Courtesy Photo | Tech. Sgt. Ryan Jagai, a New York Air National Guardsman from the 105th Airlift...... read more read more
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DJIBOUTI CITY, Djibouti – Twenty-two New York Air National Guardsmen from the 105th Airlift Wing’s 213th Engineering Installation Squadron deployed to Chabelley Airfield, Djibouti and Camp Simba, Kenya, as well as Ramstein, Germany from April through October, 2024.
The 213th Engineering Installation Squadron specializes in engineering, installing and modifying ground-based communications, radar and aeronautical navigation systems globally and domestically.
While deployed, Airmen with the 213th took initiative on multiple communications projects in support of the east-side Expeditionary Air Base Squadrons (EABS) in Africa, including a major effort to reorganize and improve the region's resiliency measures.
Col. Stephen Dillon, the commander of the 253rd Cyberspace Engineering Installation Group, praised the 213th’s exceptional performance overseas.
They were also recognized by Maj. Christian Fiore, the branch chief of the U.S. Air Forces in Europe and Africa, who noted their impressive problem solving during their deployment under the 406th Air Expeditionary Wing.
“Throughout this rotation, the 213th has been challenged to find ways to provide communications solutions in the face of austere conditions and consistent logistical challenges,” Fiore remarked. “They have tackled it all in stride and were able to execute seventeen separate communications infrastructure projects, improving the capabilities for the EABS.”
Lt. Col. Matthew Zayatz, the commander of the 213th Engineering Installation Squadron, boasted of his team’s habit of going above and beyond in their work, enthusiastically accomplishing any task thrown their way.
“Multiple times our Airmen went outside their normal scope of work to fulfill duties important to the overall mission,” he said. “Put succinctly, they demonstrated teamwork, ingenuity, and bravery. I'm very proud of each and every one of them.”
In theme with the squadron’s tendency to go above and beyond, three Airmen from the deployed team, Master Sgt. Robert Diaz, Staff Sgt. Victor Stremel and Senior Airman Manuel Camilo, were selected to establish a network connection between AFRICOM Enterprise Network and western Africa. This non-traditional duty for engineering installation specialists was meant to alleviate use of the Combat Communications Squadron’s resources in the area.
The three Airmen developed a communication system by gathering spare parts and establishing a computer network with data and voice capabilities in a remote location. They coordinated with U.S. Africa Command’s headquarters and senior defense officials at the local embassy to ensure proper access for the team and equipment.
“These Airmen are truly impressive,” Fiore said. “[They] have made this deployment impactful and have served as excellent ambassadors of the engineering installation community and the Air National Guard at large.”
1st Lt. Nolan Bosch, the director of operations for the 213th, did an outstanding job in his role as the deployment’s cyberspace systems integrator, according to Fiore.
Bosch explained how his position offered a unique opportunity to work on communications management plans between all levels of command.
“In this role, I got to work with stakeholders at the major command, wing and EABS levels to coordinate future communications infrastructure planning in Africa,” he said.
Bosch was also responsible for refining the processes necessary to fully transition the east-side EABS responsibilities from the major command to the 406th.
He developed new procedures for communication requests, verified and updated units’ designations in a cyberspace security structure and organized project binders left unfinished by previous rotations, Fiore said.
This deployment was one of many for the 213th, as they have been deploying every three to four years since the early 2000s.
“Deployments are a great opportunity to get some repetition in,” Bosch explained. “We have a plethora of phenomenal, young Airmen that stepped up this rotation and sharpened their technical skills.”
“The 213th has always had a propensity for action, and we have a lot of folks that are highly proficient in their craft and love what they do,” he added.
| Date Taken: | 10.10.2024 |
| Date Posted: | 10.11.2024 11:42 |
| Story ID: | 482947 |
| Location: | DJIBOUTI CITY, DJ |
| Web Views: | 121 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, Twenty-two NY Guard Airmen Improve Communication Capabilities in Africa During Deployment, by SSgt Rebekah Wilson, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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