EBBING AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, Ark. --
Lt. Gen. L. Scott Rice,
director of the Air National Guard, and Chief Master Sgt. Ronald C. Anderson,
ANG command chief master sergeant, visited the 188th Wing March 31, 2017.
Rice came to the base to
view the wing’s unique mission and capabilities, as well as to recognize
outstanding performances from 188th Airmen. Anderson met with enlisted Airmen
to ensure they had everything they needed to accomplish their mission.
“You are setting the
pathway that’s going to set a direction for the United States military for the
next 100 years,” said Rice to 188th Wing Airmen.
Upon arrival, Rice and
Anderson were given an overview of the wing’s mission from Col. Bobbi
Doorenbos, 188th Wing commander. From housing intelligence, surveillance and
reconnaissance members with remotely piloted aircraft pilots and sensor
operators to being the only ANG wing with a space targeting mission, the
synopsis detailed numerous ways the 188th showed innovation and modernization.
After Rice and Anderson
awarded distinguished Airmen for their accomplishments, Anderson spoke to 188th
Wing members about how they set the example as resilient and innovative
Guardsmen.
“This organization is on
the leading edge for who we are and what we do as 21st century Guard Airmen,”
Anderson stated.
While enlisted Airmen
gathered to listen to Anderson during the enlisted call, Rice toured the wing’s
sensitive compartmented information facility (SCIF) and learned how the 188th’s
one-of-a-kind operations enhances ISR to supported units and provides more
efficient, effective and timely solutions for the battlefield commanders.
Rice and Anderson were
also shown the remote air, zonal operations, reach back-processing, assessment
and dissemination (RAZORBack PAD). Using the RAZORBack PAD, the 188th showed
the ability to monitor video footage from aircraft, such as the MC-12 and the
UH-60 “Blackhawk,” in the air while in a mobile location.
Before departing from the
wing, Rice and Anderson expressed how impressed they were with the 188th's
mission and capabilities.
“You have figured it
out,” Anderson said. “You have taken advantage of that resiliency in our
Airmen, that adaptability [and] innovative mentality, and you’ve capitalized on
it… When we talk about the 21st century Guard Airman, it is right here in
Arkansas.”