Air National Guard director visits 188th Wing

Photo By Master Sgt. Chauncey Reed | Lt. Gen. L. Scott Rice, director of the Air National Guard, is shown the UH-60 “Blackhawk” used during a scenario to showcase the 188th Wing’s remote air, zonal operations, reach back-processing, assessment and dissemination (RAZORBack PAD) March 31, 2017, while visiting Ebbing Air National Guard Base, Fort Smith, Ark. The RAZORBack PAD was used to show how 188th Airmen can monitor video footage from aircraft while in a mobile location. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Tech. Sgt. Chauncey Reed)  

FORT SMITH, AR, UNITED STATES

03.31.2017

Story by Senior Airman Cody Martin 

188th Wing

Lt. Gen. L. Scott Rice, director of the Air National Guard, and Chief Master Sgt. Ronald C. Anderson, ANG command chief master sergeant, visited the 188th Wing March 31, 2017.

Rice came to the base to view the wing’s unique mission and capabilities, as well as to recognize outstanding performances from 188th Airmen. Anderson met with enlisted Airmen to ensure they had everything they needed to accomplish their mission.

“You are setting the pathway that’s going to set a direction for the United States military for the next 100 years,” said Rice to 188th Wing Airmen.

Upon arrival, Rice and Anderson were given an overview of the wing’s mission from Col. Bobbi Doorenbos, 188th Wing commander. From housing intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance members with remotely piloted aircraft pilots and sensor operators to being the only ANG wing with a space targeting mission, the synopsis detailed numerous ways the 188th showed innovation and modernization.

After Rice and Anderson awarded distinguished Airmen for their accomplishments, Anderson spoke to 188th Wing members about how they set the example as resilient and innovative Guardsmen.

“This organization is on the leading edge for who we are and what we do as 21st century Guard Airmen,” Anderson stated.

While enlisted Airmen gathered to listen to Anderson during the enlisted call, Rice toured the wing’s sensitive compartmented information facility (SCIF) and learned how the 188th’s one-of-a-kind operations enhances ISR to supported units and provides more efficient, effective and timely solutions for the battlefield commanders.

Rice and Anderson were also shown the remote air, zonal operations, reach back-processing, assessment and dissemination (RAZORBack PAD). Using the RAZORBack PAD, the 188th showed the ability to monitor video footage from aircraft, such as the MC-12 and the UH-60 “Blackhawk,” in the air while in a mobile location.

Before departing from the wing, Rice and Anderson expressed how impressed they were with the 188th's mission and capabilities.

“You have figured it out,” Anderson said. “You have taken advantage of that resiliency in our Airmen, that adaptability [and] innovative mentality, and you’ve capitalized on it… When we talk about the 21st century Guard Airman, it is right here in Arkansas.”

• Date Taken: 03.31.2017
• Date Posted: 04.01.2017 16:07
• Story ID: 228874
• Location: FORT SMITH, AR, US