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KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. – Preparedness is not merely a state of readiness, but a theme 403rd Wing leadership and members focused on throughout 2017. Overall, this was a busy year that showcased the excellence, achievements and preparedness of the 403rd Wing in supporting the Air Force Reserve mission. Here are 10 highlights from this year.
“Hurricane Hunters” face 10th-most active hurricane season on record
The 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron “Hurricane Hunters” flew more than 800 hours during more than 90 missions into 12 named storms. They even flew three storms – Irma, Jose and Katia – simultaneously from three different locations. This was the first time since 2010 three Atlantic hurricanes existed at the same time.
At the beginning of the 2017 hurricane season, the 53rd WRS also collected weather data in support of the U.S. Navy’s first Gulf of Mexico Oceanography Unmanned Systems Operational Demonstration May 30 to June 1. The data the Hurricane Hunters provided ensured the Navy had a better picture of how environmental factors could impact the fleet and their operations during the event, demonstrated unmanned capabilities and explored joint opportunities in support of national defense.
“Flying Jennies” reach full operational capability
On Nov. 3, the 815th Airlift Squadron “Flying Jennies,” a tactical airlift unit in the Air Force Reserve’s 403rd Wing, reached full operational capability, meaning they are ready to deploy and provide combat-ready Airmen to conduct combat airlift missions. This process started back in 2015, as the recommendation of transferring the squadron’s 10 C-130J Super Hercules aircraft was reversed by then-Secretary of the Air Force, Deborah James.
The 815th AS participated in several noteworthy events on its path to full operational capability in 2017. The squadron sent a C-130J Super Hercules aircrew to MacDill AFB, Florida, Sept. 23, to assist other C-130 and C-17 Globemaster III units with recovery and relief operations for victims of Hurricane Maria. In addition, the 815th sent a C-130J crew to Sri Lanka AFB Katunayake, Sri Lanka, Sept. 11-15, to participate in Pacific Airlift Rally, a biennial exercise that brings nations together for training that focuses on humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations.
Col. Jennie R. Johnson takes command of the 403rd Wing
Col. Johnson took command of the 403rd Wing May 7. Johnson said that as commander her actions would always be in line with the Air Force’s core values, she would give 100 percent of her efforts every single day, and her focus would be on the Airmen and 403rd Wing mission.
403rd Wing participates in Green Flag Little Rock 17-05
Members of the 815th AS and other 403rd Wing units completed the Green Flag Little Rock 17-05 deployment exercise at Little Rock AFB, Arkansas, March 10-22. It was the largest Green Flag exercise to date and the first time an Air Force Reserve unit led such an event. The joint exercise involved active-duty and reserve components, which provided aerial support to U.S. Army troops and allowed participants to gain experience with ground and air operations in a simulated combat zone.
815th AS participates in 73rd anniversary of D-Day
Two 815th AS crews from Keesler AFB participated in a six-ship multinational airborne mission in the Normandy, France, region June 4, to commemorate the 73rd anniversary of D-Day. The squadron flew multiple missions during this year’s week-long D-Day 73 commemoration.
Hurricane Nate hits Gulf Coast
As a precautionary measure, the 403rd Wing relocated its aircraft to Ellington Field, Texas, and Little Rock AFB, Arkansas, Oct. 6 as then-Tropical Storm Nate made its way toward the Gulf Coast. Nate made landfall near Biloxi, Mississippi, as a category 1 hurricane Oct. 7. Fortunately, the base sustained no major damage from the storm.
403rd Wing gains 12th Operational Weather Flight
In an effort to streamline the weather missions in Air Force Reserve Command, the 403rd Wing gained the 12th Operational Weather Flight Oct. 1. The unit is located at Scott AFB, Illinois, and supports the 15th Operational Weather Squadron at Scott AFB, which monitors weather observations, forecasting and aircrew briefings for the Midwestern and Eastern United States. It also provides presidential support for the East Coast Air Defense System and supports U.S. Northern Command and U.S. Transportation Command.
Maj. Gen. Craig L. La Fave takes command of 22nd Air Force
Maj. Gen. Craig L. La Fave took command of 22nd Air Force Nov. 14 at a ceremony hosted by the 403rd Wing at Keesler AFB. As commander of 22nd AF, headquartered at Dobbins Air Reserve Base, Georgia, La Fave is responsible for more than 17,000 reservists across 30 locations, to include 16 units and three special Department of Defense missions: aerial spray, fire suppression and weather reconnaissance. The 403rd Wing is a unit of 22nd and is responsible for tactical airlift and airdrop, aeromedical evacuation, agile combat support and the weather reconnaissance mission.
Aeromedical, flying squadrons participate in Southern Strike 2018
Members of the 36th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron, 815th AS and the 53rd WRS participated in various scenarios during Southern Strike 2018, an annual joint exercise held along the Mississippi Gulf Coast from Oct. 20-Nov. 3. Southern Strike 2018 was a large-scale, joint multinational combat exercise that provided tactical level training for the full spectrum of conflict and emphasized air dominance, maritime operations, maritime air support, precision engagement, close air support, command and control, personnel recovery, aeromedical evacuation, and combat medical support.
403rd units receive awards for excellence
403rd Maintenance Group - Outstanding Unit Award
403rd Operations Group - Airlift Tanker Association Lt. Gen. James E. Sherrard III Air Force Reserve Command Outstanding Unit Award
403rd Force Support Squadron - Air Force Reserve Command Maj. Gen. Eugene L. Eubank Award for best small installation force support squadron.
36th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron - Lillian Keil Team Award and the AE Excellence in Leadership and Management Team Award
| Date Taken: | 12.29.2017 |
| Date Posted: | 12.29.2017 10:45 |
| Story ID: | 260677 |
| Location: | KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, MS, US |
| Web Views: | 100 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, 403rd Wing looks back on 2017 achievements, by SrA Nathaniel Byrnes, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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