Page 3 - Desert Lightning News So. AZ Edition, May 7 2021

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America’s ‘Airpower Reservoir’ celebrates 75 years MWD teams participate in Desert Dog competition

by Staff Sgt. later is an incredible role that we play. The by Master Sgt. experience and training we have received,
GiovANNi SiMS work we do will continue for at least another ChRiSTopheR LeBLANC while competing with some of the best law
75 years.” enforcement organizations in the world,”
355th Wing Public Affairs The AMARG’s 800-member workforce has 355th Security Forces Squadron said Staff Sgt. Quinton Le Quieu, 355th
The 309th Aerospace Maintenance and since adopted the Air Force Sustainment SCoTTSDALe, Ariz. — Military SFS MWD handler. “Bringing home fourth
Regeneration Group celebrated 75 years of Command’s Art of the Possible philosophy Working Dog Teams from the 355th Se- place with my dog Silke really shows how
support for the warfighter April 1. -- a method of operations management and curity Forces Squadron competed in the great the team is.”
Through every key military scene on the process improvement -- in order to support Arizona Law Enforcement Canine As- As the dust settled from the intense
stage of American history following World the many different types of endeavors to sociation Desert Dog Trials in Scottsdale, scenarios and training exercises, the de-
War II up to present day, American airpower extend the service life of active aircraft. Arizona, April 17-18. fenders from the 355th SFS were able to
has played a leading role. During its 75 “In 2020, Wichita State University’s The competition consisted of three cat- secure third and fourth place overall in
years, the 309th AMARG directly enabled National Institute for Aviation Research egories: detection, patrol and obedience. patrol and return to Davis-Monthan with
the nation’s ability to rapidly respond. requested a B-1B Lancer aircraft for a “The purpose of this event was to the hardware to prove it.
Although the name has changed over special project to study the effects of flight bring together the best law enforcement “Competitions such as these continue to
the years, the organization has continued operations on aircraft structures,” Barnard canine programs to share experience, de- affirm the safety and security of the base
achieving its primary mission elements: said. “The disassembled aircraft shipped velop tactics and advance their training,” and its most valuable resources: Airmen
aircraft storage and preservation, reclaim- overland to Kansas, where a WSU team courtesy photo said Tech. Sgt. Joshua Reid, 355th SFS and their families,” said Master Sgt. Chris- courtesy photo
ing and returning vital parts, regenerating scanned every individual structural part Pictured above is a sign for the Military Aircraft Storage and Disposition Center at MWD trainer. “There is also the friendly topher Leblanc, 355th SFS kennel master. From left to right: Staff Sgt. Keith Retuyan, 355th Security Forces Squadron military working dog
handler and MWD Max, Staff Sgt. George Saldivar, 355th Security Forces Squadron military work-
valuable aircraft to flying service, providing down to the nuts and bolts and reassembled Davis-Monthan Air Force Base. The 309th Aerospace Maintenance and Regeneration competition to see who the best dogs in With training and competition, Airmen ing dog handler and MWD Otter, Tech Sgt. Joshua Reid, 355th Security Forces Squadron senior
limited depot maintenance and modifica- the virtual aircraft parts to create a “digital Group was formerly known as the MASDC on Feb. 1, 1965. Arizona are.” from the 355th Security Forces Squadron military working dog trainer, Staff Sgt. Travis Bell, 355th Security Forces Squadron military work-
tion; and with the value of parts depleted, twin,” providing the Air Force with unprec- Brig. Gen. C. McCauley von Hoff- The handlers got the opportunity to military working dog team continue to en- ing dog trainer, Staff Sgt. Colton D’Agostino, 355th Security Forces Squadron military working
aircraft disposal. edented information on this bomber.” man, Ogden Air Logistics Com- compete alongside their counterparts in a hance their ability to defend the base and dog handler and MWD Caro, Staff Sgt. Quinton LeQuieu, 355th Security Forces Squadron military
“Many people do not realize that the Across the airpower reservoir’s desert plex commander at Hill Air Force rigorous competition to be the best. ensure the safety of all service members working dog handler and MWD Silke pose for a photo during the Arizona Law Enforcement Canine
AMARG is a key force multiplier for the speed line, agile and skilled maintainers are Base, Utah, and Col. Jennifer “It gives us an opportunity to test the on the installation. Associations Annual Desert Dog Trials in Scottsdale Arizona, April 18.
Department of Defense,” said Col. Jennifer performing system inspections, expedited Barnard, 309th Aerospace Main-
Barnard, 309th AMARG commander. “Often repairs, upgrades and modifications on tenance and Regeneration Group
simultaneously, the AMARG is enabling the active duty F-16 Fighting Falcon and A-10 commander, hold a plaque com-
nation to fight terrorism, conduct humani- Thunderbolt II aircraft. memorating the AMARG’s 75 68th RQS provides insight to AFSPECWAR recruiters
tarian relief, fight forest fires, conduct drug “Our unscheduled depot-level mainte- years of service. Through every
interdiction and defend the nation.” nance production line just completed ex- key military scene on the stage
In recent years, this key-force multiplier tensive repairs on several F-16s damaged of American history following
has supported the Coast Guard with updated during a deployment,” Barnard said. “They World War II up to present day, by Airman action to the combat mission support Airmen making sure what the mission set of an operator is so they can take that
C-27J Spartan aircraft for search and rescue, arrived in shipping crates; however, the American airpower has played a WiLLiAM TuRNBuLL all of the equipment is ready for operational use. knowledge and translate it to their recruits.
the Forest Service with C-23 Sherpas to aid AMARG team was able to complete those leading role. During its 75 years, 355th Wing Public Affairs “This pararescue immersion is part of our quarterly “We showed them a combat search and rescue demonstra-
in fighting wildfires, an allied nation with repairs and reassembly, perform all of the the 309th AMARG directly en- training, since we recruit for AFSPECWAR to include tion as well as our capabilities with our combat mission sup-
disaster relief capability in the form of KC- operational checks and return all of them Staff Sgt. Giovanni Sims abled the nation to respond. The 68th Rescue Squadron hosted an Air Force pararescue,” said Zena Vandervort, 330th Recruiting port assets in our squadron,” Andrada said. “We gave these
130T Hercules, and the Air Force’s Global to their unit flight ready.” Special Warfare recruiter immersion with the Squadron marketing specialist. “We partner up with rescue recruiters hands-on time with our equipment, after which we
Strike Command with the regeneration of Whether returning C-47 Skytrain cargo in support of Operation Freedom’s Sentinel. full production, being regenerated into the 330th Recruiting Squadron at Davis-Monthan Air squadrons and special tactics squadrons so that we can demonstrated and broke down our technical rescue capabilities
two B-52 Stratofortress aircraft. planes to service for the Berlin Airlift, de- For the past 45 years, the AMARG has QF-16 FSAT under a new public-private Force Base April 20. show our recruiters what we are recruiting for.” and our maritime operations.”
“I can’t thank this work force enough,” livering B-29 Superfortress bombers and supported American air warriors with a partnership between the U.S. Air Force A total of 100 AFSPECWAR recruiters from all After witnessing a demonstration from two pararescue- A common trend among veteran AFSPECWAR operators is
said Brig. Gen. C. McCauley von Hoffman, critical spares to the warfighters in Korea, series of full-scale aerial targets. Beginning and Boeing. The first QF-16 FSAT to be 50 states were in attendance for the 68th RQS to men cutting open a car, rescuing a patient, and moving the lack of information presented to them about their chosen
Ogden Air Logistics Complex commander. or putting B-47 Stratojet bombers on alert in the 1970s, with obsolete but plentiful fully converted at the 309th AMARG was demonstrate how AFSPECWAR Airmen get the that patient to the extraction helicopter, the recruiters job provided by recruiters, The U.S. Air Force recognized this
“The dedication in continuing to do the during the Cuban Missile Crisis, the 309th fighter planes, the AMARG has withdrawn delivered directly to Tyndall Air Force Base, job done — from the pararescuemen jumping into were able to get hands-on experience with the equipment and has worked toward forming specialized recruiters dis-
mission, regenerating aircraft, reclaiming AMARG has been a “warrior’s wingman” F-102 Deltas Daggers, F-100 Super Sabres, Florida, in 2020. that the pararescuemen and CMS Airmen use during tinctly for AFSPECWAR recruiting.
parts and storing what we might need for by rapidly projecting American airpower F-106 Delta Darts, and F-4 Phantom IIs As the DoD continues to adjust to na- operations. “Since a lot of our recruiters have not gone through any sort
around the globe. “These recruiters are new to AFSPECWAR recruiting of special warfare pipeline, it’s difficult for them to understand
During Operation Iraqi Freedom and from storage and returned to flight. Almost tional security threats and fiscal realities, for career fields that include combat control, pararescue, what exactly these jobs entail,” Vandervort said. “That’s why
Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghani- 1,080 aircraft have returned, whose ma- the 309th AMARG will remain key in special reconnaissance, tactical air-control party special- it’s important to have these immersions and get a first-hand
stan, American air planners turned to this neuverability and speed permit American allowing the U.S. to rapidly adjust to the Staff ist, explosive ordnance disposal and survival, evasion, look at different rescue squadrons and special tactics squad-
national-level airpower reservoir for the Airmen to train in order to hone their skills global environment and provide world-class resistance, and escape specialist,” said Master Sgt. Joshua rons from across the country.”
essential spares and aircraft needed to at- in air-to-air combat. aircraft maintenance and logistics support Publisher ..............................................................Paul Kinison Andrada, 68th RQS operations superintendent. “I told The Airmen of the AFSPECWAR career fields serve at the
Business manager ...............................................Lisa Kinison
tain the stable battle rhythm necessary to This program has continued at the 309th for our nation and foreign allies — truly a Editor .......................................................................Amy Lamb them my story as a pararescue team leader, as a para- “tip of the spear” for U.S. Special Operations Command. In
achieve the mission. The demand continues AMARG with the F-16 Fighting Falcon in national-level air power reservoir. Advertising representative ................................Sandi Bueltel rescue indoctrination course cadre, and as an operator in order to meet the manning demands of these career fields,
Designer .................................................................Tinna Sellie AFSPECWAR; hopefully they took in some of the traditions these specialized recruiters serve as not only the gateway into
Published by Aerotech News and Review, Inc. of special warfare and internalized it.” the U.S. Air Force, but as mentors and conditioning coaches for
877- 247-9288 • www.aerotechnews.com The purpose of the immersion was to show the recruiters the challenges that will be faced in special warfare.
Aerotech News and Review prepares all editorial content for Desert Light-
ning News. The editor will edit or rewrite submitted material for clarity, brev- Two pararescue-
ity or to conform to the Associated Press Style Guide, local policy and Air men, assigned
Force style as required by Air Force Instruction 35-101. Contributions for to the 68th Res-
Desert Lightning News can be emailed to the editor at amy@aerotechnews. cue Squadron,
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ning News uses information from Davis-Monthan Air Force Base website, lated patient for
the Armed Forces Information Service, Air Force News Service, Air Combat wounds at Da-
Command, staff writers and other sources. All advertising is handled by Aero- vis-Monthan Air
tech News and Review. For business advertising, call 877-247-9288 or email Force Base April
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courtesy photo Desert Lightning News is published by Aerotech News and Review, a pri- and extraction
Col. N. R. Laughinghouse (left) and Lt. vate firm in no way connected with the U.S. Air Force, under written agree- demonstration
Col. Robert F. Schirmer (right), com- ment with the 355th Fighter Wing. Contents of Desert Lightning News are was performed
manders of the 4105th Army Air Force not necessarily the official views of, or endorsed by, the U.S. Government, at the 68th RQS
Department of Defense or the Department of the Air Force. The appearance
Base Unit, Aircraft Storage, pose for of advertising in this publication, including inserts or supplements, does not to show recruit-
a photo in 1947 at Davis-Monthan Air constitute endorsement of the products or services advertised by the DLN, ers from the
Force Base. Through every key military courtesy photo DOD, Air Force or Aerotech News and Review. Everything advertised in this 330th Recruiting
scene on the stage of American history, Pictured above are U.S. Air Force aircraft sitting at the flush farm publication shall be made available for purchase, use or patronage without Squadron the
the 309th Aerospace Maintenance and at the 309th Aerospace Maintenance and Regeneration Group regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, physi- capabilities of
cal handicap, political affiliation or any other non-merit factor of the pur-
Regeneration Group directly enabled at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base. The 309th AMARG has been a chase, user or patron. Air Force Spe-
the nation’s ability to rapidly respond. key-force multiplier for the Department of Defense for 75 years. Airman William Turnbull cial Warfare.