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
From left, U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Noah Polcar, loadmaster, 154th Training Squadron, Maj. Robert Stephenson, pilot, 154th TRS, Maj. Eric Zane, pilot, 154th TRS, Master Sgt. Levi Sortomme, loadmaster, 154th TRS, Staff Sgt. Dakoda Baker, crew chief, 189th Maintenance Group, and Master Sgt. Jacob Shaulis, crew chief, 189th MXG, in front of the second of the first two C-130J Super Hercules aircraft received by the 189th AW after initial arrival at Little Rock AFB, Arkansas, Sept. 18, 2024.
Arkansas National Guard Air Wing Receives C-130J Aircraft
By Tech. Sgt. Christopher Sherlock, | Sept. 26, 2024
LITTLE ROCK AIR FORCE BASE, Ark. - The 189th Air Wing officially began its first aircraft conversion in almost 40 years with the arrival of two EC-130J Super Hercules aircraft Sept. 18.The conversion to the C-130J is a major...

Pennsylvania Air National Guard Staff Sgt. Robbie Gregor from the 171st Air Refueling Wing gently encourages an emperor penguin to leave an active runway while supporting Operation Deep Freeze at the National Science Foundation's McMurdo Research Center, Antarctica, in January 2024. Operation Deep Freeze involves logistical support for scientific research.
Pennsylvania Air National Guard Supports Antarctic Research
By Shawn Monk, | Sept. 6, 2024
CORAOPOLIS, Pa. - Four firefighters from the 171st Air Refueling Wing recently returned from Operation Deep Freeze, a longstanding mission supporting the National Science Foundation's McMurdo Research Center in...

Pennsylvania Air National Guard Staff Sgt. Jeremiah Leonard, left, and Tech. Sgt. Shane Miller, with the 258th Air Traffic Control Squadron in Johnstown, Pennsylvania, work on a pick-off rescue while on a radar tower during a two-week training exercise that ended June 16, 2024. The 258th Air Traffic Control Squadron is a geologically separated unit of the 171st Air Refueling Wing.
Pennsylvania Maintainers Conduct Two-Week Training Exercise
By Master Sgt. Keith Boring and Senior Master Sgt. Shawn Monk, | July 19, 2024
JOHNSTOWN, Pa. - Pennsylvania Air National Guardsmen with the 258th Air Traffic Control Squadron’s Deployable Instrument Landing System Team completed a two-week annual training exercise June 16.The exercise focused on the...