Courtesy Photo | A KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft from the 127th Wing, Michigan Air National Guard, basks...... read more read more
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GWINN, Mich.- Airpower returned to the skies over northern Michigan this summer, when the Michigan Air National Guard’s 127th Wing temporarily relocated to the Marquette Sawyer Regional Airport, formally known as K.I. Sawyer Air Force Base, restoring military flight operations to the region.
A group of nearly 100 Airmen dispersed KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft flying operations to both Marquette Sawyer Regional Airport and Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport after a runway repair and resurfacing project began in June. Located near Marquette, K.I. Sawyer Air Force Base was home to both B-52 Stratofortress and KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft during the Cold War until it’s decommissioning in 1995. In 1999 it reopened for passenger service, preserving the infrastructure and runway capable of supporting large aircraft. Operated by the 127th Air Refueling Group and based out of Selfridge Air National Guard Base, the 127th Wing's aerial refueling mission successfully continued normal operations from the two remote locations.
“The community responded warmly to the 127th Air Refueling Group being here, and showed great appreciation for having a military presence back at the former K.I. Sawyer Air Force Base,” said Duane DuRay, director and airport manager for MSRA. “It was a bit nostalgic for many, many who had retired from K.I. Sawyer Air Force Base were excited to see the hustle and bustle of the KC-135s flying over.”
K.I. Sawyer was a vital part of the local community and Michigan’s military landscape. For Tech. Sgt. Melissa Nitz Crabill, a crew chief and acting first sergeant with the 127th ARG, the assignment was a homecoming decades in the making. As a child, Nitz Crabill spent five years at K.I. Sawyer, where her father, a now retired senior master sergeant, worked on the B-52 as an electro countermeasures technician.
“Coming back to K.I. Sawyer, after living here over 30 years ago, is a surreal experience,” said Nitz Crabill. “Standing on the same runway with the same airframe that once dominated this air space truly feels like an echo in time.”
During dispersed operations, the 127th ARG continued to provide aerial refueling support, a critical aspect of the Air Force's global reach, as it extends the operational range of military aircraft, allowing fighter jets and the like to stay in the fight longer. In August, they successfully particiapted in Exercise Northern Strike 24-2, where they practiced the “hub and spoke” concept and special fueling operations. During the exercise they were able to use MSRA as the simulated "hub," of a combat operation and notionally deploy from there to various forward operating locations in Michigan.
Col. Leah Voelker, commander of the 127th ARG, said that the success of the dispersed mission is due, in large part, to the planning of noncommissioned officers.
“Their experience, leadership, and tactical knowledge were essential in ensuring the seamless transition and success of this complex operation,” Voelker said. “This is a testament to the confidence we have in our NCOs; they are the backbone of our mission and our greatest asset in maintaining our readiness and global capabilities."
Members of the 127th Mission Support Group also played a crucial role in the dispersed operations, providing services such as transportation and equipment, security, fire protection and fueling operations, further allowing the 127th ARG continue normal operations away from home.
Northern Michigan is no stranger to military exercises in recent years, having supported several training events, such as the M-28 highway landing in June 2022.
“We’ve seen significant collaboration in joint training exercises, which has enhanced our own operational effectiveness,” DuRay said. “These experiences have improved our proficiency and fostered a great sense of camaraderie among our personnel and we are optimistic about the potential to further our relationship with the 127th Air Refueling Group and its personnel.”
With Selfridge’s runway reopening and dispersed Airmen heading home, the temporary relocation to MSRA and Detroit Metro is yet another example of the ongoing statewide community support for the 127th Wing and the Michigan Air National Guard.
“The success of this mission is truly a testament to what can be accomplished when you build a good team,” said Voelker.
| Date Taken: | 10.15.2024 |
| Date Posted: | 10.16.2024 11:09 |
| Story ID: | 483182 |
| Location: | GWINN, MICHIGAN, US |
| Web Views: | 117 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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