The aircraft was tasked to broadcast radio and television into Kosovo to help prevent ethnic cleansing. Enjoyed a terrific visit with SEA Tony Whitehead, the Senior Enlisted Advisor to the Chief of the National Guard Bureau. Effectively executing our mission is critically important to our nation and our commonwealth. This article incorporates public domain material from the Air Force Historical Research Agency. If there is one thing I want you to hear in this address, its that this position is not about me, Smith said. Commander - Lt. Col. William G. Schaetzle The 193rd Operations Support Flight consists of intelligence section, current operations, airfield management and Wing training, The flight is maintained, trained and equipped to. 560 unit members had participated in the campaign, and flew 845 hours of combat operations. The ceremony also marked the beginning of another wing leadership tenure as Chief Master Sgt. Gen. Michael Regan, Jr., Pennsylvania Air National Guard commander, during an assumption of command ceremony here today. Oberst Mike Cason, Kommandeur des 193. The members of the 211th EIS are Above All Others in providing C41 communications capabilities to our nation, state, and community. Several years later in 1989, Volant Solo was instrumental in the success of coordinated psychological operations in Operation Just Cause. The aircraft was tasked to broadcast radio and television into Kosovo to prevent ethnic cleansing and assist in the expulsion of the Serbs from the region. The MC-130J Commando II is a flagship mission for Air Force Special Operations Command. The event marked the president's second visit to the Air National Guard base since taking office last November. [6], The first Lockheed EC-121S Coronet Solo was delivered to the unit on 16 July 1968. In short, the AOGs complex job is to produce logical plans for each day of a conflict, execute them and then evaluate their effects for input into the next days plan. There is no doubt in my mind the aircraft that landed here today will be integral in any future conflict.. Flying the EC-130J Commando Solo, a specially-modified four-engine Hercules transport, the 193rd Special Operations Squadron conducts information operations, psychological operations and civil affairs broadcasts in AM, FM, HF, TV and military communications bands. Weve executed similar mission sets for years, which likely contributed to AFSOC trusting us with this critically valuable aircraft, Frankenfield said. The ceremonial passing of the guidon to Fink marks the beginning of his command of the 193rd SOW. In 1998, the unit and its aircraft participated in Operation Desert Thunder, a deployment to Southwest Asia to convince Iraq to comply with U.N. Security Council resolutions. Fact Sheets; AFSOC Senior Leaders; AFSOC Heritage; You will have to cast a net very far and wide to find a more dedicated and professional Airman, said Regan. During this mission it broadcast throughout the initial phases of the operation, helping to end the Noriega regime. Col. Scott Harron and family, welcome to Happy Valley! Gen. Michael Regan, Pennsylvania Air National Guard commander (left) and Col. Edward Fink Jr., 193rd Special Operations Wing commander (right) exchange the guidon at an assumption of command ceremony Oct. 28, 2022, Middletown, Pennsylvania. The 193rd SOW is the first and currently the only wing in the Air National Guard to take on this mission, which helps guarantee relevancy for the wing for years to come. UNIT HIGHLIGHTS Robert Smith, 193rd Special Operations Wing command chief, delivers remarks to attendees during an assumption of responsibilities ceremony Oct. 28, 2022, Middletown, Pennsylvania. As a result, the group became the 193rd Special Operations Wing with three subordinate groups. 193rd SOSFS commander. An MC-130J Commando II arrives at the 193rd Special Operations Wing Feb. 2, 2023 at Middletown, Pennsylvania. Continuing its tradition, in 1997 the 193rd SOW and Commando Solo supported the United Nations Operation Joint Guard with radio and TV broadcasts over Bosnia-Herzegovina in support of stabilization forces operations. [6], Following the agreement of Governor Bob Casey Sr. for the use of members of the Pennsylvania Air National Guard, on 23 August 1990, Central Command Air Forces directed the deployment of two Rivet Rider and two Comfy Levy EC-130Es from the group to King Fahd International Airport, Saudi Arabia. Lt. Gen. Bauernfeind earned his commission from the U.S. Air Force Academy in 1991. , Fort Indiantown Gap, Pennsylvania. Smith entered the U.S. Air Force in 1987 as an Aerospace Ground Equipment Apprentice and has deployed in support of numerous operations to include operations Provide Comfort, Northern Watch, Southern Watch, Iraqi Freedom, Enduring Freedom and Unified Protector. In the Spring of 1964, the 140th Aeromedical Transport Squadron's mission and designation changed to 140th Air Transport Squadron and the Air National Guard operation at Olmsted Air Force Base expanded to a group, with the formation of the 168th Air Transport Group. In 1998, the unit and its aircraft participated in Operation Desert Thunder, a deployment to Southwest Asia to convince Iraq to comply with U.N. Security Council resolutions. The position is about each and every one of you and about finding the resources to allow you to be innovative and develop into the next generation of wing leaders and war fighters. The 193rd's primary wartime and contingency operations mission is to broadcast radio and television signals to target populations from an airborne transmitter, jamming existing television and radio signals where necessary. The mission later transitioned to the EC-130E , in 1980 and eventually to the EC-130J in 2004. The 203rd WF is a small, elite unit that analyzes and predicts atmospheric conditions for pilots, war planners and decision makers. The 193rd Special Operations Wing of the Air National Guard (ANG) has received its first MC-130J Commando II aircraft as part of its mission conversion to a flagship mission of the Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC). We will make deliberate investments in our Airmen through mentoring, feedback and growth opportunities to allow you to achieve your goals.. Brig. 193rd Special Operations Squadron EC-130J Commando Solo aircraft prepares to land at an air base in Southwest Asia. As the only airborne Military Information Support Operations broadcasting unit, the 193rd SOW maintains a very high operations tempo and deploys in numerous contingencies throughout the world. Spezialeinsatzgeschwaders der US-Luftwaffe, beobachtet das Taxi der Air Force Two auf der Fluglinie am 4. As your new commander, you can count on him to challenge you to do better, but he will never ask you to do something that he hasnt already done, or is willing to do himself. MIDDLETOWN, Pa. -- The 193rd Special Operations Wing is undergoing a substantial transformation of its primary mission. The Air National Guard Band of the Mid-Atlantic is assigned to the dual missions of supporting regional Air National Guard units through performances in ceremonies, activities and recruiting tours; and public relations concert tours for the Air National Guard and the Total Air Force.. Emergency management: becoming. In 2010, the unit and its aircraft, participated in Operation Unified Response, contributing to the relief efforts in Haiti after it the southern reign of the country was struck by the magnitude 7.0 earthquake. On the wall of the Command Chief's office at the 1 ST Special Operations Wing, Hurlburt Field, hang a Spartan spear and shield, as well as the mask and sword of the Persians the fought. The official website for the Air Force Special Operations Command. I also know that without competent Airmen who are motivated to serve, we cannot and will not be successful. "Regardless of whether we are at home or in contested security environments around the world, when seconds count, our training needs to take over and guide the . 193rd Special Operations Wing Agencies "Accomplishing the mission is why the Air Force, the Air National Guard and the 193rd exist." Fink said. As 193rd SOW commander, Fink will lead about 2,000 combat-ready Airmen. He commissioned in 1993 as an A/OA-10 pilot where he eventually upgraded to evaluator pilot. SOW in Middletown, Pennsylvania. 271st Combat Communications Squadron, Fort Indiantown Gap, Pennsylvania. [1] Its missions included broadcasting the Voice of the Gulf and other highly successful programs intended to convince Iraqi soldiers to surrender. The fourth largest wing in the U.S. Air National Guard is under new leadership, as Col. Edward Fink, Jr., received the unit guidon from Brig. Shortly thereafter, the unit designation became the 193rd Electronic Warfare Group. Throughout the Global War on Terror, the Commando Solo was deployed to the Middle East in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. 271st Combat Communications Squadron AFSOC, Air Force Special Operations Command. , State College, Pennsylvania. Accomplishing the mission is why the Air Force, the Air National Guard and the 193rd exist. Fink said. The squadron was sent to Dover AFB, Delaware where it assumed an air defense mission. In 2002, it was announced that the unit would replace three of its EC-130Es with EC-130Js. Inactivated on 7 November 1945. The fourth-largest wing in the Air National Guard is under new leadership, as Col. Edward FinkJr., received the unit guidon from Brig. There could be no more perfect time for Colonel Ed Fink to return to the 193rd as your commander, said Regan. Travis Mueller FORT INDIANTOWN GAP, Pa. - Airmen with the 193rd Special Operations Wing said tearful goodbyes to their loved ones before boarding a bus during a farewell breakfast at the Liberty USO here, Jan. 20. Alexander Farver | Brig. 193rd Special Operations Maintenance OperationsFlight, 193rd Special Operations Mission Support Group The 193rd SOWs primary mission is to fly and maintain the EC-130J Commando Solo, a specially-modified four-engine Hercules transport, conducting information operations, military information support operations and civil affairs broadcasts in FM, TV and military communications bands. The squadron was re-equipped with F-84C Thunderjets to perform air defense over the Delmarva Peninsula. The wartime 347th Fighter Squadron was reactivated and re-designated as the 148th Fighter Squadron, and was allotted to the Pennsylvania Air National Guard, on 24 May 1946. Alexander Farver In 2001, the Commando Solo aircraft broadcast messages to the local Afghan population and Taliban soldiers during Operation Enduring Freedom. Special Operations Forces based in the northeast now have a crucial air asset right in their backyard to build their combat readiness. Lineage. In his first address as commander, Fink laid out his top priorities of mission, people and relationships. 193 rd SPECIAL OPERATIONS WING. Pennsylvania National Guard Facebook Their primary job is to provide mission planning of direct combat air support and operate and supervise communications nets to support Air Force air resources and Army ground maneuver units. The 193 SOW is the first, and currently the only, Air National Guard unit to receive the Commando II mission, a flagship mission of Air Force Special Operations Command. Prior to his current position, Col. Fink served as commander of the 111th Operations Group, Biddle ANG Base, Pennsylvania. You will have to cast a net very far and wide to find a more dedicated and professional Airman, said Regan. PA ANG, 27 Feb 1947-31 Oct 1957, 1 May 1956; Military Air Transport Service, 1 Jul 1960; Tactical Air Command, 17 Sep 1967; Air Force Special . read more Mission first, people always. In November, the group began regular flights broadcasting Voice of America programs to Kuwait and Iraq. The aircraft is the first to arrive to the 193rd Special Operations Wing, marking a symbolic beginning to its new primary mission as the first, and currently only Air National Guard unit to operate the Commando II. Fink joined the Pennsylvania ANG in 1988. In 1998, the unit and its aircraft participated in Operation Desert Thunder, a deployment to Southwest Asia to convince Iraq to comply with U.N. Security Council resolutions. Brig. The Airmen of the 193rd are our competitive advantage, Fink said. Because of limitations on the period volunteer guardsmen could serve, personnel were switched out every thirty days, with some group members serving as many as five tours. 193rd Special Operations Wing at Harrisburg International Airport, Pennsylvania . In the mid-1980s, along with all other USAF special operations units, it was assigned to the 23rd Air Force of the Military Airlift Command (MAC). The Commando II flies clandestine or low visibility single or multi-ship, low-level infiltration, exfiltration and resupply of special operations forces, by airdrop or airland and air refueling missions for special operations helicopters and tiltrotor aircraft, intruding politically sensitive or hostile territories. Gen. Michael Regan, Pennsylvania Air National Guard commander (left) and Col. Edward Fink Jr., 193rd Special Operations Wing commander (right) exchange the guidon at an assumption of command ceremony Oct. 28, 2022, Middletown, Pennsylvania. [4], Shortly after supporting Urgent Fury, and recognizing the importance of the group's psychological warfare mission when compared to its electronic jamming mission, on 15 November 1983, the group became the 193rd Special Operations Group and, along with all other reserve force special operations units, its gaining command became Military Airlift Command's Twenty-Third Air Force.[6]. The aircraft is the first to arrive to the 193rd Special Operations Wing, marking a symbolic beginning to its new primary mission as the first, and currently only Air National Guard unit to operate the Commando II. The Air National Guard reorganized its units to reflect the Combat Wing Organization in 1995. Special Operations Wing in Middletown, Pennsylvania . The 193rd Special Operations Wing is a unit of the Pennsylvania Air National Guard, stationed at Harrisburg Air National Guard Base, Middletown, Pennsylvania. Scotty Seiverling, 193. herunterladen. February 15th, DVIDS Hub works best with JavaScript enabled, Version: 89f6906e9817dc7b192edf8e8d786e2b331150b5_2023-02-27T10:21:17. Alexander Farver) Master Sgt. It's the job of Command Post specialists to ensure operations and communications run efficiently and effectively under any circumstance. We were able to showcase our amazing In 1990, the 193rd joined the newly formed Air Force Special Operations Command, and the wing's aircraft were redesignated Commando Solo, with no change in mission. Then known as Volant Solo, the aircraft acted as an airborne radio station, keeping the citizens of Grenada informed about the U.S. military action. These cool-headed professionals provide essential . Contents 1 Mission 2 History 2.1 World War II 2.2 Pennsylvania Air National Guard They go anywhere, at anytime, and forecast for any type of flying mission or troop activity. The Commando Solo II was again sent into action in 1999 in support of Operation Allied Force. MANNING The new aircraft . The 1st Special Operations Wing (1st SOW) at Hurlburt Field, Fla. is one of five Air Force active duty special operations wings and falls under the Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC). The aircraft is the first to arrive to the 193rd Special Operations Wing, marking a symbolic beginning to its new primary mission as the first, and currently only Air National Guard unit to operate the Commando II. In response, Tactical Air Command began to test a tactical electronic warfare support system that would be installed on C-121s, named Coronet Solo. In 1990, the 193rd joined the newly formed Air Force Special Operations Command, and the wings aircraft were re-designated Commando Solo, with no change in mission. - Colonel Stacey S. Zdanavage accepts the guidon of the 193rd Special Operations Wing and assumes command from Brigadier General Michael J. Regan, Jr., the Deputy Adjutant General for the Air National Guard of Pennsylvania. The 193rd now offers something the U.S. military didnt have before, Frankenfield said. 201st RED HORSE Squadron Among their expertise they conduct search and extraction, mass casualty decontamination and medical stabilization in order to save lives and mitigate human suffering. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Master Sgt. The 193rd SOW's primary mission is to fly and maintain the EC-130J Commando Solo, a specially-modified four-engine Hercules transport, conducting information operations, military information support operations and civil affairs broadcasts in FM, TV and military communications bands. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Master Sgt. The wing has been preparing for its mission conversion since 2021, led by the efforts of Lt. Col. Benton Jackson. In August 1977, the group received its first Lockheed C-130E Hercules. Robert Smith assumed responsibilities as 193rd SOW command chief. Col . 919th Special Operations Wing, at Duke Field, Florida, is the command's Reserve special operations wing. Remained under ADC control after return Reading, was re-designated as a Fighter-Interceptor Squadron. The RTS is manned and operated by the 201st RHS and their goal is to provide Department of Defense students the resources to satisfy their ongoing training requirements that are not included in heavy equipment operation. Fink joined the Pennsylvania ANG in 1988. The EC-130's are operating out of Puerto Rico in support of Operation Unified Response in Haiti. . In 2001, the Commando Solo II aircraft broadcast messages to the local Afghan population and Taliban soldiers during Operation Enduring Freedom. This group and its components are not gained by Air Force Special Operations Command. Special Operations . Its a shadow in the dark, and sends a clear message that the U.S. military owns the night, Fink said. New 193rd RSG commander assumes duty By Staff Sgt. Equipped with F-51D Mustangs with an air defense mission for Southeastern Pennsylvania and Philadelphia. Four unit aircraft had the Rivet Rider system, which enabled broadcasting of TV, AM or FM radio, and short wave radio. Accomplishing the mission is why the Air Force, the Air National Guard and the 193rd exist. Fink said. Following the Arab-Israeli War of June 1967, psychological warfare once again became a U.S. military priority. Bild von US-Luftwaffenoberst Mike Cason, Kommandeur der 193. herunterladen. . 6 Oct 1980; 193d Special Operations Group, 15 Nov 1983; 193d Special Operations Wing, 1 Jun 1995-. 193rd Air Intelligence Squadron As your new commander, you can count on him to challenge you to do better, but he will never ask you to do something that he hasnt already done, or is willing to do himself.. September 2020 im 193. Courses of instruction include power production, engineering, electrical, HVAC, water and fuel systems maintenance, structures, operations and services. Previously, Fink commanded the 111th Maintenance Group, 193rd SOW Detachment 1, Bollen Air-to-Ground Range and 193rd Special Operations Group. [3] In July 1970, the Joint Chiefs of Staff directed the deployment of a task force of two EC-121s and supporting personnel to Korat Royal Thai Air Force Base as Operation Coronet Cobra. Soon after the 193rd SOW received EC-130s, the Air National Guard unit participated in the rescue of American citizens in Operation Urgent Fury in 1983. Tony Harp 193rd Special Operations Wing MIDDLETOWN, Pa. - MIDDLETOWN, Pa. A new commander was appointed to the 193rd Regional Support Group Sept. 21 at Fort Indiantown Gap. Special Operations Maintenance Group, Pennsylvania Air National Guard, spricht whrend seiner Pensionierungszeremonie am 19. The 193rd will continue to build upon its legacy of exceeding expectations, and will retain its rightful position at the tip of the spear.. Bollen Air-to-Ground Weapons Range, Detachment 1 1. The first MC-130J Commando II aircraft arrived at Middletown, Pa., Feb 2, 2023, achieving a major milestone in the 193rd Special Operations Wings mission conversion. In 1966 the group became the 168th Military Airlift Group. In that role, Smith advised on all issues relating to mission effectiveness, health, morale, readiness, enlisted development and mentoring of 520 Airmen. New aircraft and a new mission are on the horizon. Each geographic combatant command has a _____ to plan and control special operations and other Special Operations Forces activities. Regional Equipment Operators Training Site, Fort Indiantown Gap, Pennsylvania. The 140th Aeromedical Transport Squadron was bestowed the lineage and history of the inactivated Pennsylvania ANG 148th Fighter Interceptor Squadron. The MC-130J Commando II is a flagship mission for Air Force Special Operations Command. Ramon Colon-Lopez when he assumed the billet of Command Chief. They provide management continuity to keep the units combat ready. Messages are not developed within the wing itself, but are provided by staff of the United States Army's 4th Psychological Operations Group (Airborne), based at Fort Bragg, North Carolina.[1]. Definition. An official website of the United States government Here's how you know Official websites use .mil . In May of that year, the unit's (and the Air Force's) last EC-121 departed for storage. RMEG15BC - U.S. Air Force Maj. Brian, 193rd Special Operations Wing, Air Force Special Operations Command, Middletown, Pa., refuels from a KC-135 Stratotanker on an EC-130J during a mission over Haiti on Jan. 30, 2010. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Master Sgt. Provide a quality, realistic, tactical range environment for air-to-ground, airdrop and Joint Terminal Attack Controller training to ensure the combat readiness of flying units throughout the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic region. Kostenlos fr kommerzielle Nutzung, keine Namensnennung erforderlich. The mission of the 211th EIS is to engineer, install and relocate fixed command, control, communications and computer (C4) systems in facilities. The 193rd SOW is the first and currently the only wing in the Air National Guard to take on this mission, which helps guarantee relevancy for the wing for years to come. Jackson believes the hard work of 193rd SOW Airmen and the support of the community ultimately led to completion of this successful first step. The Commando II mission will ensure the 193rd SOW remains not only relevant, but also at the forefront of the battlespace for years to come, said Col. Edward Fink, 193rd SOW commander. The Commando Solo was again sent into action in 1999 in support of Operation Allied Force. The 193rd Special Operations Wing, located at Harrisburg International Airport, Middletown, Pennsylvania, is home to the only airborne Military Information Support Operations broadcasting platform in the U.S. military. Ronald C. Anderson (Mitte), Oberfeldwebel der Air National Guard, spricht am 10. Due to runway requirements, the C-121s could not fly from Reading Airport and on 1 February 1961, the unit relocated to its current location at Olmsted Air Force Base (present day Harrisburg Air National Guard Base) due to the inadequate facilities at Reading. In 1990, the 193rd joined the newly formed Air Force Special Operations Command, and the wing's aircraft were redesignated Commando Solo, with no change in mission. An Airman from the 193rd Special Operations Wing used his military training to save the life of a family member who was having a seizure on Christmas., . It was released from active duty and returned to Pennsylvania commonwealth control on 1 November 1952. The 193rd Special Operations Squadron (193 SOS) is a unit of the Pennsylvania Air National Guard 193rd Special Operations Wing located at Harrisburg Air National Guard Base, Middletown, Pennsylvania, The 193rd is equipped with the EC-130J Commando Solo. Alexander Farver), Tech. 193rd Special Operations Group These aircraft were to be modified to Lockheed EC-130E Volant Solo standard, to perform the unit mission, but the first modified airplane did not arrive until March 1979. The 193rd deployed guardsmen on temporary duty for periods of thirty to sixty days to support this mission. The donning of the service dress coat featuring Command Chief Master Sergeant rank insignia ceremonially marks the beginning of his tenure as command chief. The mission of the 201st RHS is to directly support combat airpower and provide Commanders in Chief, Federal and state authorities a flexible, well-rounded, heavy construction and repair capability anytime, anywhere. The unit was again re-designated as the 193rd Tactical Electronic Warfare Group and transferred to Tactical Air Command (TAC). If there is one thing I want you to hear in this address, its that this position is not about me, Smith said. . An official website of the United States government. The position is about each and every one of you and about finding the resources to allow you to be innovative and develop into the next generation of wing leaders and war fighters. As 193rd SOW commander, Fink will lead about 2,000 combat-ready Airmen. I vow to be consistent and transparent while providing you with the why.. Its missions included broadcasting the "Voice of the Gulf" and other highly successful programs intended to convince Iraqi soldiers to surrender. [1], On 17 September 2022, the last broadcast with an EC-130J was made during an airshow at Lancaster Airport, Pennsylvania. The EC-130J are flown by the 193rd Special Operations Wing, a Pennsylvania Air National Guard unit, gained by Air Force Special Operations Command. Initial federal recognition was granted as . I also know that without competent Airmen who are motivated to serve, we cannot and will not be successful. We were ready to maintain the Commando II well before it arrived, all while never losing a step in maintaining and launching EC-130s. Ramirez said. Tactical Air Command replaced Military Airlift Command as its mobilization gaining command, although the unit continued to operate the C-121s of the old 168th Group until November 1977, when its last C-121C was flown to the Military Aircraft Storage and Disposition Center at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona.
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