NEW JERSEY AIR NATIONAL GUARD

HEADQUARTERS, NEW JERSEY AIR NATIONAL GUARD

      The NJANG responds to state emergencies, is involved in counter drug operations and participates in Stand Down, a program designed to support veterans in the areas of employment, benefits, clothing and medical care. The NJANG continued on its quality journey by developing its first ever Strategic Plan. It is a road map that will enable the NJANG to stay competitive with other Air National Guard (ANG) units as they enter an era of reduced defense budgets and smaller military forces to meet the anticipated 21st century threats.

      Headquarters, NJANG also developed a Strategic Plan designed to focus on the internal Headquarters mission in executing the long range plans of the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs and the NJANG. The plan establishes a firm foundation for the future of the Headquarters organization by providing a stable model on which to rely for continuity in an organization where senior leadership changes frequently. Other significant achievements by the Headquarters include:

• The Governor’s Unit Award presented to Headquarters for outstanding achievement.


• Headquarters participated in the Military Support to Civil Authorities Exercise (MSCAX). This exercise, staged out of the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) at Fort Dix, New Jersey, simulated a state emergency in which Army and Air National Guard personnel and capital resources are integrated to effectively support civil authorities during a crisis.


• Lieutenant Colonel Bruce Van Derven was the only ANG representative in the country selected to attend the prestigious United States Department of State National Foreign Affairs Training Center in Arlington, Virginia. As a National Security Fellow, Lt. Col. Van Derven attended the most advanced executive development program available to senior foreign policy and national security officials of the U.S. government.


• Chief Master Sergeant Patricia Burton received the NAACP’s Roy Wilkins Renown Service Award for her dedicated efforts to promote and implement diversity programs in the NJANG. Chief Burton was also selected to serve on the National Human Resources Force Management Council.


• Master Sergeant Kathleen McCready was selected as National Guard Association of New Jersey Outstanding Airman of the Year.


• C4 (Command, Control, Computers and Communications) developed an internet website designed to increase public awareness of the unit, in turn, generating requests from individuals, some of which resulted in enlistments in the NJANG.

108TH AIR REFUELING WING

      In 1997, the 108th Air Refueling Wing (ARW) once again completed a highly succesful and very intensive year. The Wing continued an unparalleled operations tempo along with a number of record accomplishments during the year while meeting all requirements for its state and federal missions. At the top of the list of significant accomplishments were the unit’s deployments to Operation Northern Watch at Incirlik Air Base, Turkey, and Operation Deliberate Guard in Pisa, Italy. Coming on the heels of the Wing’s highly successful Operational Readiness Inspection, the unit was set to demonstrate its capabilities in two “real-world” contingency operations, and demonstrate it did by maintaining a 100 percent reliability rate during both deployments – a first-ever accomplishment by either active or guard units.

      In addition to meeting its real world commitments, the unit expanded its record level pace of operations around the globe. Among them, Phoenix Moat, Coronet West, Phoenix Scorpion and a myriad of other support and airlift missions. These various operations continued this country’s efforts at stabilizing dangerous regions throughout Europe and the Middle East. During these missions, the unit refueled USAF jets, aircraft belonging to our NATO allies and successfully offloaded more than two-million pounds of jet fuel. In addition to these critical missions and its normal training operations, the 108th ARW also participated in USAF “Flag” exercises in support of sister Air National Guard units requiring air refueling training, business effort missions to bolster USAF training assets and over 70 airlift missions in support of Air Mobility Command and the Air National Guard throughout the United States and the globe. Many of these airlift missions also included air refueling of strategic airlift resources around the world.

      One of the many challenges faced by the 108th ARW was the ability of the Wing’s Logistic Group to meet the high maintenance demands placed on the fleet of 21 KC-135 aircraft. As in prior years, the Wing’s maintenance function exceeded Air National Guard standards for fleet average mission capable rate — the rate over 83 percent surpassed the national standard of 78 percent. These consistently superior results reflected favorably on the wing’s logistics function. The unit met 100 percent of its external missions and at the same time provided sufficient aircraft to permit all aircrew to complete 100 percent of their in-flight training requirements. In addition to the high maintenance pace, the 108th ARW continued to expand its superior accident-free record — an achievement unparalleled in the Air National Guard or the active Air Force.

      While the emphasis of 1997 in the 108th was on the extensive operational tasking tempo, several highly successful and productive non-flying deployments occurred in support of our forces and those of the active duty component both in the United Sates and throughout the world. Support personnel deployed to augment operations such as Deny Flight, Southern Watch, NATO support, Red Flag, Silver Flag and several Operational Readiness Exercises (ORE’s). Of note, our Security Forces Squadron deployed to an exercise in Korea and became the first ever Security Forces Unit to successfully prevent all attempts by the “enemy” forces to penetrate their area of responsibility – an event never accomplished in prior exercises. In addition to the many off-station activities, the 108th ARW participated in Stand Down ‘97 at Fort Dix. This year’s event, the most successful yet, was made possible, in part, by the many volunteers from the 108th Air Refueling Wing.

      As in years before, the pride of the 108th ARW, its Honor Guard, once again was called on to participate in numerous events as “ambassadors to the community.” The events included community holiday parades, retirements, dedications, funerals, dignitary cordon/escort duties and, of special note, participation in a nationally televised ceremony marking Veteran’s Day.

     To further our goals, vision and mission statements, the 108th ARW completed and cut the ribbon on several construction projects designed to greatly improve the quality of life for all of its members. In addition, ground breaking and new construction on a major project designed to bring the Wing into the 21st century was begun in the fall of 1997. In every aspect of this year’s performance, the 108th Air Refueling Wing continues as “America’s Best Air Refueling Wing – providing mission ready mobility forces to state and nation in the militia tradition.”

Deatchment 1, 108th Air Refueling Wing

      In 1997, Detachment 1, 108th Air Refueling Wing again provided oustanding management of the Warren Grove Gunnery Range in Ocean County. The level of operations at the range maintained Warren Grove as the busiest air-to-ground gunnery range in the northeast United States. During 1997, over 2,600 fighters and helicopters bombed, strafed and shot rockets at Warren Grove. Aircraft from Air National Guard, Army National Guard, Air Force, Navy and Marine Corps units flew day and night missions including sophisticated night vision goggle training under a variety of weather conditions without a single operational mishap. Over 1,500 members of the public excitedly watched the flight training, including Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Civil Air Patrol, and resident veterans from New Jersey Veterans Memorial Home. Caring for the unique New Jersey Pinelands environment, Warren Grove had over 23,000 Pineland specific trees planted on the range during the year.

      The range also contracted a biological survey to identify for special care any threatened or endangered species on the government property. Supporting the broader New Jersey community, range personnel voluntarily trained personnel from five local fire companies on fighting aircraft and woodlands fires. The range also supported two local police agencies as a training location for police driver emergency training. As well, the range supported FAA flight testing and FBI technician explosives training. And in July, Lieutenant Colonel Mark Jones, Range Commander, had the privilege of presenting long awaited posthumous military awards to the New Jersey mother of a Korean War veteran who was killed in action.

204th Weather Flight

      Since the birth of the Air Force from the Army a half a century ago, the Air Force has maintained responsibility for providing weather support to its former parent. The 204th’s mission is to provide tailored weather support to U.S. Army ground forces for the Air Combat Command and the state of New Jersey through teams of highly motivated and technically proficient personnel utilizing all available resources.

      The 204th Weather Flight has a long history of support to the Army. From 1971 through 1992, the 204th was assigned to support the 50th Armored Division of the New Jersey Army National Guard. After downsizing of the 50th from a division to a brigade, the 204th assumed a variety of Army aviation and ground support missions.

      Today, however, the 204th’s primary customers are the 27th Enhanced Readiness Brigade of the New York Army National Guard and the U.S. Army at Fort Drum, New York. Since the observations and forecasts prepared by the 204th can be disseminated through Air Force channels, the total customer spectrum actually includes all U.S. and allied military forces as well as the civilian sector.

      The 204th Weather Flight is capable of operating in a tactical or fixed station environment. Weather products provided by the 204th fall into three broad categories: weather observations, forecasts and briefings.

      The highlights for the 204th Weather Flight during 1997 include: providing a weather station tour and classes to 50 children of a local home schooling group; participating fully in the 108th Air Refueling Wing’s career day; performing annual training in field conditions at Warren Grove Range, New Jersey; providing a weather station tour and classes for 30 elementary school children and receipt of a new Air Force Weather computer system.

177TH FIGHTER WING

      The 177th Fighter Wing (FW), located at the Atlantic City International Airport in Pomona, New Jersey, is tasked with the missions of protecting the sovereignty of the United States airspace during peacetime and mobilizing people and equipment to support the North American Aerospace Defense (NORAD) Command during wartime. The 177th FW also supports the citizens of New Jersey by protecting life and property, preserving the peace, order and public safety when called upon by the Governor. The 177th FW supports the local community through participation in volunteer efforts which add value to the community.

      The beginning of 1997 saw the 177th FW headed west to provide target support at Nellis AFB, Nevada. The 177th FW “Jersey Devil” fighter pilots, flying F-16C aircraft, hosted Canadian CF-18 pilots as the two units engaged in Dissimilar Air Combat Training (DACT). This training is geared toward perfecting air-to-air combat skills.

      Further from home, the 177th FW supported Coronet Nighthawk at Howard Air Force Base, Panama. Coronet Nighthawk is an interagency task force effort aimed at countering drug trafficking activities. Personnel from the 177th worked around the clock to meet the rigorous operational taskings, changing scenarios and security contingencies. Governor Christine Whitman and Major General Paul Glazar visited the 177th FW in Panama to observe flight operations and see the “war on drugs” up close. While in Panama, the Governor flew in the unit’s F-16D, received briefings by the Commander-in-Chief of U.S. Southern Command, toured the air operations center for counterdrug activities and attended a barbecue hosted by the 177th FW.

      New Jersey Congressman Frank LoBiondo visited the 177th FW this year. His latest visit came at a time when the Quadrennial Defense Review (QDR) was nearing completion. This Department of Defense review will decide missions and force structure for a period of years. Congressman LoBiondo spent several hours at the base and was provided a detailed briefing by the wing commander on current and future activities. Later in the year, Congressman LoBiondo returned for an orientation flight in the unit’s F-16D aircraft.

      The wing hosted the New Jersey Defense Legislative Liaisons staff. The 20 congressional staffers received a thorough unit mission briefing, participated in a tour and watched a “practice” alert scramble.

      The 177th FW Civil Engineering Squadron (CES) and the 177th FW Services Flight (SF) deployed in a joint service exercise to Warren Grove Range, New Jersey, called Operation Bullfrog, in May 1997.

      The 177th FW Medical Squadron deployed to the Combat Readiness Training Center in Alpena, Michigan for its combat medical training requirements. The Medical Squadron’s wartime skills were put to the test when 43 unit members were subjected to round-the-clock simulated wartime conditions that included enemy threats and other high stress situations. Medical Squadron combat training is required of all medical personnel every four years. This recurring training is a direct result of Desert Storm where many medical units were subjected to front line exposure.

      The 177th FW also participated in “Red Flag” at Nellis AFB, Nevada. The unit deployed 60 wing members including pilots, crew chiefs, engine mechanics, avionics specialists and many operational support specialists. The purpose of the “Red Flag” exercise is to provide realistic training that will enhance the combat capabilities of American and allied air forces.

      Three members of the 177th FW participated in “Ulchi Focus Lens 97” at Osan, Korea. “Ulchi Focus Lens” is an annual joint operations exercise combining Republic of Korea and American forces. The 1997 exercise involved computer simulated missile attacks and civil defense training.

      As the summer wound down, the 177th FW Civil Engineering Squadron (CES) geared up to deploy 33 members to O’Hare Air National Guard Base, Chicago, Illinois. Their mission, in support of the Illinois Air National Guard, was to demolish a group of building at the site. Deployed personnel included heavy equipment operators and trades’ specialists ranging from carpenters to electricians. The 177th CES detachment received a special flag from their hosts in recognition of their mission success.

      November saw another deployment to Howard Air Force Base, Panama as the 177th FW participated in Coronet Nighthawk. Two of the wing’s F-16 aircraft and 53 unit members took part in the defense of the southern United States helping prevent unauthorized or unidentified aircraft from violating United States airspace. The 177th also helped stop the flow of illegal drugs into the country by intercepting and identifying suspicious aircraft.

      During several periods throughout the year, the 177th FW provided air sovereignty alert backfill for other First Air Force gained units including the 102nd Fighter Wing, Massachusetts Air National Guard and the 158th Fighter Wing, Vermont Air National Guard. Alert backfill missions were conducted at Charleston, South Carolina, and the wing’s Flex Alert Site and Langley Air Force Base, Virginia.

      The 177th Fighter Wing’s Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team had another very active year supporting local police departments and civil authorities. As one of only 10 Air National Guard EOD teams, the 177th EOD specialists are required to respond to any reports of military type ordnance. The 177th EOD team covers Atlantic, Cape May, Gloucester and Ocean counties. It also supports the New Jersey State Police Bomb Unit and the United States Secret Service with protecting government officials during visits to the area.

      The 177th CES Fire Department is responsible for 24-hour crash, fire and rescue services for the airport and its tenants (in conjunction with the South Jersey Transportation Authority). In addition to providing 24-hour coverage, the Fire Department also maintains a mutual aid agreement with the Atlantic County Fire Marshal’s office. During 1997, the 177th Fire Department made 1,233 responses including 60 airfield responses, 116 medical responses, 21 rescue responses (all civilian including 17 motor vehicle accidents), 196 standbys (military), 136 structural fire responses and 648 other types of responses.

      Three 177th Fire Department members received New Jersey Meritorious Service Medals for lifesaving. Three other fire fighters received recognition for their efforts during the Wharton State Forest wild land fire. The 177th Fire Department Chief also serves as the assistant Emergency Management Coordinator for Atlantic City. In addition, the 177th CES participated in airfield mutual support. During flooding that occurred in August, civil engineers coordinated the airport’s FEMA notification and supported airfield recovery operations. Recurring mutual support includes snow removal on the airfield and surrounding county roads.

      The 177th FW takes an active role in supporting events which add value to the community. In March, 12 members of the 177th FW helped judge an Air Force Junior ROTC competition at Washington Township High School. The competition consisted of nine high schools from New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland and Delaware. Most of the high schools that attended the event have as many as 150 to 180 members in their AFROTC contingents. The contest lasted all day with competition events ranging from uniform inspection to color guards to marching. The 177th has been asked to return next year to help judge the competition, the only Air Force competition on the East Coast. In October, the 177th FW began a long-term support relationship with the Atlantic County Civil Air Patrol.

      In June, 13 members headed north to support Air Force Day at Liberty Science Center. This event was held to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Air Force and call attention to the Air Force’s dedication to science and technology education. Air Guard members provided Liberty Science visitors with information on the many “hands on” displays including explosive ordnance disposal, life support missile maintenance, engine shop, operations and recruiting.

      The 177th FW’s participation in the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) included the local presentation of the Pro Patria Award to Harrah’s Casino in Atlantic City. The wing also hosted the general manager of the Seaview Marriott and the chief pilot of American Airlines.

      As one of the premier fighter units in the Air National Guard, the 177th FW looks forward to a challenging 1998. During the coming year, the unit is expected to transition into the general purpose fighter role (air-to-ground). The new tasking will enable the wing to participate in overseas fighter rotations. The 177th FW will, however, still maintain its active air sovereignty role.

Select A Option