Page 4 - Desert Lightning News July 1 2016

4 July 1, 2016 Desert Lightning News
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One Stop Shop: Total Force Training Center – AFacebook.com/DesertLightningNews
162nd Wing detachment

Since last October, the center has facilitated training for 1,533 military (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Tech. Sgt. Erich B. Smith)
personnel from 15 separate units across the joint force – all seeking to im-
prove their warfighting skills before they deploy, or to complete required “White Knights” on the north ramp. A Marine Corps crew chief stands by as a eet of MV-22 Ospreys
training they may not have been able to efficiently accomplish at their prepare to take o on May 20 near the 162nd Wing’s Total Force Training Center, located at Davis-
home base. Monthan Air Force Base. The versatile joint-service aircraft belongs to the Marine Medium Tiltrotor
Squadron - 165, based out of Miramar, California. “Coming here is excellent for training. The environ-
“We are a one-stop shop operation,” said Senior Master Sgt. Samuel ment that we work in right now in theater, with the topography and climate, really mirrors what is
Roberts, superintendent for the TFTC. here in Arizona,” said Marine Corps Maj. Paul Bisulca, the squadron’s executive o cer.

Established in 1975 as Operation Snowbird, the TFTC was a succession nickname for the 50-year-old squadron.
of training exercises – as opposed to an actual unit – catering to northern Currently, the TFTC assumes the role of a host, providing the means and
Air National Guard bases that came to Tucson during the winter months,
according to Roberts. e name change was a result of the operation re- capabilities for Air Force components to conduct an A-10 bombing, mis-
ceiving more active-duty and foreign units, and handling an increased va- sile and gunnery competition named Hawgsmoke.
riety of assets and resources year-round.
A walk through one of TFTC’s six buildings highlights its joint-service
“Now, we sometimes get units that literally come off the street, redi- mentality, with ceiling tiles painted like murals, representing the wide range
rected by the 355th Fighter Wing here at D-M,” said Roberts. of missions of the units that have called the center its temporary home.

With a crew of 11 full-time members – comprised of munitions, aero- With the words “Fight’s On” displayed on its own patch, the TFTC is
space ground equipment, vehicle maintenance, personnel and flight line poised to continue its services as the total package for future customers.
Airmen, along with a command staff – Roberts described the center as
“our very own little Air Force base.”

“We have a game plan before they (visiting units) come here, and this
allows them to be more mission-oriented to their training,” explained Rob-
erts. “ en when they arrive, we serve as liaisons.”

In May, Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron - 165, a Miramar, Califor-
nia, based unit that brought their MV-22 Ospreys to D-M, came to Ari-
zona to fly side-by-side with A-10 underbolt IIs.

“Coming here is excellent for training. e environment that we work
in right now in theater, with the topography and climate, really mirrors
what is here in Arizona,” said Marine Corps Maj. Paul Bisulca, the visiting
squadron’s executive officer.

Technical training aside, Bisulca added the facility design lends for
greater cohesiveness and camaraderie among the “White Knights,” the

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