The EC-130J are flown by the 193rd Special Operations Wing, a Pennsylvania Air National Guard unit, gained by Air Force Special Operations Command. Alexander Farver | Brig. airborne psychological operations The Air Forces Battlefield Airmen or ________ Teams frequently operate with Navy SEALs, Army Rangers, and Special Forces in direct action, airfield seizure, and personnel recovery missions in . The Air Force Special Operations Command's 193rd Special Operations Wing, Middletown, Pa., has total responsibility for the Commando Solo missions.[1]. 193rd Special Operations Wing > Home - AF The ceremonial passing of the guidon to Fink marks the beginning of his command of the 193rd SOW. The 193rd Special Operations Wing, located at Harrisburg International Airport, Middletown, Pennsylvania, is home to the only airborne Military Information Support Operations broadcasting platform in the U.S. military. The aircraft was tasked to broadcast radio and television into Kosovo to help prevent ethnic cleansing. Chief Master Sgt. This is a monumental day for the 193rd, ANG, and AFSOC. Michael Griesbaum on LinkedIn: SEA Tony Whitehead visits AKANG [1], On 17 September 2022, the last broadcast with an EC-130J was made during an airshow at Lancaster Airport, Pennsylvania. It is one of two Air National Guard units. The 193rd SOW's primary mission is to fly and maintain the EC-130J Commando Solo, a specially-modified four-engine Hercules transport, conducting information operations, military information support operations and civil affairs broadcasts in FM, TV and military communications bands. 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. Air Force Special Operations Forces (AFSOF) Logistics The mission later transitioned to the EC-130E (1980) and eventually to the EC-130J (2004). 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. Then known as Volant Solo, the aircraft acted as an airborne radio station, keeping the citizens of Grenada informed about the U.S. military action. 203rd Weather Flight I have known Ed Fink for over 30 years, and feel very qualified to provide you with this assessment. President Jean-Bertrand Aristide was featured in these broadcasts, which contributed to the orderly transition from military rule to democracy.[4]. 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. A 193rd Special Operations Squadron EC-130E over, Learn how and when to remove this template message, "193rd SOW prepares to take on new MC-130J mission", "EC-130J Psychological Warfare Aircraft Performs Final Broadcast", 193rd Special Operations Squadron official website, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=193rd_Special_Operations_Squadron&oldid=1116187105, Activated on 1 October 1942 by special authority prior to constitution as, Bushey Hall (AAF-341), England, 1 October 1942, A Handbook of Aerospace Defense Organization 19461980, by Lloyd H. Cornett and Mildred W. Johnson, Office of History, Aerospace Defense Center, Peterson Air Force Base, Colorado, This page was last edited on 15 October 2022, at 08:08. The modification of C-130Js would be done in two phases. Full-time federal technicians are the nucleus of the wing. 193rd Special Operations Wing | Flightline Insignia Initially assigned to VIII Fighter Command, reassigned to Twelfth Air Force and engaged in combat in the North African Campaign and later based in Italy as part of the Mediterranean Theater of Operations (MTO). President Trump holds event at 193rd Special Operations Wing Photo By Master Sgt. Robert Smith, 193rd Special Operations Wing command chief (center) is assisted in donning his service dress coat by Col. Edward Fink Jr, 193rd SOW commander (left) and his family during an assumption of responsibilities ceremony Oct. 28, 2022, Middletown, 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. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Master Sgt. The Commando Solo was again sent into action in 1999 in support of Operation Allied Force. see less The donning of the service dress coat featuring Command Chief Master Sergeant rank insignia ceremonially marks the beginning of his tenure as command chief. 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. The 193rd Special Operations Wing at Harrisburg International Airport, Pennsylvania . The ceremony also marked the beginning of another wing leadership tenure as Chief Master Sgt. Remained under ADC control after return Reading, was re-designated as a Fighter-Interceptor Squadron. 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. EC-130J Commando Solo > Air Force > Fact Sheet Display until 0400 est. 193rd Special Operations Wing Airmen leave for Middle East deployment Ronald C. Anderson herunterladen. In 1966 the group became the 168th Military Airlift Group. In 1994, Commando Solo was used to broadcast radio and TV messages to the citizens and leaders of Haiti during Operation Uphold Democracy. About Us - Air Force Special Operations Command Threatened by the closure of Olmsted Air Force Base and by the downsizing of all conventionally powered transport aircraft, the National Guard Bureau volunteered the unit for a psychological warfare capability named "Coronet Solo." 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 . Its missions included broadcasting the "Voice of the Gulf" and other highly successful programs intended to convince Iraqi soldiers to surrender. They go anywhere, at anytime, and forecast for any type of flying mission or troop activity. An official website of the United States government, 193rd SOW Sexual Assault Prevention and Response, Hosted by Defense Media Activity - WEB.mil. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Master Sgt. 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. Tactical Air Command replaced Military Airlift Command as its mobilization gaining command, although the unit continued to operate the C-121s of the old 168th Group until November 1977, when its last C-121C was flown to the Military Aircraft Storage and Disposition Center at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona. Joint Special Operations Task . 193 rd SPECIAL OPERATIONS WING. The squadron was re-equipped with F-84C Thunderjets to perform air defense over the Delmarva Peninsula. There could be no more perfect time for Colonel Ed Fink to return to the 193rd as your commander, said Regan. These cool-headed professionals provide essential . Obermeister Sgt. Throughout the Global War on Terror, the Commando Solo was deployed to the Middle East in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Prior to his current position, Col. Fink served as commander of the 111th Operations Group, Biddle ANG Base, Pennsylvania. 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., Bollen Air-to-Ground Weapons Range, Detachment 1. , Fort Indiantown Gap, Pennsylvania. Full-time federal technicians are the nucleus of the wing. 5.7 193rd Special Operations Wing. 271st Combat Communications Squadron, Fort Indiantown Gap, Pennsylvania. 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. 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. Continuing its tradition, in 1997 the 193rd 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. , Fort Indiantown Gap, Pennsylvania. Bollen Air-to-Ground Weapons Range, Detachment 1 That only happens if you have the best people. Ramirez added that the wings mission conversion is unprecedented, in that it was able to maintain full operating capabilities of the outgoing aircraft while simultaneously preparing for the arriving mission. 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. Courses of instruction include power production, engineering, electrical, HVAC, water and fuel systems maintenance, structures, operations and services. Phase I added an information warfare station and air refueling capability, while Phase II called for the removal of mission equipment from the EC-130s and its installation in the EC-130Js. I vow to be consistent and transparent while providing you with the why.. If there is one thing I want you to hear in this address, its that this position is not about me, Smith said. In 2003, the Commando Solo was deployed to the Middle East in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. The group flew its first communications intelligence mission on 4 September. Then known as Volant Solo, the aircraft acted as an airborne radio station, keeping the citizens of Grenada informed about the U.S. military action. The unit was re-equipped, flying the C-46 Commando and in 1958 the C-119 Flying Boxcar. 193rd SOSFS provides a cadre of specially trained Deployed Aircraft Ground Response Element airmen. 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. However, the unit's aircraft contained two difference suites of electronics. 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. NEW COMMANDER AT SOMDG - - 193rd Special Operations Wing | Facebook Maintenance window scheduled to begin at February 14th 2200 est. Effectively executing our mission is critically important to our nation and our commonwealth. AFSOC, Air Force Special Operations Command. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Master Sgt. The 193rd deployed guardsmen on temporary duty for periods of thirty to sixty days to support this mission. 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. Led by the efforts of unit conversion officer, Lt. Col. Benton Jackson, the wing has been preparing for its mission conversion since 2021. 193rd Special Operations Wing is located at Harrisburg International Airport, Pennsylvania, and is commanded by a Colonel (OF-5). Id put our maintainers up against anyone.. Display - 193rd Special Operations Wing , Fort Indiantown Gap, Pennsylvania. 201st RED HORSE Squadron The 193rd's web page attributes this interest to the 1967 Arab-Israeli conflict, but the program predates that war. 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. Mission first, people always.. The 193rd Special Operations Wing of the Pennsylvania Air National Guard provides the only _____ platform in the Department of Defense with the EC-130 Commando Solo. September 2020 im 193. It was upgraded to the dedicated F-94B Starfire interceptor by October 1951. You will have to cast a net very far and wide to find a more dedicated and professional Airman, said Regan. After the attacks of 9/11, the U.S Special Operations Command assumed a (n) _____ role in synchronizing the DoD effort in Global operations against terrorist . 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 2003, the Commando Solo II was deployed to the Middle East in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Pennsylvania National Guard Flickr, PA Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, An official website of the United States government, 201st RED HORSE Squadron departs for deployment, 193rd SOW Sexual Assault Prevention and Response, Wing Commander's Equal Opportunity program statement, Wing Commander's Sexual Harassment Prevention program statement, 193rd SOW Environmental Management System Commitment Statement, Hosted by Defense Media Activity - WEB.mil. On 17 September 2022, the wing made its last broadcast with an EC-130J during an airshow at Lancaster Airport, Pennsylvania. Sgt Aaron Garner, 193rd Special Operations Aircraft Maintenance Squadron crew chief, marshalls an MC-130J Commando II 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. Commander: Colonel Caleb Nimmo Command Chief: Chief Master Sgt. As a result, the group became the 193rd Special Operations Wing with three subordinate groups. 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. Brig. The Commando II flies clandestine or low visibility single or multi-ship, low-level infiltration, exfiltration and resupply of special operations forces, by airdrop or airland and air refueling missions for special operations helicopters and tiltrotor aircraft, intruding politically sensitive or hostile territories. Devin Robinson on LinkedIn: 193rd Special Operations Wing Welcomes New 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. If there is one thing I want you to hear in this address, its that this position is not about me, Smith said. During this mission it broadcast throughout the initial phases of the operation, helping to end the Noriega regime. 193rd Special Operations Wing Agencies In 2004, the 193rd received newer EC-130J aircraft. In November, the group began regular flights broadcasting Voice of America programs to Kuwait and Iraq. Workload includes: combat restoration, repair, installation, removal or relocation of communications-electronics equipment. 193rd Combat Operations Squadron Full story and photos here: https://www.193sow.ang.af.mil//new-commander-appointed-at/ #193AOG #PANG #AirNationalGuard #HappyValley #193SOW Provide a quality, realistic, tactical range environment for air-to-ground, airdrop and Joint Terminal Attack Controller training to ensure the combat readiness of flying units throughout the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic region. Regional Equipment Operators Training Site, , Fort Indiantown Gap, Pennsylvania. He commissioned in 1993 as an A/OA-10 pilot where he eventually upgraded to evaluator pilot. The MC-130J Commando II is a flagship mission for Air Force Special Operations Command. The wing was organized as a group, the 193rd Tactical Electronic Warfare Group. 193rd SOSFS commander. The Wing is gained by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania as well as by the United States Air Force and Air Force Special Operations Command. The members of the 211th EIS are Above All Others in providing C41 communications capabilities to our nation, state, and community. Gen. Michael Regan, Pennsylvania Air National Guard commander (left) and Col. 553rd Air Force Band (Air National Guard Band of the Northeast) MISSION I also know that without competent Airmen who are motivated to serve, we cannot and will not be successful. airborne psychological operations 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. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. 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. 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. . 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. He commissioned in 1993 as an A/OA-10 pilot where he eventually upgraded to evaluator pilot. The 148th ASOS provides combat-ready Tactical Air Control Parties for combat maneuver units of the 28th Infantry Division including the 56th Stryker Brigade Combat Team. US AIR FORCE SPECIAL OPERATIONS FORCES - Federation of American Scientists [11], In 1992, the 193rd received its first EC-130E upgraded to Commando Solo II configuration. Accomplishing the mission is why the Air Force, the Air National Guard and the 193rd exist. Fink said. We will make deliberate investments in our Airmen through mentoring, feedback and growth opportunities to allow you to achieve your goals. Bild von Obermeister Sgt. 193rd special operations wing Stock Photos and Images - Alamy In 1990-1991, Commando. In 1990, the 193rd joined the newly formed Air Force Special Operations Command, and the wing's aircraft were redesignated Commando Solo, with no change in mission. 553rd Air Force Band (Air National Guard Band of the Northeast), , Fort Indiantown Gap, Pennsylvania. While the 193rd SOMXG is prepared to maintain the aircraft, the 193rd Special Operations Group is postured to fly them immediately. Lightning Force Academy