Photo By Capt. Matthew Doyle | Staff Sgt. Brock Logan (in the main cab) from the 132d Logistics Readiness Squadron...... read more read more
JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska – More than 75 Airmen from the Iowa Air National Guard’s 132d Logistics Readiness Squadron, 132d Communications Squadron, and 132d Wing Staff traveled to Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson this month for a total-force training mission that reinforced their technical capabilities, broadened their operational experience, and advanced individual and collective mission readiness.
Embedded alongside members of the Alaska Air National Guard’s 176th Wing and the active-duty 673rd Air Base Wing, the Iowa-based Airmen executed nine days of targeted training that supported Career Field Education and Training Plan progression, offered exposure to new systems and platforms, and built relationships essential to joint mission success.
“This TDY gave our Airmen a rare opportunity to work in a joint environment and complete essential hands-on tasks that aren’t available at home station,” said Lt. Col. Angelo Deright commander of the 132d Logistics Readiness Squadron. “It’s the kind of experience that strengthens our force both technically and professionally.”
Hands-On Training in a Real-World Environment
Airmen from the 132d LRS VM focused on conducting inspections, troubleshooting, and repairs on vehicles no longer found at their Des Moines base. From de-icing boom trucks to a semi-truck wrecker, the diverse fleet provided a valuable training platform for vehicle maintainers and supply personnel.
“We worked on vehicles we seldom or never see in Iowa,” said Staff Sgt. Russell Bunger, 132d LRS ground transportation technician. “The training pushed us out of our comfort zone and made us better at adapting to unfamiliar gear while completing mission objectives.”
Beyond maintenance tasks, LRS personnel trained on deployment logistics, warehouse operations, aircraft refueling, and mobility processes, with 673rd ABW and 176th Wing counterparts.
Members from the 132d CS were able to fully engage in the training and tasks being executed at JBER. Master Sgt. Andrew McPherson NCOIC of Communications Focal Point highlighted the value of this TDY.
"The benefit of being able to train and work at JBER, being removed far enough from home station to where we are able to focus with their teams and accomplish training," said McPherson. "Often during a drill-weekend we're so focused on helping the customers, other end users, and people across base with a whole variety of issues and being able to come here and have the ability to put our full concentration and focus on this training was a big value."
The ability to perform real-world verification on the skills and function of the team members of the 132d CS is another advantage that McPherson sees.
"Integrating with our active duty counterparts on tasks that we do provides reassurance that we are executing it at the same standard as them, or addressing areas that need improvement, and sometimes we are exceeding them, further highlighting how beneficial it is to train at JBER," said McPherson.
CS Gets Ground-Level Readiness Through Cable Locating and Tower Climbing Training
Airmen from the 132d Communications Squadron gained valuable hands-on experience in infrastructure operations during a joint training rotation with the 673rd Communications Squadron Cable and Antenna shop.
Leveraging tools such as the Dynatel 2273M wand and transmitter, 132d personnel supported underground cable locating for both flight line improvement and forest road construction projects. The effort led to the identification of approximately 400 feet of buried cabling, real-world training that directly contributes to mission readiness.
Additionally, the 673rd team introduced the Iowa Airmen to high-frequency radio tower maintenance training, an opportunity not available at home station. Instruction included safety procedures, climbing techniques, and practical use of harness equipment such as the descend release clip and arresting safety device.
“Our team was plugged directly into the daily operations of the active-duty comms squadron,” said Capt. Dylan Staples, commander of the 132d Communications Squadron. “They gained real-world experience in how large-scale systems are secured and maintained in a fast-paced environment.”
Munitions Airmen Build MQ-9-Compatible Munitions
Members of the 132d LRS Munitions section worked directly with the 3rd Munitions Squadron (3rd MUNS) to build a GBU-12 and a GBU-38, two precision-guided munitions specifically used on the MQ-9 Reaper. The MQ-9 is a platform operated by the 132d Wing’s Operations Group.
“This was an invaluable opportunity for our munitions personnel,” said Senior Master Sgt. Clint Hurley, munitions superintendent for the 132d LRS. “We don’t have access to this kind of equipment back home. Being able to build munitions for a platform operated by our wing was both operationally relevant and professionally rewarding.”
The build included hands-on assembly and inspection, aligning with CFETP tasks and reinforcing real-world mission readiness.
Total Force, Total Value
What made the training especially impactful was the fully integrated structure of the mission. The Iowa Airmen worked shoulder-to-shoulder with Air National Guard and active-duty members in their host units. The result was an environment where lessons were exchanged in real time, teamwork was emphasized, and mission readiness was jointly pursued.
The joint mission also supported the Department of the Air Force’s Total Force concept, which integrates active-duty, Guard, and Reserve personnel into a single, seamless fighting force.
“Training like this is how we build a resilient and agile force,” said Deright. “Our Airmen don’t just return home with better technical skills, they return as better leaders and teammates.”
Making an Impression and Looking Ahead
Staff Sgt. Dion Mitchell and Senior Airman Lucas Kornder, both recent transfers from the former 133rd Test Squadron in Fort Dodge, Iowa, visited the 176th Communications Squadron at JBER to assist in identifying various antennas.
"Drawing from our experience at the 133rd TS, we walked through the antenna configurations atop shelters and buildings, and were able to help out the 176th CS," said Mitchell.
Impressed by their expertise, the 176th Communications Squadron commander requested that the 132d CS members return to JBER on orders to support further antenna identification and Mobile User Objective System integration—connecting radios and antennas for operational use.
The success of the training has leadership already eyeing future opportunities to build on the momentum gained in Alaska. Whether preparing for overseas deployments or supporting domestic emergency response, the goal remains the same: deliver trained, mission-ready Airmen who can perform anywhere, anytime.
“This TDY checked all the boxes, technical proficiency, component collaboration, and morale,” said Deright. “It was a win not only for our units, but for the broader Total Force mission.”
As the 132d Wing continues to prioritize high-impact training experiences, the success at JBER stands as a model for how cross-component collaboration can elevate both individual careers and unit-wide mission capability.
| Date Taken: | 06.26.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 06.30.2025 13:52 |
| Story ID: | 501893 |
| Location: | ALASKA, US |
| Web Views: | 77 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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