Robert Smith assumed responsibilities as 193rd SOW command chief. I have known Ed Fink for over 30 yearsand feel very qualified to provide you with this assessment. 193rd Special Operations Medical Group Detachment 1, 193rd Air Operations 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 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 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. Following Operation Power Pack, the United States military intervention during the 1965 crisis in the Dominican Republic,[note 3] Robert McNamara, the United States Secretary of Defense directed the Air Force to develop a capability tp disrupt civilian broadcasting networks and guerilla command and control networks. 193rd Special OperationsSquadron The Commando II is the embodiment of Agile Combat Employment, and will present complex dilemmas to our adversaries. The first MC-130J Commando II aircraft arrived at Middletown, on February 2, 2023, achieving a major milestone in the 193rd Special Operations Wing's mission conversion. Alexander Farver) 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. [6], The first Lockheed EC-121S Coronet Solo was delivered to the unit on 16 July 1968. Col. Edward Fink Jr., 193rd Special Operations Wing commander, delivers remarks to attendees during a 193 SOW assumption of command ceremony Oct. 28, 2022, Middletown, Pennsylvania. I vow to be consistent and transparent while providing you with the why. Remained under ADC control after return Reading, was re-designated as a Fighter-Interceptor Squadron. 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. Bollen Air-to-Ground Weapons Range, Detachment 1, Fort Indiantown Gap, Pennsylvania. Alexander Farver | As a Pennsylvania Air National Guard unit, these Airmen essentially wear two hats. Fink joined the Pennsylvania ANG in 1988. In his first speech as commander, Fink outlined his three priorities: mission, people and relationships. As a command pilot, Col. Fink has more than 3,900 hours of military flight time in the T-37, T-38, A/OA-10, C-130J, EC-130J and MQ-9 and is a veteran of operations Southern Watch, Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom with 506 hours of combat flight time. In 1994, Commando Solo was used to broadcast radio and TV messages to the citizens and leaders of Haiti during Operation Uphold Democracy. 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. 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. 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. I also know that without competent Airmen who are motivated to serve, we cannot and will not be successful. In 1989, Volant Solo was instrumental in the success of coordinated psychological operations in Operation Just Cause, operating under the control of the Joint Special Operations Task Force. The fourth-largest wing in the Air National Guard is under new leadership, as Col. Edward FinkJr., received the unit guidon from Brig. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Master Sgt. Spezialeinsatzgeschwaders der US-Luftwaffe, beobachtet das Taxi der Air Force Two auf der Fluglinie am 4. [4] In February, the group was partially mobilized, with 44 officers and 222 enlisted personnel being called to active duty. 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 his first speech as commander, Fink outlined his three priorities: mission, people and relationships. 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. 15. Continuing its tradition, in 1997 the 193 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. As a command pilot, Col. Fink has more than 3,900 hours of military flight time in the T-37, T-38, A/OA-10, C-130J, EC-130J and MQ-9 and is a veteran of operations Southern Watch, Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom with 506 hours of combat flight time. Seeing the Commando II on our flightline is a tangible symbol of the progress weve made as a wing in bringing this versatile mission to central Pennsylvania, Jackson said. [11], In 1992, the 193rd received its first EC-130E upgraded to Commando Solo II configuration. I can assure you that I and the rest of your leadership team are laser-focused on developing you as the future leaders of this organization. New 193rd RSG commander assumes duty By Staff Sgt. Bild von US-Luftwaffenoberst Mike Cason, Kommandeur der 193. herunterladen. Gen. Michael Regan, Jr., Pennsylvania Air National Guard commander, during an assumption of command ceremony here today. As a command pilot, Fink has more than 3,900 hours of military flight time in the T-37, T-38, A/OA-10, C-130J, EC-130J and MQ-9 and is a veteran of operations Southern Watch, Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom with 506 hours of combat flight time. [4][8] During this mission it broadcast throughout the initial phases of the operation, helping to end the Noriega regime. President Jean-Bertrand Aristide was featured in these broadcasts, which contributed to the orderly transition from military rule to democracy. We were able to showcase our amazing Fink and Smith take charge at a critical time and will oversee the wing aircraft re-missioning from the EC-130J to the MC-130J. The Reading Airport Commission and National Guard authorities found themselves in a conflict over the use of Reading Municipal Airport for tactical jet operations. 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 193rd Special Operations Wing is expected to transition to the MC-130J Commando II over a period of 2 years.[2][3]. 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. An official website of the United States government. , Fort Indiantown Gap, Pennsylvania. 193rdSpecial OperationsSupport Squadron, 193rd Special Operations Maintenance Group 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. 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. Prior to his current position, Col. Fink served as commander of the 111th Operations Group, Biddle ANG Base, Pennsylvania. An MC-130J Commando II arrives at the 193rd Special Operations Wing Feb. 2, 2023 at Middletown, Pennsylvania. Technicians carry a dual status as full-time civil service employees for the Air Force who, as a condition of employment, must participate as Guardsmen. Workload includes: combat restoration, repair, installation, removal or relocation of communications-electronics equipment. | View Image Page. 193rd Special Operations Wing; 919th Special Operations Wing; News. Other squadrons assigned into the group were the 168th Material Squadron (later replaced by the 168th Consolidated Aircraft Maintenance Squadron and 168th Supply Squadron), 168th Support Squadron, and the 168th USAF Dispensary. Alexander Farver), Chief Master Sgt. The mission of the 211th EIS is to engineer, install and relocate fixed command, control, communications and computer (C4) systems in facilities. Tasks vary from base to base depending on the resources needed and utilized. It was organized at Reading Municipal Airport, Pennsylvania and was extended federal recognition on 27 February 1947. van Geffan, p. 6. van Geffen indicates that the Commando Solo name change occurred later, when the unit's EC-130Es were modified with Worldwide Color Television and Horizontal Trailing Wire Antennas, in 1997. van Gellen, p. 12. 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. 5.7 193rd Special Operations Wing. 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. They go anywhere, at anytime, and forecast for any type of flying mission or troop activity. . Effectively executing our mission is critically important to our nation and our commonwealth. In his first address as command chief, Smith said that developing the next generation of leaders and war fighters is one of his top priorities. If there is one thing I want you to hear in this address, its that this position is not about me, Smith said. They provide management continuity to keep the units combat ready. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Master Sgt. This work, 193rd Special Operations Wing welcomes new commander, command chief, by MSgt Alexander Farver, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright. February 15th, DVIDS Hub works best with JavaScript enabled, Version: 89f6906e9817dc7b192edf8e8d786e2b331150b5_2023-02-27T10:21:17. It's the job of Command Post specialists to ensure operations and communications run efficiently and effectively under any circumstance. The 193rd SOMDG, Det. 271st Combat Communications Squadron, Fort Indiantown Gap, Pennsylvania. "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 . The 193rd will continue to build upon its legacy of exceeding expectations, and will retain its rightful position at the tip of the spear. AFSOC, Air Force Special Operations Command. Technicians carry a dual status as full-time civil service employees for the Air Force who, as a condition of employment, must participate as Guardsmen. In peacetime, the unit serves under the governor of Pennsylvania, bolstering missions such as support to civilian authorities during natural disaster or homeland security. The wing is gained by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania when in a "state" status, as well as by the United States Air Force and Air Force Special Operations Command in its Federal capacity as part of the Air National Guard. In 1960, the 140th was notified that it would be converting once again to the much larger and faster C-121 Constellation. Alexander Farver), Col. Edward Fink Jr., 193rd Special Operations Wing commander, delivers remarks to attendees during a 193 SOW assumption of command ceremony Oct. 28, 2022, Middletown, Pennsylvania. The 193rd will continue to build upon its legacy of exceeding expectationsand will retain its rightful position at the tip of the spear.. MIDDLETOWN, Pa. - 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. The 271st CBCS is to deploy, operate and maintain tactical communications packages in support of Air Force missions worldwide or civil and disaster-relief missions within the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. More than 450 technicians support the wing in day-to-day operations. A typical mission consists of a single-ship orbit offset from the desired target audience - either military or civilian personnel. The 193rd Air Operations Group in State College officially welcomed its new commander yesterday. September 2020 im 193. Robert Smith, 193rd Special Operations Wing command chief, delivers remarks to attendees during an assumption of responsibilities ceremony Oct. 28, 2022, Middletown, Pennsylvania. As 193rd SOW commander, Fink will lead about 2,000 combat-ready Airmen. 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. 193rd Special Operations Maintenance Squadron The two "slick" EC-130Es made several trips each between the United States and Saudi Arabia, transporting equipment and personnel. Ronald C. Anderson herunterladen. [9], Due to the threat of SCUD missile attacks, and the lack of revetments at King Fahd, in January 1992, the group's aircraft relocated to Thumrait Air Base, Oman. 203rd Weather Flight, Fort Indiantown Gap, Pa. 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. The 193rd will continue to build upon its legacy of exceeding expectations, and will retain its rightful position at the tip of the spear.. We will make deliberate investments in our Airmen through mentoring, feedback and growth opportunities to allow you to achieve your goals.. This article incorporates public domain material from the Air Force Historical Research Agency. 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. They provide management continuity to keep the units combat ready. The squadron was equipped with F-51 Mustangs and was assigned to the 112th Fighter Group at Pittsburgh Airport as a Geographically Separated Unit (GSU). 193rd Special Operations Logistics Readiness Squadron Mission first, people always. Weve executed similar mission sets for years, which likely contributed to AFSOC trusting us with this critically valuable aircraft, Frankenfield said. The 193 rd Special Operations Group performs this unique mission with six specially configured EC-130E Commando Solo aircraft. 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. 560 unit members had participated in the campaign, and flew 845 hours of combat operations. The Lightning Force Academy is committed to developing the level of knowledge and skill needed to train personnel to support the Engineering Installation mission, both active-duty and ANG. Oberstleutnant der US-Luftwaffe Sgt. UNIT HIGHLIGHTS In 1990-91, Commando Solo was deployed to Saudi Arabia and Turkey in support of Operation Desert Shield and Desert Storm. 203rd Weather Flight Fink joined the Pennsylvania ANG in 1988. 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. However, due to a designation conflict with an existing 140th Fighter Group with the Colorado ANG, the units designation was changed to the 168th Air Transport Squadron, being assigned to the new 168th Air Transport Group as its flying squadron. The ceremony also marked the beginning of another wing leadership tenure as Chief Master Sgt. The mission of the 193rd AOG is to be an integral component for an Air Operations Center, which acts as the Joint Force Air Component Commanders headquarters for running an air war. In 2001, the Commando Solo aircraft broadcast messages to the local Afghan population and Taliban soldiers during Operation Enduring Freedom. Ultimately, while all the unit's aircraft went through Phase I, only five went through Phase II.[12]. 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. 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. 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. 201st RED HORSE Squadron Kostenlos fr kommerzielle Nutzung, keine Namensnennung erforderlich. Lt. Gen. Bauernfeind earned his commission from the U.S. Air Force Academy in 1991. 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). I can assure you that I and the rest of your leadership team are laser-focused on developing you as the future leaders of this organization. In 1994, Commando Solo was used to broadcast radio and TV messages to the citizens and leaders of Haiti during Operation Uphold Democracy. 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.. Four unit aircraft had the Rivet Rider system, which enabled broadcasting of TV, AM or FM radio, and short wave radio. Mrz 2018 im 193. On 26 March, the unit demobilized and returned to Harrisburg. . , Fort Indiantown Gap, Pennsylvania. [4][5] The 168th Military airlift Group and its components were inactivated and its resources were transferred to the new 193rd Tactical Electronic Warfare Group, becoming Tactical Air Command's first tactical electronic warfare unit that was not an active duty unit. Prior to his current position, Fink served as commander of the 111th Operations Group atBiddle Air National Guard Base, Pa. As 193rd SOW commander, Fink will lead about 2,000 combat-ready Airmen. It was an honor to be part of this ceremony and recognize worldclass professionals who have supported this weapon system for over three decades! Although Commando Buzz was intended to last only ninety days, flights continued until 24 December, and the task force returned to the United States in early January 1971. The 193rd's web page attributes this interest to the 1967 Arab-Israeli conflict, but the program predates that war. Smith takes over as command chief after previously serving as the senior enlisted leader of the 193rd Regional Support Group. . Commentaries; Features; Photos; Art; About Us. As the Vietnam War began winding down, Air Force special operations forces capabilities gradually declined as well. AFSOC is one of 10 major Air Force commands and the Air Force component of U.S. Special Operations Command, a unified command located at, .