An official website of the United States government
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Home : News : Article View
NEWS | Sept. 18, 2024

Pennsylvania Guard Support Squadron Sharpens Combat Readiness

By Tech. Sgt. Zoe Wockenfuss, 171st Air Refueling Wing

CAMP DAWSON, W.Va. - The 171st Force Support Squadron and Airmen from the 171st commander’s support staff recently completed intensive expeditionary force support training at Camp Dawson, enhancing capabilities and readiness.

Throughout the week of Aug. 4-9, the Pennsylvania Air National Guard Airmen engaged in cross-utilization Air Force Specialty Code training, team-building exercises, fitness drills, weapons familiarization and basic land navigation. The exercises prepared the squadron to execute missions in diverse and challenging environments.

“This year’s training strengthened our squadron by building morale, fostering teamwork and ensuring we’re always mission-ready,” said Lt. Col. Pamela Dove, commander of the 171st FSS. “I am proud to serve alongside each member as their commander, leading with commitment. Together, we stand stronger and more prepared.”

The training at Camp Dawson ensures the 171st FSS is fully prepared to support the broader mission of the Air National Guard. The successful completion of this exercise highlights the dedication of the Airmen involved, who focused intensely on skill development and mental preparedness throughout the training.

“We adjusted our training plan this year based on our commander’s priorities to ensure we are working to develop mission-ready Airmen with a warrior mindset,” said Chief Master Sgt. Jeremy Rohanna, senior enlisted leader of the 171st FSS. “I could not be prouder of each of these Airmen. Their actions and effort show that they are up for any challenge the future holds and that they take their oath to support and defend the Constitution of the United States seriously. They are mission-ready to fly, fight and win, and I am honored to serve with them.”

The skills and cohesion developed during the training will ensure the 171st FSS can deliver effective and agile support in any situation.

 

 

Related Articles
U.S. Airmen with the 193rd Special Operations Wing conducted routine Launch the Fleet training from Harrisburg International Airport in Middletown, Pennsylvania, September 11, 2025, timed to commemorate Patriot Day. This formation flight of six MC-130J Commando II aircraft followed a route visible to many in Central Pennsylvania.
Pennsylvania Air Guard Commemorates Patriot Day With Formation Training Flight
By Sgt. 1st Class Zane Craig, | Sept. 12, 2025
MIDDLETOWN, Pa. – Pennsylvania Air National Guard’s 193rd Special Operations Wing conducted routine Launch the Fleet training Sept. 11, timed to commemorate Patriot Day.This formation flight of six MC-130J Commando II...

Pennsylvania Air National Guardsmen with the 258th Combat Airfield Operations Squadron out of Johnstown, Pennsylvania, pose for a photo at Palau’s International Airport with the local liaison officer during Exercise Resolute Force Pacific 2025 Aug.13, 2025. The 258th Combat Airfield Operations Squadron is a geographically separated unit of the 171st Air Refueling Wing and serves an essential mission by providing air traffic control services both stateside and overseas to civil, military, and even presidential aircraft while also maintaining mobile readiness to deploy. (U.S. Air National Guard Photo)
Pennsylvania Air Guard Guides Skies at Exercise Resolute Force Pacific 2025
By Shawn Monk, | Sept. 3, 2025
JOHNSTOWN, Pa. - Four Airmen from the Pennsylvania Air National Guard’s 258th Combat Airfield Operations Squadron, based in Johnstown, recently traveled thousands of miles to take control of the skies over the Pacific island...

A Security Forces Airman responds to a simulated attack during a field training exercise at Ft. William Henry Harrison, Helena, Mont., June 2, 2025. Security Forces Squadrons from Arizona and Pennsylvania traveled to the Fort for a week of field training. The field instruction consisted of patrol movements, base security, key leader engagements, chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear and explosives detection response, and simulated attacks from opposition forces.
Arizona and Pennsylvania Air Guards Train Together in Montana
By Tech. Sgt. Jayson Burns, | June 6, 2025
FORT WILLIAM HENRY HARRISON, Mont. – More than 100 security forces Airmen from Arizona and Pennsylvania conducted five days of joint annual training in Helena, Montana, June 2-6.The defenders from the 161st Air Refueling...