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    VTANG Airmen Push for Success

    NV, UNITED STATES

    03.07.2015

    Story by Airman 1st Class Dana Alyce-Schwarz 

    158th Fighter Wing

    NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE, Nev. – As the heat shimmers off the flight line the roar of jets taking off mixes with the sound of laughter as the members of the Vermont Air National Guard (VTANG) take a moment to relax between assignments.

    Red Flag serves as a training exercise for flight missions and provides valuable experience to Airmen. During this time flight missions must be researched and planned, maintenance is required before and after each flight, and all systems have to be checked before the pilot enters the aircraft.

    Temporary Duty Assignments (TDYs) are an essential part of training for the VTANG, particularly for drill status Guardsmen who are often only able perform the traditional one weekend a month.

    “When we have a drill weekend, it can be very difficult to get all of our work and trainings completed in just two days,” said Tech. Sgt. Allison Shelp, an avionics technician. “Being here for three weeks has given us the chance to really focus on improving our skills. We see each other so briefly, even within our own offices and workshops. I know that other crews work on the jets, but in avionics I don’t often get to spend time with people from fuels, weapons or the engine shop.”

    Along with more time to work, many of the airmen appreciated being able to spend more time with members of the VTANG, making use of their off-duty time to grow closer as a unit and family. Many people have taken advantage of the local opportunities in Nevada; weekend visits to the Grand Canyon, hiking local mountain paths and seeing popular tourist attractions have been common during the trip. This camaraderie strengthens the VTANG’s already strong community.

    Between their own assignments, many members have taken the time to assist other crews with their workload. The Airmen have welcomed the additional responsibilities without hesitation and have taken the opportunity to gain valuable knowledge and skills that will serve to make their performance stronger, both individually and as a unit.

    “There’s a strong community amongst the VTANG and you’re seeing that in action here. People are helping each other and looking out for their Wingman,” said Senior Master Sgt. Jason Guyette, an Inspection Element Supervisor and serving as a Noncommissioned Officer in Charge. “Leadership has been nothing but impressed with the performance of the VTANG, we’ve been able to go above and beyond the expectations laid out by Red Flag. We’ve had strong success with our missions here and that’s going to make us that much more effective in a real-world situation.”

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    NEWS INFO

    Date Taken: 03.07.2015
    Date Posted: 04.15.2015 10:24
    Story ID: 160020
    Location: NV, US

    Web Views: 20
    Downloads: 0

    PUBLIC DOMAIN