Sentry Savannah 2015: Coastal Georgia’s counter-air operations exercise dominates

Photo By Staff Sgt. Tracy Smith | D.C. Air National Guard combat arms professional, Staff Sgt. Ahsley Treylino, demonstrates 'how it's done' during familiarization firing at Townsend Bombing Range during 2015 Sentry Savannah. The Andrews Air Force Base 113th Security Forces Squadron are responsible for protecting $2.5 billion in tactical combat air assets. Treylino and her squadron comprised a total force of 1,400 service members supporting the air-to-air training exercises featuring the most advanced fighter aircraft in the country today. (Georgia Department of Defense photo by Staff Sgt. Tracy J. Smith)  

SAVANNAH, GA, UNITED STATES

02.12.2015

Story by Staff Sgt. Tracy Smith 

Savannah Combat Readiness Training Center

THE AIR DOMINANCE CENTER, GARDEN CITY, Ga. – Gravity is no match for an aviation arsenal consisting of $2.5 billion of the most tactically advanced combat air assets available today.

Georgia Air National Guard’s Air Dominance Center showcased the ability to seamlessly provide a realistic training environment to the total force of a combined 1,400 U.S. Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps air warfighters.

The thrice-annual training exercise showcases the evolution of the former Chatham Army Airfield, established in 1942, from a wooden tabletop training environment for turret gunners preparing for World War I to the world's most sophisticated air-to-air aerial engagement force.

During the mid-point, media and distinguished visitors day welcoming brunch, Col. Thomas F. Grabowski, commander of the state-of-the-art multi-service air training facility, invited stakeholders and influencers to share what they witnessed with their communities.

“This is not your father’s training center,” Grabowski shared. “No longer are we doing B-17 turret training on wooden tabletops, we are fully capable and ready to work together.”

Judge Susan D. Barrett serves in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court representing the Southern District of Georgia since 2006. Impressed with the technological cohesiveness as the services jointly "defended" the Savannah coast she looks forward to sharing what she witnessed at the Air Dominance Center as “great for our country and for the state of Georgia.”

Assisting those who can no longer pay their creditors balance their assets, she views the training opportunities hosted by the center as a strong economic impact tool for Georgians.

“This can be a huge impact for the state,” Barrett said. “We are securing our shores and in turn helping the country by maintaining a strong financial footing.”

• Date Taken: 02.12.2015
• Date Posted: 02.13.2015 12:22
• Story ID: 154465
• Location: SAVANNAH, GA, US