Courtesy Photo | U.S. Staff Sgt. Joshua Lee, 266th Range Squadron ground radar systems craftsman,...... read more read more
The Idaho Air National Guard 266th Range Squadron received the Governor’s Outstanding Unit Award at a ceremony in Boise, Feb. 24 in recognition for the unit’s exemplary service to the State of Idaho and our nation.
In 2017, RANS executed its mission to provide electronic warfare training to warfighters at the Mountain Home Range Complex, nationally and around the world. They help aircrews hone their response to surface-to-air missile threats by simulating a contested, or threat-dense environment. The successful execution of this mission is due, in part, to the strong relationship with their host unit, Mountain Home Air Force Base, and collaboration with all forms of Department of Defense components.
“We have a phenomenal relationship with Mt. Home Air Force Base as a host unit—they understand our mission and support it,” said Lt. Col. Jay Labrum, Commander, 266 RANS. “Our relationship is a true benchmark of total force integration.”
In addition to their continuous mission support across the world, the RANS supported the 366th Fighter Wing at MHAFB by providing cargo deployment function support, augmented the 366th Civil Engineer Squadron during a record 35-inch snow season to enable mission operations for fifty two F-15E Strike Eagle aircraft and safe movement of more than ten thousand personnel and their families. RANS members also provided unique assistance to the 366th Medical Group, on request, to provide language translation support for patients and medical staff.
“Culturally we strive for a collaborative mindset to accomplish the mission.” Said Chief Master Sgt. Warren Davis, Chief of Maintenance, 266 RANS. “We hear ‘no’ often but we figure out a way to make it a ‘yes’.”
While executing mission responsibilities, members of the 266 RANS also worked to advance their careers and benefit their community. They had 28 airman complete Professional Military Education courses. Unit members coached sports programs and lead scouting efforts for more than 40 children. The squadron continued its outstanding tradition of supporting veterans by caring for more than 200 veterans and supporting various veteran events.
The RANS was established in 1997 as an ANG unit. —it was previously an active duty mission assigned to the 366 FW. Currently, RANS has more than 140 members, most of whom are in a full-time status. Typically they report to duty at MHAFB and drive to the MHRC to perform their electronic warfare mission, which makes for long duty days.
“We have a unique mission that requires a full-time force. The NCOs and Senior NCOs that oversee the 130 enlisted members are world-class.” said Labrum. I’ve never seen NCOs lean so far forward to make things happen. They have a passion for putting innovation into the field.”
| Date Taken: | 03.06.2018 |
| Date Posted: | 03.06.2018 17:21 |
| Story ID: | 268363 |
| Location: | BOISE, IDAHO, US |
| Web Views: | 418 |
| Downloads: | 1 |
This work, 266 RANS Collaboration, Above-and-Beyond Culture Garners Outstanding Unit Award, by MSgt Sarah Pokorney, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
No keywords found.
