Photo By Staff Sgt. Ivy Thomas | U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. David Denlis, a firefighter with the 121st Air Refueling...... read more read more
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LAJES FIELD AIR BASE, Portugal- Airmen and firefighters from the 121st Air Refueling Wing (ARW), the 65th Air Base Group, and the Lajes Field Fire Department trained together during a Deployment for Training (DFT) at Lajes Field Air Base, Portugal, Aug. 3–15, 2026. The two-week training mission gave Airmen hands-on experience with real-world operations, strengthened NATO partnerships, and enhanced readiness through shared expertise and hands-on collaboration.
A DFT is a temporary duty program where Air National Guard Civil Engineer (CE) Airmen deploy to active-duty bases to gain experience by conducting training and assisting with real-world and emergency-response projects. Firefighters from the 121 ARW integrated with the Lajes Field Fire Department, working shifts, responding to real-world calls, and performing exercises such as motor-vehicle accident simulations, pump-operator training, and familiarization with different airframes.
“Working with the host nation during this DFT has been a great opportunity to learn from them,” said Staff Sgt. Jacob Powell, a 121 ARW firefighter. “We were also able to show them some of the ways we operate.”
Airmen from electrical power production, pavement and construction equipment, water and fuel systems, structural maintenance, and heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) worked alongside the 65th Air Base Group to support real-world projects and complete specific training.
“These trips provide critical, real-world training opportunities for all CE career fields,” said Senior Master Sgt. Henry Zaborniak, the Vertical Support Superintendent for the 121 ARW Civil Engineer Squadron. “Our Guardsmen may not encounter certain issues at home station, so learning to problem-solve in an unfamiliar environment is essential for contingency readiness.”
Throughout the DFT, 121 ARW Airmen gained hands-on experience while working alongside their active-duty and NATO partners, exchanging knowledge and building stronger working relationships. The training reinforced shared readiness and strengthened the partnerships needed to support future NATO missions.
| Date Taken: | 08.14.2026 |
| Date Posted: | 08.26.2026 06:13 |
| Story ID: | 573232 |
| Location: | PT |
| Web Views: | 19 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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