HEADQUARTERS, NEW JERSEY AIR NATIONAL GUARD

    This year marked a milestone for the New Jersey National Guard as the NJANG and the New Jersey Army National Guard’s State Area Command headquarters were consolidated in a newly constructed facility located at Fort Dix.  Headquarters NJNG assists The Adjutant General in exercising command, control and supervision of assigned National Guard units.

    Headquarters NJANG continues to implement its first ever Strategic Plan, which was developed last year.  The plan establishes a firm foundation for the future of the organization by providing a stable model to rely upon for continuity in an organization where senior leadership changes frequently.

    The Human Resource Advisor brought together a cross section of individuals from the NJANG to create a State Action Plan for Diversity.  The plan, which contains 14 goals and 29 objectives, outlines the steps necessary to implement diversity in the NJANG.  The diversity objective of the Headquarters is to create a merit based environment where every member of the NJANG can achieve his or her goals.  Lieutenant Colonel Stephen H. Katz received the National Image Award for superlative contributions to the cause of equal opportunity, advancement, and diversity.  Colonel Katz was also selected as the Air National Guard (ANG) wide Team Chief for the People Potential 2000 and Beyond program.

    The Air Executive Officer, the Chief of Domestic Operations, and the C-4 Director (Command, Control, Computers and Communications) are part of a group of individuals from various state organizations who are assessing the potential impact of Y2K.  The committee will prioritize potential problem areas and develop appropriate response plans to combat and minimize the possible effects of the millennium bug.

The Headquarters NJANG Training Superintendent created a Career Development Plan that provides guidance to staff members, thus preparing the next generation of NJANG leaders.  To support this plan, a Mentoring Program was implemented and distributed to subordinate units.

    The NJANG Command Chief Master Sergeant worked with members of the 108th ARW to coordinate the transfer and restoration of various historical aircraft: two F-84 Thunderstreaks, one for the National Guard Training Center at Sea Girt, and the other for McGuire AFB.  An F-86 Super Sabre was also restored and is now on display as part of the Veterans Memorial in Burlington Township.

    During 1998, Headquarters NJANG staff again participated in Operation Stand-Down, a program that provides information to homeless veterans regarding benefits and employment opportunities, as well as supplying clothing and medical care.  Senior Headquarters NJANG staff were guest speakers at multiple civic events throughout the year, including Memorial Day, Fourth of July, and Veteran’s Day ceremonies.  The Headquarters NJANG reached out to elementary schools as facilities for Drug Demand Reduction training, providing  positive role models while alerting students to the dangers of drug and alcohol abuse.

    During the coming year, Headquarters will review issues relating to the Expeditionary Aerospace Force and Air Expeditionary Force and their impact on the NJANG, while continuing to focus on the state mission.

      The 108th Air Refueling Wing (ARW) completed a successful and intensive year of operations in 1998.  The unit maintained an unparalleled tempo of operations, combined with a record number of accomplishments during the year while meeting all tasking requirements for both state and federal missions.

    The 108th’s presence was felt worldwide during 1998.  Due to the number of events that shaped the past year, the wing was called upon and participated numerous times in support of the nation’s defense structure.  Among the operations in which the unit participated were:

• Operation Northern Watch is the ongoing enforcement of the northern Iraq no-fly zone; Phoenix Scorpion I, II, and III; support of short notice deployment of augmentation forces for the South West Asia Theater of Operations.
• Operation Deliberate Guard is the continued enforcement of the Bosnian no-fly zone.
• Ongoing support of NATO operations in Germany and Iceland.

    Early in the year, 900 wing personnel deployed to the Combat Readiness Training Camp in Savannah, Georgia, where the unit successfully completed an Operational Readiness Exercise.  This deployments was one of the largest single unit deployments in Air National Guard history.
In addition to these critical missions, and its normal training operations, the 108th also supported:
 

•  US Air Force Flag operations in support of Air National Guard units requiring air refueling training during realistic combat scenario exercises.
•  “Business Effort” missions designed to assist other Air Force training assets during the air refueling portion of their programs.
•  70 airlift missions in support of both Air Mobility Command and the ANG operations around the globe.  Many of these missions included air refueling of strategic airlift resources worldwide.

    These consistently superior results reflected most favorably on the wing’s logistics function.  The unit met 100 percent of its external taskings at an unprecedented level and 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 wing remained accident-free as it continued to expand its superior safety record, an achievement unparalleled in the ANG or the active Air Force.

    While the wing’s emphasis during 1998 was on the extensive operational tasking tempo, several highly successful and productive non-flying deployments occurred in the United States and throughout the world.  Portions of the wing’s Security Forces participated in two deployments to Korea.  The 108th’s Medical Squadron deployed to England in support of US Air Force-Europe (USAFE) assets, while the Logistics Group deployed supply personnel to Europe to enhance USAFE operations in addition to receiving training.

    Community involvement is an integral part of the 108th.  A successful charity event in the new aircraft hanger received extensive recognition as it helped raise funds for a local hospital.  The wing also sponsored several trips to the Vineland Veterans Home and participated in the state Stand-Down.  In 1999, the unit looks forward to increased community involvement including a Career Day for high school, vocational school, and college students.  The 1998 Career Day attracted 1,000 visitors and this year’s event is expected to draw 3,000 potential new recruits.

    The Honor Guard, the unit’s Ambassadors to the Community, participated at numerous events around the state and region.  Events included parades, retirements, dedications, funerals, dignitary cordon/escort duties, and, most notably, participation in a nationally televised Veteran’s Day ceremony on Monday Night Football.  This group of volunteers receives continuous recognition from internal, as well as external agencies attesting to their professionalism and dedication.

    The 108th continues to rebuild and revitalize its infrastructure.  Three major construction projects were initiated in early 1998 and are expected to be completed well ahead of schedule in 1999.  These projects include a new Corrosion/Fuel Repairs facility, an expansion of the aircraft parking ramp, and a new Squadron Operations facility which will combine to put the Wing well on its way to consolidating its operations in one area of McGuire AFB.

Detachment 1, 108th Air Refueling Wing

      In 1998, Detachment 1, 108th ARW continued its outstanding management of the Warren Grove Gunnery Range in eastern Burlington county.  During the year, 2,621 fighters, helicopters and tactical aircraft bombed, strafed, fired rockets, and air dropped training cargo at Warren Grove.  This represented the third consecutive year of increased flight activity despite regular user deployments to Southeast Asia and Europe.

     Four major exercises employed ground troops operating in conjunction with air operations.  Two of these exercises represent the seventh straight year of Joint Operation exercises involving Army and Air National Guard and reserves of all four services at Warren Grove Range.  These users executed major portions of their training in each of the Joint Defender exercises at he range.

     Operations included Navy SEALS, Army Special Forces, Marine, and Air Force forward air controllers, day and night flights, use of sophisticated night vision devices, lasers, and flares.  Warren Grove also hosted the 177th Fighter Wing as it initiated F-16 air-to-ground weapons delivery training.  In excess of 18,000 weapons deliveries and troop movements occurred at the Warren Grove Range.

     The Range continued its outstanding public relations role for the NJNG and the United States military as more than 2,000 members of the public viewed flight training throughout the year.  Included were Boy and Girl Scout groups, Civil Air Patrol, college and high school groups, ROTC, Challenge Youth Program cadets, resident veterans from DMAVA’s New Jersey Veterans Homes, campers from the New Jersey Guard Summer Youth Camp, friends, families, and members of the NJNG.

     In May, Range Commander Lieutenant Colonel Mark Jones had the privilege of representing the New Jersey Guard by serving as Grand Marshal of the Little Egg Harbor Township Memorial Day Parade and principal speaker for the subsequent Memorial Day service.

     At years’ end, the new $1.2 million composite range building neared completion and the range opened its property to the public for an annual eight days of deer hunting.

     Located in the heart of the Pinelands, the range continued its environmental care by sponsoring a comprehensive biological survey of range property and original research in Plains Management by prescribed fire application.  The range also planted 10,000 Pineland-specific trees.
 

204th Weather Flight

      The 204th Weather Flight is located at McGuire AFB and, since the establishment of the United States Air Force, has maintained responsibility for providing weather support to its former parent organization, the United States Army.

     As part of Air Combat Command, the 204th’s mission is to provide tailored weather support to both Army ground forces and the state of New Jersey through teams of highly motivated and technically proficient personnel.

     The Flight supports a variety of Army aviation and ground troops, such as the 27th Enhanced Readiness Brigade, New York Army National Guard, and the US Army at Fort Drum.  The spectrum of total customers’ includes all US and allied military forces, as well as the certain civilian agencies.  The 204th can operate in the field or at a fixed station providing observations, forecasts and briefings.

     1998’s Highlights include forecast support to the 108th ARW during Global Guardian ‘98 and Rally Shamrock ’98, tactical weather support to the 27th Brigade during their annual field deployment exercise, recruitment support during the 108th’s career day, and demonstrations at local high schools.  Members of two Boy Scout troops received their meteorology merit badges after working with members of the 204th.

      The 177th Fighter Wing, New Jersey Air National Guard is a community-based force located at the Atlantic City International Airport.  Known as the Jersey Devils, the wing’s federal mission is to provide combat ready personnel, aircraft and equipment for worldwide deployment in support of US Air Force objectives.  The 177th’s state mission is to protect life and property, provide disaster relief, and ensure public safety when called upon by the Governor.  The wing’s community role is to participate in events that add value to the community.

     From January 18-26 and March 14-21, the wing provided Operational Readiness Inspection support for 125th FW, based in Jacksonville, Florida.  This included six aircraft and 35 support personnel deployed to the Combat Readiness Training Center (CRTC) at Savannah, Georgia. The deployment lasted from January 18 through 26.  177th personnel also provided support for the 108th ARW’s Operational Readiness Exercise from March 14 through 21, also held at the CRTC.  The 177th participated in a live missile firing exercise - COMBAT ARCHER - at Tyndall AFB, Florida.  12 pilots and 60 maintenance personnel deployed to support this exercise from February 1 through 14.

     On February 28, two 177th F-16s were scrambled to locate and assist a private pilot who was off course and headed out to sea.  The fighter pilots got the wayward pilot’s attention by flying along side him, lighting their jet’s afterburners and flashing its lights.  After managing to get the aircraft turning back toward land, the 177th pilots escorted him back to the Atlantic City International Airport.  By all accounts, the skill and experience of the 177th alert pilots averted a certain tragedy.

     From May 1 through June 13, the wing deployed five F-16C Fighting Falcon aircraft and 46 personnel to Howard AFB, Panama, in support of OPERATION CORONET NIGHTHAWK.  130 personnel rotated on a two-week basis during the six-week deployment.  Operating as part of a joint interagency task force, the wing’s role was to detect and identify suspected drug smuggling aircraft.  Once identified, the suspected aircraft are turned over to law enforcement agencies for apprehension.

      The 177th’s Civil Engineering Squadron (CES) conducted a bivouac and training exercise at the wing’s cantonment area on June 6 and 7.  This was part of the CES Prime Base Engineering Emergency Force (Prime BEEF) training that emphasizes worldwide deployment capability.  Members from CES, Services Flight and the Medical Squadron were involved in various wartime exercise scenarios.  During the exercise, Services Flight provided three meals per day while setting up a tactical field exchange; handled billeting; conducted mortuary exercises exercised self-aid and buddy care skills.  Built into the exercise was the test and practice of field construction skills.  Squadron members were given construction tasks often lacking the necessary tools and equipment in order to reflect wartime conditions.  The airmen were then evaluated on their construction ability and resourcefulness.

     August 8 through 22, saw the wing’s Medical Squadron deployed to Aviano Air Base, Italy.  This mission provided the squadron with experience in worldwide deployment and wartime mission training alongside their active-duty counterparts.  While at Aviano, Medical Squadron personnel received recertification training, including advanced cardiac life support certification, cardiopulmonary resuscitation and emergency training.  The peacetime mission of the Squadron is to train health care personnel for disaster relief in the event of a natural disaster or other mobilization.

     From August 29 through September 12, the CES deployed to Bagottville, Quebec, Canada, to assist in a series of construction projects.  Bagottville is located 150 miles north of Quebec City and serves as the Canadian Air Force Academy’s summer training site.  The construction projects included the renovation of the main hangar, administration space, support buildings, drainage projects, and concrete-slab work.  Along with the CES team, six members of the Services Flight provided food service support to the Canadian Air Force.

     As a result of North American Aerospace Defenses Command (NORAD) tasking, the 177th FW began conversion to the general-purpose F-16 mission on October 1.  This action ended the wing’s 25-year association as part of NORAD’s alert force.  During that tenure, the wing’s NORAD responsibility included providing air sovereignty of the mid-Atlantic between Long Island, New York, and the Virginia capes.  As of October 1, the wing entered into its extensive period of general-purpose fighter retraining.  In the general purpose F-16 role, the 177th will be capable of assuming a variety of Air Force missions to include overseas deployments and assignments to one of the newly created Air Expeditionary Forces.

     The wing prides itself on its proactive support of state mission areas.  The wing’s Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team continued to set the standard for delivering their unique skills in support of local law enforcement agencies.  In addition to EOD’s efforts, the Fire Department remains an active participant in Atlantic County mutual aid, crash, fire and rescue services at Atlantic City International Airport.  CES participates in airfield mutual support including airfield snow removal operations and surrounding county roads.  The Civil Engineering Readiness Office is directly involved with Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) and Hazardous Materials training as well as Domestic Emergency Action planning.  State mission highlights are as follows:

     The Readiness Office developed and conducted extensive Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) awareness training courses during 1998.  These exportable courses were given to hundreds of potential first responders.  In 1998, the wing assumed the role of primary National Guard support for the Atlantic County Emergency Operations Center, located in Egg Harbor Township.  As part of the NJNG’s Emergency Management Office through the Emergency Operations Center, the 177th serves as the staging area for Task Force South.  Task Force South is a combined NJNG element that provides emergency transportation and support to local authorities.  177th County Assistance Team personnel have been instrumental in the development and shaping of Domestic Emergency Operations Center plans to include Year Two Thousand readiness and WMD contingency planning.

     On May 21, the wing conducted a four-hour WMD first responder awareness course for 20 Atlantic County and New Jersey emergency management personnel.  By federal mandate, the Domestic Preparedness Program on WMD was developed to provide police, fire fighters and medical personnel with training to respond to nuclear, biological, and chemical terrorist acts.  The National Guard Bureau, in conjunction with other federal agencies, is providing 120 cities with training on nuclear, biological and chemical agents ranging from awareness to the incident command level.  177th personnel conducted 12 Weapons of Mass Destruction training courses for first responders.

     EOD was very active throughout the year supporting local law enforcement agencies.  The EOD team serves Atlantic, Cape May, Gloucester and Ocean Counties.  As one of only 10 EOD teams in the entire Air National Guard, the 177th EOD specialists responded to numerous “live ordnance” and improvised explosive device (IEDs) calls during 1998.  Perhaps the most challenging call of 1998 came when the team responded to the Millville home of a deceased photographer on February 5.  The 22-hour ordeal began when Millville Police called for assistance with a house containing nitroglycerine, picric acid, hand grenades and various IEDs.  The EOD team’s technical expertise, coolness under pressure, and perseverance resulted in all devices and materials being rendered safe.

     On June 10, the EOD team conducted an eight-hour explosive entry course for members of the Egg Harbor Township Emergency Response Team.  The training session included a terrorism briefing, instruction on improvised explosive devices, and explosive entry techniques.  On October 6, the team recovered in excess of 100 rounds of World War II era 20-mm high-explosive ammunition from a Cape May fishing boat that had picked up the deteriorating rounds in its nets.  In addition, EOD demilitarized F-14 aircraft in Schenectady, New York in January; safed a grenade and recovered an F-16 ejection seat in April in Cape May; performed range clearance at the Warren Grove Gunnery Range in May and dealt with a bomb threat at Pleasantville High School in October.

     The 177th Fire Department, in conjunction with the South Jersey Transportation Authority, is responsible for 24-hour crash, fire, and rescue services for the airport and its tenants.  In addition to providing 24-hour coverage, the Fire Department maintains a mutual aid agreement with the Atlantic County Fire Marshal’s Office.  The Fire Department maintains an extensive Hazardous Materials (HAZMAT) response capability that can be tasked to provide mutual aid.  During 1998, the Fire Department logged 1,261 responses including: 93 airfield responses, 126 medical responses, 16 rescue responses (all civilian including 17 motor vehicle accidents), and 127 structural fire responses.

     The Fire Department and Readiness Office are actively involved in providing extensive training to local emergency response personnel.  In addition to the aforementioned WMD and EOD training, Fire Department and Readiness Office personnel conducted monthly HAZMAT training classes for the Atlantic County Health Department, conducted four HAZMAT technician courses at the Atlantic County Fire Academy and provided specialized training to five local volunteer fire companies in 1998.

     The 177th continues to participate in events that add value to our communities.  This includes support of the Community Food Bank, D.A.R.E. program, the Atlantic City Salvation Army Post, Civil Air Patrol, Junior ROTC, and local school programs have demonstrated the wing’s willingness to “give something back” to the community.  The 177th’s Community Support for 1998 included 55 public tours totaling 1,119 people, provided four F-16 flyovers including New York City Veterans Day Parade, FAA Technical Center’s 40th Anniversary and two Memorial Day flyovers, supported two major Food Drives for the Community Food Bank of Southern New Jersey, conducted an extensive toy drive to benefit the Salvation Army’s Battered Women’s Shelter provided 42 unit displays to support off-station events.  In addition, the 177th Honor Guard performed 40 ceremonial events.
 

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