Photo By 2nd Lt. Elise Wahlstrom | U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Tatiyana Prince, Airman Alexa Malagon, personnel...... read more read more
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Alpena, Mich – A 10-member personnel support team from the 182nd Airlift Wing, Illinois Air National Guard, played a critical role in maintaining accountability, and coordinating meals, lodging and transportation, for the more than 700 personnel at the Alpena Combat Readiness Training Center during Exercise Northern Strike 24-2, which took place August 3-17, 2024.
The Illinois Guardsmen were in Michigan as part of NS 24-2, a premier reserve component training event designed to build readiness with joint and international partner forces in all-domains of warfare. Michigan’s unique geography, airspace, ranges and connection to the defense industry make it an ideal environment for all-season training and operations.
“Several of the airmen have not been deployed and have not gotten the opportunity to apply what they learned in tech school in a real-world environment. Northern Strike allows them the opportunity to work in a joint high-tempo environment and the chance to run the exercise as if deployed,” said U.S. Air Force Capt. Cecilia Prince, a security forces officer with the 116th Wing Georgia Air National Guard, Robins Air Force Base, who was the officer in charge of the team.
NS 24-2 is one of the Department of Defense’s largest reserve exercises, involving over 6,300 participants from across the globe. The training takes place at multiple training sites throughout Michigan’s northern Lower Peninsula, collectively known as the National All-Domain Warfighting Center. The NADWC includes the Alpena CRTC, Camp Grayling, and their combined ranges and airspace.
The personnel team faced unique challenges in this joint environment, particularly in working with international partners.
“Coming here and being forced to think outside the box was very valuable,” said U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Tatiyana Prince, a personnel specialist at the 182nd AW. “Northern Strike allowed us to get that joint experience, and we learned how to improvise in new situations with foreign nationals, and NATO.”
Once the exercise began, the team was available from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. and frequently worked 12-hour shifts to meet the mission’s needs. As tiring as it may seem, when asked what the most rewarding aspect of her job was, Master Sgt. Prince’s answer was simple, helping people.
“I love it. I wake up at 5:00 a.m. and I’m happy to be here. It’s just natural for me,” said Master Sgt. Prince.
Airman Alexa Malagon, a personnel specialist with the 182nd AW, on her first annual training assignment, agreed with Master Sgt. Prince and added that the challenge of working long hours was offset by personal connections she was able to make.
“The interactions with people. You get to see first impressions of people when they check in and when you see them on base they recognize you,” said Malagon.
The PERSCO team’s role was not just about logistics; it was about ensuring the seamless operation of an exercise that is crucial to maintaining the readiness of U.S. and partner nation forces. Their work underscored the importance of detailed planning, coordination, and adaptability in military operations, particularly in large-scale, multinational exercises like Northern Strike. This experience not only bolstered the team’s skills but also highlighted the strategic value of joint training efforts in preparing for real-world missions.
“The value was fantastic. Learning accountability for a joint force is way different than accounting for people at an Air National Guard Base. We had to think about the best way to get organized and track all of the other branches,” added Master Sgt. Prince.
The Alpena CRTC provides premier support, facilities, instruction, and airspace to the Department of Defense, Department of Homeland Security, coalition and emergency responders to meet mission requirements of combatant commanders and civil authorities.
| Date Taken: | 09.19.2024 |
| Date Posted: | 09.20.2024 09:20 |
| Story ID: | 481337 |
| Location: | ALPENA, MICHIGAN, US |
| Web Views: | 39 |
| Downloads: | 1 |
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