Photo By Senior Airman Timothy Perish | U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Bolarinwa Odusanya, 99th Security Forces Squadron...... read more read more
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Defenders from the 99th Security Force Squadron are using a newly fielded personal cooling system device to help combat the heat of the Southern Nevada desert at Nellis Air Force Base.
Provided through a Department of the Air Force initiative, 40 climate control systems were delivered to the squadron to support performance while wearing body armor and protective gear.
Developed through a multi-year effort led by AFWERX and the Air Force Research Laboratory, the systems are now available for unit-level integration. The 99th SFS is among the first to incorporate them into daily operations purchasing 40 of these climate control systems to support performance while wearing body armor and protective gear.
“I retire in one year but, before I go, I will continue to implement new ideas to take care of my Airmen,” said Tech. Sgt. Justin Wood, 99th Security Forces Squadron noncommissioned officer in charge emerging technology. “This cooling system represents the best of Air Force innovation and identifies one of the great challenges we face as Defenders.”
Nellis Air Force Base was chosen as an early fielding location due to its extreme desert climate, making it an ideal environment to evaluate operational impact across multiple roles.
“We are testing them with our gate defenders, combat arms instructors and our K-9 units,” said Wood. “It’s also applicable to many career fields like maintainers.”
Reducing heat stress helps maintain alertness, which supports situational awareness. The cooling system directly supports force protection and mission readiness during prolonged outdoor operations.
“The extreme heat we deal with at Nellis makes every task more difficult,” said Staff Sgt. Eliana Lubrano, 99th Security Forces Squadron combat arms training and maintenance instructor supervisor. “As an instructor, I need to maintain a vigilante focus for hours on end outside and this device helps me achieve the mission.”
The Air Force retains ownership of the technology, ensuring long-term control over its development and use. Headquarters Air Force Logistics, Engineering and Force Protection partnered with a contractor to transition the capability into operational production, enabling units to acquire the devices through approved channels.
The broader initiative reflects the Air Force’s commitment to enhancing Airmen safety and performance. Collaboration included over 13 installations and multiple career fields across diverse climates, both in the continental U.S. and overseas.
| Date Taken: | 10.02.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 10.03.2025 11:40 |
| Story ID: | 549871 |
| Location: | NEVADA, US |
| Web Views: | 285 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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