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 | Aug. 1, 2016

New Jersey air group brings more than 1,300 years of experience to Air Force exercise

By Senior Airman Shane S. Karp 177th Fighter Wing, New Jersey Air National Guard

NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE, Nev. - Members of the 177th Fighter Wing deployed on temporary duty to this air base to take part in Red Flag 16-3, the U.S. Air Force's premier air to air combat exercise, which aims to give Airmen an opportunity to experience realistic combat scenarios.

Red Flag is crucial to ensure readiness for less-experienced Airman who may not have a combat deployment under their belt, but the 177th MXG brought something else with them which cannot be taught: more than 1,300 years of cumulative experience between the 127 deployed from the 177th Maintenance Group

"With that amount of years of seasoning comes invaluable experience and knowledge, which ultimately amplifies our readiness and effectiveness," said U.S. Air Force Maj. Brian Cooper, 177th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron Commander.

Cooper spent the first 10 years of his Air Force career on active duty, and describes the 177th MXG as, "one of the best maintenance units in the total Air Force, always ready to provide safe reliable aircraft for anything we are tasked to do."

The tempo at Red Flag is fast-paced and conditions are less-than desirable, with more than 115 aircraft scheduled to depart Nellis AFB twice a day, and operations taking place both during the daytime, and under the night sky, with temperatures during the exercise averaging well over 100 degrees.

"Red Flag is very fast-paced, with several different things always needing to be done at the same time," said Airman 1st Class Kirsten Chervenak, a weapons loader with two years in the New Jersey Air National Guard. "The exercise helps us be prepared because things are always changing at the last minute; we're constantly alert and ready for anything here."

For the maintainers here, there is very little, if any downtime, says Senior Airman Austin Sharpless, a crew chief with two years experience in the NJANG.

"We really are picking up the tempo compared to a typical Guard weekend. As soon as the first set of jets take off, we're working on the second set, making sure they will be good to go later in the day. That's what makes exercises like Red Flag so important to us." Sharpless said.

What makes the 177th MXG a premier unit in the Air Force is that when in doubt, the younger Airmen have more than 1,300 years of experience behind them, Cooper said.

This includes people like Chief Master Sgt. Timothy S. Donovan, an aircraft systems superintendent with the 177th Fighter Wing, and 39 years of Air Force experience.

"The expectation is, I have knowledge and experience based on my position and years on the job," Donovan said. "The key is to be approachable and look to help and assist when younger Airmen, or anyone else for that matter, are in need of advice, mentoring, or direction"

"My experience seems to act like a guide for the younger Airmen, and helps to ease some of their anxieties," said Master Sgt. Bradley X. Rivera-Reynoso, a weapons troop with the 177th MXG with years 16 years of experience, 8 of which were on active duty, and three combat deployments.

Exercises like Red Flag, combined with the seasoned experience the New Jersey Air National Guard's 177th Fighter Wing brings to the table, help ensure the 177th is ready to complete any task, at any time, anywhere.

 

 

Related Articles
Photo of medical training during a Port Subject Matter Expert Exchange at the Port of Laem Chabang, Thailand, August 20, 2025. (Courtesy Photo)
Washington Guard Continues Strengthening Relationship at Thailand’s Port of Laem Chabang
By Joseph Siemandel, | Sept. 30, 2025
CAMP MURRAY, Wash. - Four members of the Washington National Guard partnered recently with more than 170 employees from the Port of Laem Chabang, Thailand, to continue improving the port’s all-hazard response as part of the...

Leaders and attendees from the Hawai‘i National Guard, Guam National Guard and Armed Forces of the Philippines gather for a group photo during the 25th anniversary celebration of the State Partnership Program between the Hawai‘i National Guard and the AFP at Clark Air Base, Philippines, Sept. 25, 2025. The Hawai‘i Guard and AFP launched the Indo-Pacific’s first State Partnership in 2000, marking 25 years of cooperation in training, disaster response and regional security.
25 Years Strong: Hawai‘i Guard and Philippines Celebrate Enduring Partnership
By Master Sgt. Mysti Bicoy, | Sept. 30, 2025
CLARK AIR BASE, Philippines — Cheers, handshakes and shared stories filled the air Sept. 23–25 as the Hawai‘i National Guard and Armed Forces of the Philippines celebrated 25 years of partnership — a bond that has endured...

Oklahoma National Guard leaders and Italian representatives unveil a plaque at the former headquarters of the 45th Infantry Division during WWII in Venafro, Italy, Sept. 8, 2025. A delegation of Oklahoma National Guard members and veterans toured key locations from the 45th Infantry Division’s campaign in Italy against German forces during World War II, continuing the development of the Thunderbird Trail. The initiative is aimed at preserving the Division's role in World War II through a memorial trail tracing its footsteps through Italy, France and Germany, ensuring their sacrifices are never forgotten. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Danielle Rayon)
Thunderbird Trail: Preserving Sacrifice, Strengthening Connection for Oklahoma Guard
By Sgt. Danielle Rayon, | Sept. 29, 2025
ITALY – Standing among rows of white marble headstones at the Sicily-Rome American Cemetery and Memorial, Soldiers of the Oklahoma National Guard bent to place sand from the beaches of Anzio into the carved names of...