here for."

Sixth Wideband Global SATCOM Satellite Launched

8/8/2013 - LOS ANGELES AIR FORCE BASE, Calif -- The U.S. Air Force's sixth Wideband Global SATCOM spacecraft was launched on a United Launch Alliance Delta IV launch vehicle from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla. at 8:29 p.m. (EDT) today, the first step in its journey to expand satellite communications services to the warfighter.

The satellite will provide additional wideband SATCOM coverage for U.S. defense forces and International partners, to include Australia, which supported the cost of the sixth spacecraft under a partnership agreement.

Over the next few months, Boeing will begin on-orbit testing of the satellite to verify nominal performance and prepare the satellite for operational use. Ultimately, the satellite will be controlled by the U.S. Air Force's 3rd Space Operations Squadron at Schriever Air Force Base, Colo. WGS-6 should enter operations in early 2014.

"WGS is a vital piece of the MILSATCOM enterprise consisting of WGS, DSCS, AEHF, Milstar and terminals," said Charlotte Gerhart, chief, Wideband SATCOM Division, MILSATCOM Directorate. "WGS is providing unparalleled global communications capabilities to soldiers, sailors, marines and airmen for the United States, Australia, Canada, Denmark, Luxembourg, The Netherlands, and New Zealand. The continued success of WGS is due to the hard work and dedication from the combined Government and Boeing team."

The Space and Missile Systems Center, located at Los Angeles Air Force Base, Calif., is the U.S. Air Force's center of acquisition excellence for acquiring and developing military space systems including Global Positioning System, military satellite communications, defense meteorological satellites, space launch and range systems, satellite control network, space based infrared systems, and space situational awareness capabilities.

45th Space Wing Launches WGS-6 from 'The Cape'

by 45th Space Wing Public Affairs

8/7/2013 - CAPE CANAVERAL AIR FORCE STATION, Fla. -- The U.S. Air Force's 45th Space Wing successfully launched a United Launch Alliance-built Delta IV rocket carrying the sixth Wideband Global Satcom (WGS) satellite at 8:29 p.m. Aug. 7 from Space Launch Complex 37B here.

A combined team of military, government civilians and contractors from across the 45th Space Wing provided support to the mission, including weather forecasts, launch and range operations, security, safety and public affairs.

The satellite will provide additional wideband satcom coverage for U.S. defense forces and International partners, to include Australia, which supported the cost of the sixth spacecraft under a partnership agreement.

The WGS system provides anytime, anywhere communication for the warfighter through broadcast, multicast, and point to point connections.

WGS is the only military satellite communications system that can support simultaneous X and Ka band communications, with crossbanding that makes it transparent to the warfighter to communicate across terminal types.

WGS provides essential communication services, allowing Combatant Commanders to exert command and control of their tactical forces, from peacetime to military operations. Tactical forces will rely on WGS to provide high-capacity connectivity to the Defense Information Systems Network (DISN)

Brig. Gen. Nina Armagno, commander, 45th Space Wing, praised the entire, mission-focused team on the outstanding results.

"I am proud of the hard work of the 45th Space Wing, the Space and Missile Systems Center, United Launch Alliance, Boeing, our industry and mission partners and everyone involved in this

WGS-6 launch," said Armagno, who also served as the Launch Decision Authority for the second time in less than three weeks.

The 45th Space Wing launched a United Launch Alliance-built Atlas 5 rocket carrying the second Mobile User Objective System satellite, built by Lockheed Martin, for the U.S. Navy July 19 from here as well.

"Once again, our entire team worked hand-in-hand to make this another successful launch for the United States Air Force and our nation," Armagno added.

Defense Weather Satellite 19 Transported to Vandenberg for Launch Preparations

8/6/2013 - LOS ANGELES AIR FORCE BASE, El Segundo, Calif. -- The U.S. Air Force, Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman team successfully delivered the 19th Defense Meteorological Satellite Program (DMSP), block 5D3, weather satellite to Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif., where it will be prepared for launch aboard a United Launch Alliance Atlas V launch vehicle. On Aug. 1, 2013, an Air Force C-17 Globemaster III aircraft, operated by the 60th Air Mobility Wing from Travis Air Force Base, Calif., transported DMSP Flight19 from Sunnyvale to Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif. DMSP F19 will undergo final launch preparations, encapsulation and transport to Space Launch Complex 3 East at Vandenberg AFB over the next 250 days and is on track for a March 2014 launch.

For the past 50 years, the DMSP satellites have fulfilled the military's most critical requirements for global atmospheric, oceanic, terrestrial and space environment information. Through these satellites, military users find, track and forecast weather systems over remote and hostile areas for deployed troops. Additionally, DMSP supports a broad range of civil users with sensing capabilities not provided by U.S. civil and foreign weather satellite systems.

The Space and Missile Systems Center (SMC), located at Los Angeles Air Force Base, Calif., is the U.S. Air Force's center of acquisition excellence for acquiring and developing military space systems. SMC manages more than $60 billion in contracts, executes annual budgets of $10 billion and employs more than 6,200 people worldwide.

Sixth Wideband Global SATCOM Satellite Set to Launch

8/6/2013 - LOS ANGELES AIR FORCE BASE, El Segundo, Calif. -- The Air Force has scheduled another launch to augment the Wideband Global SATCOM constellation, the nation's next-generation wideband satellite communications system.

The satellite will launch aboard a Delta IV launch vehicle on Aug. 7 from Space Launch Complex 37 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla. This is the sixth launch for the WGS constellation and the fourth WGS launch on the Delta IV launch vehicle. The WGS-6 satellite will provide the US military forces and international partners with enhanced communication capabilities and increased coverage.

Unique to this launch is the partnership with the Australian Defence Force. In November 2007, Australia signed a bi-lateral Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the United States to join the WGS program. Through this agreement, Australia provides funding for the procurement, sustainment, and launch costs associated with the sixth WGS satellite, in return for assured bandwidth across WGS 1-6. WGS enables reliable, secure satellite communications providing the ability to conduct multiple and simultaneous military operations both independently and as part of a coalition force.

The Air Force Space Command's Space and Missile Center MILSATCOM Systems Directorate procured the sixth WGS satellite through contracts with The Boeing Company. The MILSATCOM System Directorate plans for, acquires, and sustains space-enabled global communications to support the President, Secretary of Defense, and combat forces.

The Space and Missile Systems Center is the U.S. Air Force's center of acquisition excellence for acquiring and developing military space systems including Global Positioning System, military satellite communications, defense meteorological satellites, space launch and range systems, satellite control network, space based infrared systems, and space situational awareness capabilities.

Website Teaches Coping Skills to Military Community

By Claudette Roulo

American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, Aug. 6, 2013 – As part of the Integrated Mental Health Strategy, the Defense Department’s National Center for Telehealth and Technology and the Veterans Affairs Department’s mental health informatics section have partnered to develop an interactive online educational and life-coaching program.

Moving Forward is a website designed to teach problem-solving skills to members of the military community. DOD graphic   (Click photo for screen-resolution image);high-resolution image available.

Moving Forward, at http://www.startmovingforward.org, is designed to teach problem-solving skills to members of the military community, Dr. Robert Ciulla, director of the mobile health program at the National Center for Telehealth and Technology, told American Forces Press Service today.

Moving Forward is focused on addressing stress -- specifically, recognizing when a person is stressed, identifying stressors and developing stress management skills.

To accomplish this, users navigate through a set of problem-solving exercises, Ciulla said. In addition to testimonials from former service members, the site offers quizzes to evaluate stress levels and games to practice counseling progressions.

“This gives users a way to interact with the course -- to learn how stress affects them, in particular -- and to learn about their general problem-solving style,” he said. Users then learn techniques for generating solutions when they're faced with a problem, Ciulla added.

“Problem-solving is foundational,” he said. The skills learned in addressing any one problem can be transferred to addressing a variety of problems.

The techniques on the site are based on a problem-solving therapy program that has been used successfully with service members and veterans across the country, a growing number of whom have mental health care needs, Ciulla said.

"We know that approximately 20 percent of service members returning from a combat deployment do experience adjustment problems like post-traumatic stress, depression, anger, problems in work settings [and] family and relationship issues,” Ciulla said, “and so this series of problem-solving exercises teaches the user how to literally learn how to work with some of the problems that they're confronting.”

The Moving Forward website is designed to allow users to remain anonymous, but also to be able to pick up where they left off if they take a break from training.

“We know that stigma is a prevalent issue in the military. [Service members] are concerned that if they see somebody on a face-to-face basis, it'll be seen as a sign of weakness or that they can't perform their duty, Ciulla said.

Some advantages of using the website include never having to wait in a crowded waiting room and the ability to log on from home or another safe environment, he noted.

The site is designed to stand alone -- no referral from a caregiver is needed, Ciulla said, but it is not intended to entirely replace face-to-face care if that type of care is needed.

For users who have chronic stress and chronic problems in their lives, the site can serve as a steppingstone to getting face-to-face care, he added.

Moving Forward is designed to be especially helpful for veterans, service members and their families, Ciulla said, but the site teaches skills that can be useful to anyone dealing with stress.