726th Air Control Squadron Deploys to Oregon

Published June 11, 2010
By Renishia Richardson
366th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

6/10/2010 - Camp Rilea, Oregon -- More than 190 Airmen of the 726th ACS deployed to the Oregon coast in April to test their ability to mobilize, deploy and operate in a simulated combat environment.

The squadron performed more than 35 robust training scenarios and 144 hours of continuous operations ranging from self-aid buddy care to site defense. They also provided command and control for nine live training events on the coast, Mountain Home Range Complex and ten theater combat simulations.

"The training prepares the Airmen for future deployments, giving them a chance to put all their combat and employment skills to the test," said Maj. Ryan Raber, 726th ACS assistant director of operations. "The variety of inputs that we can simulate in the field builds confidence and allows our Airmen to brush up on critical skills prior to theater deployment."

Deploying to an unfamiliar location gives the Airmen an opportunity to practice continuously adapting and overcoming unique challenges.

"Our unit did well with overcoming any and all hurdles that we came across," said Master Sgt. Anthony Drewicz, 726th ACS first shirt. "The biggest thing that I noticed was our unit came together as a cohesive team to fix problems and accomplish the mission, making our deployment very successful."

Airman 1st Class Jazmine Gordon, 726th ACS surveillance technician, said the deployment was tough but there were challenges that helped her become a better Airman.

"I absolutely feel I have gotten a taste of what it is like to deploy," she said. "Not necessarily with tactical scenarios but definitely the life style and level of situational awareness that we all had to have with being in a hostile environment."

The squadron conducts their field deployments every year and plans to continue to test their capabilities and ensure that they are prepared to deploy in the future.