DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. -- It was a hot summer afternoon in July when Senior Airman Matthew Ronan stepped out on the flight line at Aviano Air Force Base, Italy. He looked over his shoulder and took in the view of the Italian Alps before an F-16S pulled in to receive fuel.
Ronan and a group of Airmen quickly sprung to action as the pilot held his position on the tarmac with his jet engines loudly roaring. The Airmen worked together to attach a line to the F-16S and began pumping jet fuel. Within minutes, the line was detached and the pilot pushed onward, ready to take to the Italian skies once again.
The refueling exercise was part of a training mission that U.S. Air Force Reserve Airmen from the 512th Airlift Wing took part in July 18-29, 2017 at Aviano. Total Force Integration served as the basis for the training, which provided an opportunity for the 512th AW to work alongside Aviano’s active duty 31st Fighter Wing Airmen and the Italian Air Force.
“Any time we have the Reserve come to the 31st Fighter Wing, it not only provides us with the extra numbers in our squadrons, but we can also train alongside the Reservists,” said 2nd Lt Kyle Rittel, 31st Logistics Readiness Squadron operations officer. “A Total Force experience like this ensures that we’re able deploy downrange together as one unit.”
Both the 512th Logistics Readiness Squadron and the 512th Communications Operations flight took part in the training. The NATO base’s fighter mission, structure and location all provided unique opportunities for the Airmen, who are more accustomed to supporting mobility aircraft back home at Dover Air Force Base, Delaware.
“Our team not only wanted to come to Aviano to see how other squadrons operate, but also take advantage of training we may not have had the chance to get locally at Dover,” said Senior Master Sgt. Anthony Harris, assistant chief of communications operations for the 512th Force Support Squadron. “It’s been an eye opening experience for us.”
Harris’ team not only obtained training from their active duty counterparts on the trip, they also had the opportunity to provide support to a squadron that was minimally manned due to deployments. From working help desk tickets, to imaging desktop computers and updating software, Harris’ communications team assisted the 31st Communications Squadron with a number of duties during their time in Italy. They also supported the squadron by providing information technology best practices and process improvements.
“The 512th’s communications team provided invaluable technical assistance during their visit,” said Lt. Col. Jeffrey Thompson, 31st CS commander. “They arrived ready to work and maintained a high tempo throughout their tour. This is proof that Total Force Integration truly does work.”
On the other end of Aviano, the 512th LRS and 31st LRS worked side-by-side to organize a warehouse filled with deployment supplies and equipment. Endless boxes of helmets, flak vests and chemical warfare suits were stacked high above on shelves in preparation for more gear to be delivered.
But along with supply duties, the 512th LRS also provided vehicle maintenance and fuels support, as well as assistance with logistical systems. The ability to hone their skills at a fighter wing and work alongside fellow Airmen in an international setting proved highly beneficial to the Dover crew.
“Training in a different mission set and environment is a big advantage to our Reservists,” said Maj. Christopher De La Pena, augmentee to the 512th LRS from the 436th Logistics Readiness Squadron. “The broader your exposure is to the bigger Air Force mission as a whole, the more prepared you are for future deployments.”
Now that the 512th AW squadrons have returned to Dover, they bring home a wealth of knowledge and experience. As the Airmen continue to prepare for future deployments, they will have the advantage of Total Force training gained from their time in Italy.