Photo By Tech. Sgt. Rana Franklin | The District and D.C. staff of U.S. Congressman Jim Banks, Indiana Representative for...... read more read more
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122ND FIGHTER WING IANG, In. (August 30, 2017)— The District and D.C. Staff of U.S. Congressman Jim Banks, Indiana Representative for the 3rd District, visited the 122nd Fighter Wing for a site tour, August 23, Wayne to learn more about the history, mission, capabilities and needs of the Blacksnakes.
“It's always reassuring to not only see the equipment that keeps our nation safe but to meet the personalities of the armed forces, devoted to protecting Fort Wayne and NE Indiana,” said John Wilson, Legislative Assistant to Congressman Banks. “Proud that the 122nd is in Fort Wayne.”
The staff was greeted by the command section of the wing before receiving a mission brief by Col. Patrick Renwick, 122nd Fighter Wing Commander. The staffers were briefed on the wing’s heritage, economic impact to the community and posture for the future, among other topics.
The Blacksnakes are happy to have direct support from our elected officials and the Air Force for their commitment to ensuring Fighters remain at the Fort, Renwick told the staff. Regardless of future aircraft decisions, the 122nd Fighter Wing, now and in the future, is dedicated to carrying out its assigned missions, here and abroad.
After Renwick delivered the briefing and answered the staffers’ questions about the wing and its mission, the group set out on a site tour. Subject matter experts were on hand at each unit to describe their specific mission and answer any questions the staff had about the each component of operation.
One portion of the tour that had a large impact on the staff was when they were able to experience the power of the A-10c Thunderbolt II on the wing’s flight simulator. Each staff member had the opportunity to sit in the pilot’s seat and perform barrel rolls, drop sorties and try their hand at a smooth landing.
“Knowing the powerful capabilities of these aircraft, it was like being Zeus in a thundercloud and at the same time like being at work,” said Russ Jehl, Deputy District Director to Congressman Banks.
The site tour culminated with a visit to the wing’s main hangar where the staff was able to get up-close and personal with the mighty A-10c. They learned about the aircraft and how it operates. They were also educated on the challenges we face as a wing in obtaining parts and keeping the jet’s updated. The resounding theme, however, was the wing’s appreciation for all of the support the staff has shown and the work that they do alongside Congressman Banks to fight for all military personnel in the state of Indiana.
“This was an enlightening experience,” said Tanner Spencer, Legislative Correspondent for the Congressman. “ I was able to see how the A-10's operate, as well as obtain an understanding of how important the 122nd is to our district.”
| Date Taken: | 08.23.2017 |
| Date Posted: | 09.05.2017 07:33 |
| Story ID: | 247106 |
| Location: | US |
| Web Views: | 330 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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