Albuquerque Journal from Albuquerque, New Mexico • Page 10

AIO ALBUQUERQUE JOURNAL Sunday, April 22, 1990 Regents Pick U.S. Air Force Academy Head To Pilot NMMI 'I 'L Analysts Say Radar Can Track Down Sleek Fighter By David H. Morrissey 1 CONTINUED FROM PAGE A1 m-u. JOURNAL STAFF WRITER 7 Iff 0 i IL RICHARD PIPES JOURNAL Tech. Sgt.

Randy J. Charland, a Roswell native and may be moved to Holloman Air Force Base, near F-117A crew chief, says he's glad the Stealth fighters Alamogordo. Congress is still debating the move. WHEN THE U.S. Air Force released details of the secret Stealth fighter, the publicity describing the hide-and-disguise technology built into the new aircraft made it sound something like a Klingon cloaking device.

Flip a switch and it's invisible. It's not quite that simple. Pentagon information, and analysis of the fighter by private defense research groups, emphasizes the F-117A can be detected by radar. But the fighter's unusual shape, unique construction materials and special engine shielding make it significantly more difficult to detect. That means it should take enemy forces longer to identify the aircraft, giving the fighter valuable time to complete its mission.

And radar-guided missiles also will have increased difficulty locking on to a F-117A. HOW IT WORKS The Air Force is tight-lipped about many Stealth details. But defense experts in and outside of the government have explained many of the fighter's capabilities. Special, non-metallic composite materials are used in making the F-117A, said retired Navy Rear Adm. Eugene Carroll, a former pilot now serving as deputy director of the Washington-based Center for Defense Information, a non-profit research group.

These coatings absorb rather than reflect some radar energy. The F-117A also has an unusual shape, composed largely of flat panels. Much of the radar energy that is not absorbed is deflected away from the enemy's radar, rather than back toward it, he said. The engine is embedded in the aircraft, rather than mounted on an extended wing, said John Pike, a defense expert with the Federation of American Scientists. This reduces some of the aircraft's Auditor Harroll Adams.

In November, 1989, a petition signed by more than 200 people was filed in District Court in Roswell, asking for a grand jury investigation of alleged criminal activities by NMMI's board of regents and Childress. A grand jury was convened and investigated NMMI for more than a month before finding no wrongdoing. In making the selection announcement, Coll said, "I know that many may have decided this matter differently than the regents, and some may be disappointed in the outcome of this selection process. I want to be understood that this decision was not lightly and easily reached." He was referring to local and faculty support of other candidates, particularly Dr. John Van Domelen of Northfield, Vt, the vice president for academic affairs at Norwich University.

Coll added, "We are genuinely convinced of the demonstrated leadership ability and personal qualities of the four candidates selected by us for the campus visits. They are eager and enthusiastic to meet the challenges of leading this school. But NNMI only needs one superintendent not four superintendents." Coll said that the one factor considered by the board during its lengthy deliberations that may have tipped the scale in Scott's favor was his leadership in administering a school similar to NMMI. "In the end," Coll said, "we believe Scott's experience and success as superintendent of the U.S. Air Force Academy gave him the edge in regard to NMMI in areas such as the youth of the students, the boarding school atmosphere a wide range of factors which would meet the needs of NMMI and its students." Scott was commissioned a second lieutenant in the Air Force in 1950, received his pilot's wings in 1951 and flew combat missions in F-51 Mustangs in Korea in 1951 and 1952.

From 1959 to 1963, he served as commandant of cadets and professor of air sciences at the Catholic University in Washington, D.C., and flew 108 combat missions in F-4 aircraft in Vietnam before being reassigned to Korea as air component commander in 1973. He became deputy commander of U.S. forces in Korea and chief of staff, combined forces command, in 1981. He became the 10th superintendent of the Air Force Academy in 1983. During his tenure at the academy, Scott is credited with improving the school's honor code, supervising major revisions of curriculum, upgrading and expanding airmanship programs, and expanding leadership opportunities for cadets.

He also upgraded intercollegiate athletic programs, initiated and supervised the academy's largest building program in 20 years, and refined integration of women at the academy. Scott and his wife have six children, four of them Air Force careerists. radar signature. Exhaust from the two engines is mixed with cooler air and dispersed through a wide nozzle, Pike said. This reduces the chance of infrared detection.

WHAT'S IT FOR? In June Senate testimony, John Welch assistant secretary of the Air Force for Acquisition, said the Stealth fighter program was begun in the late 1970s "to develop a radically new fighter aircraft" to counter "the rapidly increasing sophistication and effectiveness of Soviet air defense systems." The fighter was first flown in 1981 and became operational in 1983. Since then, Stealth fighters have been in a high state of readiness at a base near Tonapah, for use as "aerial shock troops" capable of "slipping behind enemy lines without being detected," Welch said. HOW GOOD IS IT? Stealth technology has been praised by numerous experts. It has also apparently been used on other military equipment. Recent NATO publications say the U.S.

Air Force has already Stealth-modified most of its F-16s. Janes Defense Weekly, a British defense journal, says the F-16 modification may reduce the aircraft's radar signature from the front by 40 percent. The Air Force is also Stealth modifying cruise missiles, making the missiles even more difficult to spot. While Stealth technology is praised, the fighter has generated questions, largely due to the secrecy in which it has been wrapped. Although three of the 59 fighters have crashed, the Air Force says the plane's safety record is "superior." Ben Rich, head of Lockheed's famed "Skunk Works," the secret design facility that designed the U-2 spy plane as well as the Stealth fighter, said in March that 175 pilots have flown the F-117A and "they have uniformly praised its excellent takeoff, landing and all-round flying characteristics.

It's not a 'Wobblin Goblin' (the aircraft's alleged nickname). The Stealth fighter has flown in one combat mission, the December invasion of Panama, said Susan Strednansky, a Pentagon spokeswoman. Six Stealth fighters flew from Nevada to Panama, refueling en route. Two aircraft were kept as backup, two were recalled when plans changed, and two fighters each dropped a single 2,000 pound laser-guided bomb in a field near a military barracks. Pentagon spokesman Pete Williams denied reports that the planes missed their target.

"The mission was to bomb a field next to the 6th and 7th Panamanian Defense Forces infantry company, not to bomb the barracks," he said. WHAT DOES IT COST? The Pentagon says the 59-aircraft F-117A program has cost more than $6.5 billion. The January announcement to move at least 46 and perhaps all 56 remaining Stealth fighters to Holloman Air Force Base near Alamogordo was intended to save money, Defense Secretary Richard Cheney said at the time. To preserve secrecy, Stealth crews live in Las Vegas on weekends and commute in a special 727 to Tonapah dormitories each week. Moving to Holloman a proposal Washington sources say has congressional support will cut commuting and other costs.

The Air Force estimates the cost of moving to Holloman will be recovered in two years, Cheney said. Secret Fighter Steals Into Public View CONTINUED FROM PAGE A1 395 words including headlines. To conceal some of the plane's capabilities, a small army of Air Force security police, some armed with M-16s, others handling leashed guard dogs, kept the crowd at least 20 feet from the fighters as they taxied down the tarmac. During a half-hour of speeches, Air Force officials called the twin-finned Stealth aircraft "one of the most successful development programs since the Manhattan Project." Moving to Holloman "means we can spend more time with our families," Charland said. "We're pretty happy about that." No other aircraft miliary or civilian looks quite like the Stealth fighter.

A little longer than a city bus, the plane seems to assume a different shape from every viewing angle. No other aircraft performs like it either, said Ben Rich, head of the Lockheed Company's "skunk works," the air craft think tank and production plant that built the U-2 and SR-71 spy planes, as well as the Stealth fighter. National security demands will require secrecy for some time for many Stealth details, Rich said. "I wish I could tell you what this fighter can do," Rich said. "The real data is awesome." The Air Force remained mum about many specifics as well.

The fact sheet it handed out on the F-117A contained just Tech. Sgt. Randy J. Charland. Charland, born in Roswell, is a crew chief assigned to the F-117As.

For security reasons, the crews live in Tonapah, during the week and see their families, who live in Las Vegas, only on weekends, he said. That commute has been tiring for crews and expensive for the Air Force, he said. Gold's Gubernatorial Bid Targets More Jobs, Lottery for N.M. CONTINUED FROM PAGE A1 (9 rt2rl ESTTo Bom. May 13, 1930, West Frankfort, III.

Attended University of Illinois-Salem, 1947-48; Grinnell College, Iowa, 1948-49; Southern Illinois University, 1954-55; studied pre-med, music, ministry; no degree. U.S. Air Force, 1950-54; staff sergeant. Owner, Bob Gold Advertising Agency, Odessa. Texas, 1962- 63.

Radio news, sales, programming and management in Illinois and Texas; manager, KCLV Radio in Clovis, N.M., 1963- 67; general manager, part-owner, KICA Radio, Clovis, 1967-68. Owner, Bob Gold Advertising Agency, Clovis, 1968-71 Administrative aide to New Mexico attorney qeneral. 1971-72. 1 a Executive director, chief lobbyist, New Mexico Retail Association, 1972-83. Director public relations for Gov.

Toney Anaya, executive assistant to Anaya and Cabinet secretary for Economic Development and Tourism Department, 1983-86. Co-owner, with wife, Doris, Bob Gold and Associates, Santa Fe, lobbying, media and public relations firm, 1986 to present. NEIL JACOBS JOURNAL Bob Gold: "We need more paychecks. That means an expanded tax base, and that means more funding for the social needs of our people." When Anaya took over the governor's office in 1983, Anaya was sensitive to suggestions that he was hostile to business interests. He soon hired Gold away from the retailers' association as his director of public relations.

Gold held the public relations job under Anaya for about six months, and then became a higher level adviser. Anaya named Gold to replace Alex Mercure as secretary of the state Economic Development and Tourism Department after controversy enveloped Mercure's administration. Gold was already a well-known and respected figure around the Capitol, and his appointment to head the department was generally applauded by legislators, who confirmed his Cabinet nomination without criticism. His chief accomplishment during the year he held the post, he said, was establishment of the "Buy New Mexico" program, which promotes the purchase of New Mexico products. Gold left the Anaya administration in late 1986 to form his own lobbying, media and public relations firm, which he operates with his wife, Doris, whom he frequently describes as his "bride of 38 years." Clients of the firm include the New Mexico Hospital Association, the Tourism Association of New Mexico, the New Mexico Broadcasters' Association and Energy Fuels Development an ethanol manufacturer.

In a series of profiles on this year's gubernatorial candidates, the Journal has asked each candidate if he has had any felony or misdemeanor convictions. Gold said he was twice arrested during his early 40s for driving while intoxicated. To the best of his recollection, he said, the cases were resolved as reckless driving convictions and he paid fines. With state revenues leveling off, and demands on government growing, "We're just going to have to put more money into the coffers, and the way to do that is to have people gainfully employed," Gold said. Although he does not rule out the possible need for state tax increases in subsequent years, particularly for teacher and state worker pay raises, Gold said he would not support, and voters would not stand for, a tax increase in 1991.

A New Mexico lottery would provide some new dollars to help with his job creation plans, as well for other state programs, Gold said. He said it would also keep in the state dollars now being expended by New Mexicans on lotteries and gambling in neighboring states. "The state is involved in three exports," he said. "One is our great green chile, one is our college students and a third is our lottery dollars. I would intend to further the sale of the first product and put an end to the export of the last two." Gold estimated that a state-run lottery might produce $20 million for New Mexico programs in its first year.

He said he would ask the Legislature to devote about half of that amount to boost the state's existing revolving loan fund. He envisions the fund loaning lottery revenue to city and county governments at low interest rates. The money would be used for roads, utilities and plant site improvements that would aid in the expansion of existing local businesses and attract new industry to come into the state, he said. He said it is especially important to help expand the economies of all 99 communities in the state, in addition to those of the Rio Grande Corridor. While a state lottery has repeatedly been spurned by the Legislature and gubernatorial administrations, Gold thinks there is widespread public support for one.

He said he does not support involving the horse-racing inckfyry a condition of employment would be "a useful tool" for New Mexico border counties competing for new 'industry with neighboring states that have such laws. Gold says his primary election campaign could use more money, but says he is undaunted by the competition of former Attorney General Paul Bardacke, former Gov. Bruce King and former state Supreme Court Justice Tony Scarborough for the Democrats' June 5 nomination. He defines his candidacy as an alternative to the rest of the field, and says his economic-oriented agenda is "practical and efficient." His professional career has given him "an acquaintance base around the state, second to none," Gold said in an interview. "We have worked with truly thousands of people in many different roles," he said.

"On election day, without that being a political organization, I think they will be part of the process that makes the decision." Gold said he knows he faces tough odds, but also said running for governor is something he's long wanted to do. "In my opinion, if I did not run at this time, at my age, I would not be able to run again," he said. "There's no selfish reason other than the fact that I've always wanted to do this." But he also said his experience and ability would help him accomplish what he said is the focus of his platform: "Jobs, jobs, jobs." Gold said he disdains the phrase "economic development," despite once heading a department that included it in its title, and despite the economic orientation of his platform. "I never speak of economic development," he said. "I think they're buzz words.

I think they turn everybody off: 'Here's another clown talking about economic "I speak of jobs," Gold said. "We need more paychecks," he said. "That means an expanded tax base, and that means more funding for the social needs of our peoyle." minute-by-minute needs of our children, does not have an open conduit to the state," he said. "I intend to give them one." To give three other subjects more state attention, Gold said he would elevate to Cabinet-level status the existing state agencies dealing with tourism, Indian affairs and environmental problems. A native of Illinois, Gold landed in New Mexico in 1963 as the manager of a Clovis radio station after stints as a radio man and advertising agency owner in Texas.

Because of his on-the-air radio work, he changed his name from Goldsborough during the '60s. His involvement in political campaigns came when he opened his own advertising agency, and he was in Santa Fe by 1971 as public relations and administrative aide to then-Attorney General Norvell. As executive director and chief lobbyist for the New Mexico Retail Association from 1972-83, Gold represented approximately 1,009 businesses in the state. in a lottery proposal, such as the sweepstakes lottery plan vetoed by Gov. Garrey Carruthers.

Gold said he would seek to use some lottery revenues to increase the state's advertising budget for tourism, an industry that he said is a ready producer of jobs. And, in another proposal related to broadening employment opportunity, Gold said he would recommend tax-break incentives for new businesses considering moves to the state. "I think my approach would solve an awful lot," Gold said of the state's economic dilemmas and his emphasis on creating jobs. "I think my approach takes it out of the rhetoric mode and gets it moving faster than anyone else is suggesting." Although he said he is "not anti-labor," Gold said he would sign right-to-work legislation if it were sent to him as governor. He said such legislation barring union membership fronj jeing Gold said some lottery revenue could also be used to expand health care coverage for low-income and disabled New Mexicans by boosting the state's participation in the Medicaid program.

By pumping more state money into the program, the amount of federal matching money for Medicaid recipients in New Mexico could be greatly increased, he said. Gold's chief pledge on public education is to try to give classroom teachers more of a voice in deciding education policies. "I think the main ingredient that has been left out is that the classroom teacher has not been included in the decision-making process," he said. "The classroom teacher, the veryt person who has a solution to the.