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319th Special Operations Squadron Changes Command, Marks Reassignment to 492nd Special Operations Wing

Thursday, May 9th, 2024

HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. —

On May 3, Lt. Col. Caitlin Reilly took command of the 319th Special Operations Squadron colloquially known as Slayers; simultaneously the squadron transitioned from the 1st Special Operations Group to the 492nd Special Operations Wing as part of a previously announced force restructure by Air Force Special Operations Command to ensure it is postured to rapidly deploy and sustain power in support of the National Defense Strategy.

“To the Slayers of the 319th Special Operations Squadron each one of you embodies the spirit of resilience and selflessness that will drive our Wing’s success forward with unwavering determination and tenacity,” said Col. Patrick Wnetrzak, commander 492nd Special Operations Wing. “Together, we stand as a formidable force, united in purpose and bound by the proud legacy of our traditions as we embark on this new chapter. Let us embrace the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead with courage, unity and unwavering resolve,” he added.

In addition to the 319 SOS, other units that will realign under the 492 SOW include: 6 SOS/6 SOAMXS, Cannon AFB, N.M.; 21st Special Tactics Squadron, Pope Army Airfield, N.C.; 22 STS, JB Lewis-McChord, Wash.

By realigning these units, the 492 SOW will encompass all AFSOC’s mission capabilities – SOF Strike, SOF Mobility, SOF ISR, and SOF Air-to-Ground Integration.

“The Slayers have accomplished heroic missions and have changed history and are on the leading edge of new capabilities that will shape the future. You are silent professionals who don’t brag about any of these achievements because excellence has simply become a habit,” said Lt. Col. Caitlin Reilly, the 319th Special Operations Squadrons commander.

The unit realignments will take place over time and culminate with the relocation of the 492 SOW. Currently, an Environmental Impact Statement is being developed for the 492 SOW beddown at Davis-Monthan AFB, Ariz.

By Jennifer Gonzalez

Posted in Air Force, Forces Focus, Guest Post, SOF | Comments Off on 319th Special Operations Squadron Changes Command, Marks Reassignment to 492nd Special Operations Wing

Special Warfare Training Wing Airman wins Lance P. Sijan Leadership Award

Tuesday, May 7th, 2024

JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, CHAPMAN TRAINING ANNEX, Tex. —

U.S. Air Force Capt. Marc Esposito, 350th Special Warfare Training Squadron flight commander, was presented with the Lance P. Sijan Award at the Pentagon, Apr. 8, 2024.

The Lance P. Sijan Leadership Award recognizes Airmen who demonstrate the highest qualities of leadership in the performance of their duties and conduct of their lives. The award is one of the U.S. Air Force’s most prestigious awards and is named after U.S. Air Force Capt. Lance P. Sijan, a Vietnam War pilot who received the Medal of Honor posthumously for his courage while evading capture and during his captivity as a prisoner of war.

“It is a tremendous honor to be personally recognized as a 2023 USAF Sijan recipient,” said Esposito. “This award to me reflects teamwork: investments from my leaders, my team’s grit, and our collective dedication to the mission. I am thankful for the constant challenge while accomplishing our mission, and thankful to be in the presence of greatness everyday.”

As a flight commander at the 350th SWTS, Esposito is responsible for AETC’s most operationally diverse flight, leading 54 active duty, civilian and contract instructors, managing a budget of $3.6M, resulting in the assessment of over 900 Airmen for entry into Air Force Special Warfare career fields.

“Captain Esposito has been instrumental in the success of the mission here at the 350th Special Warfare Training Squadron,” said Lt. Col. Robert Effler, 350th SWTS commander. “His tireless work ethic, remarkable character and experience have been key to the leadership and mentorship of his flight and the countless students that he has developed.”

Esposito entered the USAF in 2004, immediately assessing for and entering the combat control career field. Right away, the unique character and mission set of CCT spoke to Esposito.

“I was drawn to the journey being a part of high functioning teams, the adventure, the inherent dangers, and the autonomy to tackle our nation’s most complex problems that impact the course of history. It’s the kind of job I always dreamed of as a kid.”

In 2009, Esposito was caught in a firefight, simultaneously controlling close air support, and firing a machine gun while in the back of a Humvee when the vehicle hit a roadside bomb in eastern Afghanistan, catapulting him through the air before slamming him to the ground. Esposito was unconscious for several days before waking up at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center in Germany, where he was treated for extensive injuries that included severe burns, broken bones in his legs, feet and back, as well as a traumatic brain injury.

“After being blown up, my life, the teams I worked with and everything I worked for was ripped from my hands”, said Esposito. “I lost control of who I was in that instant. Going to war, I knew death was a possibility, and always something I could accept, but living with disabilities was never part of the plan. My attitude and motivation were still intact, so I refused to accept the new reality; we learn on day one in AFSPECWAR that quitting is not an option.”

After a long road to recovery spanning almost 18 months of rehabilitation and having to re-learn how to walk, Esposito was eventually declared fit for duty. It didn’t take long before the itch to do more hit once again and Esposito decided to assess for the special tactics officer career field.

“Special tactics officer selection and the combat rescue officer selection [both often referred to as Phase Two] is no joke; a snapshot of the 18-24 month pipeline the candidates will go through if selected,” said Esposito. “From the moment I was notified I’d be going, I started training deliberately for extended periods of physical stress. Already an established Combat Controller and instructor, it was actually nice to be the ‘nail’ once again and it served as a humbling reminder that regardless of who you are or what you’ve been through in AFSPECWAR, you must push yourself every day.”

After becoming a STO, Esposito remained in AETC where he became the executive to the commander of the then-new Battlefield Airmen Training Group that would set the groundwork for the future Special Warfare Training Wing. Following that assignment, he was assigned to the 22nd Special Tactics Squadron at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington, where he deployed to Korea and Germany, serving as a flight commander and operations deputy.

In 2021, Esposito transitioned to his current role as a flight commander at the 350th SWTS, where he credits his teammates with the success that they have experienced.

“What is most fulfilling is to see my team succeed in our mission and be recognized at such high levels. I am fortunate to have the some of the top distinguished leaders in AFSPECWAR embedded in my flight, where we maintain a high-trust environment. It’s a good place to be when you’re in the business of developing humans into the most effective rescue and weapons systems in the world.”

As a flight commander, Esposito has mentored and molded future Air Force Special Warfare operators while also finding time to serve the community and leading high-visibility projects. He led specialized training for military and civilian teams by establishing networks with San Antonio’s local Special Weapons and Tactics teams and the NASA buoyancy lab while also serving as the lead for a three-year, $2.3M USAF RAND study that identified actionable items for AFSPECWAR’s first-ever Assessment and Selection course for prospective candidates.

“Marc represents the best of us and it’s only fitting that he is recognized as one of the best in the Air Force,” said Col. Nathan Colunga, SWTW commander. “We are incredibly proud of all of his accomplishments that have led up to the Sijan Award and look forward to everything else he will achieve in life.”

When asked what it was like receiving the Lance P. Sijan Leadership Award, Esposito stated that it was a full-circle moment for him and his family.

“After being injured in 2009, I was pushed into the Pentagon in my wheelchair to be honored. Almost 15 years later, it was surreal to be walking in with my whole family, proudly wearing my uniform. What means a lot to me is that I can give my family this experience. In the footsteps of Lance P. Sijan, this honor carries with it a solemn pledge to continue pushing boundaries, overcoming challenges, and serving with honor and distinction. Receiving this honor is a humbling experience, knowing that it symbolizes the trust and respect of peers and superiors alike. It serves as a reminder of the responsibility to continue striving for excellence and to serve as an inspiration to others.”

If you are interested in pursuing a career in AFSPECWAR, please visit www.specialwarfaretw.af.mil/Potential-Candidates

By Special Warfare Training Wing Public Affairs

Special Warfare Training Wing

Posted in AFSW, Air Force, Guest Post | Comments Off on Special Warfare Training Wing Airman wins Lance P. Sijan Leadership Award

DAF Looks to Strengthen CATM Career Field, Deliver Better Training

Sunday, May 5th, 2024

JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texa —

Air Force Security Forces is looking to strengthen the combat arms training and maintenance community while also delivering better training opportunities for Airmen and Guardians.

The Combat Arms Working Group, a joint effort between the Air Force Security Forces Center, Headquarters Air Force Security Forces and major command representatives, is focused on evolving CATM for the first time since a Security Forces merger in 1997, said Chief Master Sgt. Donald Gallagher, SF career field manager.

At that time, law enforcement and security specialists were combined and the military working dog and combat arms disciplines were not individual specialties. With those things in mind, more than 50 CATM professionals met recently in San Antonio to establish a concept of action for the manpower agency to use to create the first ever CATM Air Force job qualification standard.

“The current standard is the most complicated formula in the Air Force and uses outdated methods and statistics to establish CATM manpower,” said Jason Seibel, Air Force Combat Arms Program chief at AFSFC.

“It is imperative we have a full team of CATM professionals at every installation across the enterprise to provide first-class weapons training to our warfighting Airmen and Guardians,” he said. “With Air Force Force Generation, Ready Airman Training and Multi-Capable Airmen, the demand is only going to increase, and we need to get this right, right now.”

The Air Force Job Qualification Standard is key to the success of the career field. Together with the career field education and training plan approved earlier this year, CATM instructors will now have a training roadmap from the moment they enter the career field as junior Airmen until they’re master sergeants, Seibel said.

“This comprehensive change has never been attempted before, so the working group broke some serious glass in creating an AFJQS with over 320 training objectives,” he said. “This will all culminate over the next 12 months as current CATM members with a special experience identifier 312 will be converted to a seven level in the career field.”

Establishing the working group is key to molding CATM for the future.

“It provides an immense step forward by bringing professionals together who have long-time working knowledge in the field and allows in-depth collaboration,” said Senior Master Sgt. William Johnson, Air Force Reserve Command CATM Functional Manager.

Together, they are building an in-depth training track for the new era of CATM instructors “to ensure they have the knowledge and understanding of how a professional Air Force CATM section should operate with a sense of integrity to the profession,” he said.

Building a truly balanced and in-depth training program is expected to give current and new instructors a deep understanding of what it actually takes to operate a CATM section.

“It will also give those in the career field an overall sense of pride for their profession and military career,” Johnson said.

The benefits also filter down to those who cycle through CATM for their weapons training needs, often right before important deployments.

“Airmen and Guardians will see professional instructors with a passion for weapons, safety and teaching … being comfortable handling something that may make them not so comfortable,” Johnson said. “It will allow students to have a more enjoyable experience doing things outside of their comfort zones and to me, this is the most important accomplishment for CATM instructors to accomplish their mission.”

Each working group season also allows everyone’s voice to be heard and considered.

“Having ideas from across the enterprise regardless of whether you’re from regular Air Force, Reserves or National Guard … every idea could be the one that is the missing link to provide the correct path for the career field. It’s truly a pleasure to be a part of the group and assist with the forward movement of the career field,” Johnson said.

By Debbie Aragon, Air Force Installation and Mission Support Center Public Affairs

Posted in Air Force, Guest Post, Profession of Arms, Training | 2 Comments »

GA-ASI Selected to Build Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) for the U.S. Air Force Life Cycle Management Center’s (AFLCMC) Advanced Aircraft Division

Friday, April 26th, 2024

SAN DIEGO – 24 April 2024 – General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) has been selected to build production representative flight test articles of the Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) for the U.S. Air Force Life Cycle Management Center’s (AFLCMC) Advanced Aircraft Division. This option contract award by the Advanced Aircraft Division exercises the critical design, build, and flight test on the existing CCA contract with GA-ASI following an initial 6-month phase that culminated in a successful CCA preliminary design review (PDR) earlier this year.

The CCA program aims to be a force multiplier, developing a low-cost, modular, unmanned aircraft equipped with advanced sensors or weapons and operating in collaborative teams with the next generation of manned combat aircraft.

In February 2024, GA-ASI successfully conducted the maiden flight of the XQ-67A CCA protype aircraft validating the “genus/species” concept pioneered by the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) as part of the Low-Cost Attritable Aircraft Platform Sharing (LCAAPS)program. This program focused on building several aircraft variants from a common core chassis. Since then, this prototype for CCA has successfully completed two additional test flights, laying the groundwork for a successful production and flight test program. GA-ASI’s CCA production representative design is based upon the XQ-67A Off-Board Sensing Station developed by GA-ASI for the AFRL.

“The CCA program redefines the future of aviation and will shape the USAF acquisition model to deliver affordable combat mass to the warfighter at the speed of relevancy,” said Mike Atwood, Vice President of Advanced Programs for GA-ASI.

“Throughout our 30-year history, GA-ASI has been at the forefront of rapidly advancing unmanned aircraft systems that support our warfighters,” said GA-ASI President David R. Alexander. “The USAF is moving forward with GA-ASI due to our focused commitment to unmanned air-to-air combat operations and unmatched UAS experience, ensuring the production of the CCA aircraft at scale to deliver affordable combat mass for the warfighter.”

To complement the CCA contract, GA-ASI will continue to conduct a series of autonomy and mission system tests on the MQ-20 Avenger® UAS and XQ-67A to accelerate the readiness of operational autonomy. These live flight tests will continue to demonstrate the readiness of the full mission capability to support the emerging U.S. Air Force Autonomous Collaborative Platforms (ACP).

Posted in Air Force, Aviation, Contracts, Press Release, UAS | Comments Off on GA-ASI Selected to Build Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) for the U.S. Air Force Life Cycle Management Center’s (AFLCMC) Advanced Aircraft Division

USAF Accepting Applications for Cyber Warrant Officers

Friday, April 26th, 2024

ARLINGTON, Va. (AFNS) —

The Air Force is now accepting applications, from April 25 to May 31, for Airmen aspiring to become the inaugural cohort of warrant officers in the information technology and cyber career fields.

Plans to re-introduce warrant officers to the Air Force was announced by Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall at the Air and Space Forces Association’s 2024 Warfare Symposium in conjunction with the Department’s plan to Reoptimize for Great Power Competition.

“We need operational units with all the capabilities they need to deter and compete with our pacing challenges and ready to enter a conflict on short or no notice,” Kendall said. “In those units we need the right mix of skills necessary for high end combat and to ensure technological superiority, particularly in information technology and cyber.”

This announcement marks a significant milestone for the initiative and presents an opportunity for up to 60 selected candidates, who will play a crucial role in addressing the multifaceted challenges of today’s dynamic security landscape. This decision signifies a pivotal moment in Air Force history, representing a strategic shift towards bolstering technical proficiency and operational effectiveness.”

“The reintroduction of the warrant officer career path reflects the Air Force’s commitment to expanding and retaining technical excellence, essential for maintaining a strategic advantage in an era defined by Great Power Competition,” said Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David Allvin. “By investing in talent management programs that preserve proficiency and competence in our perishable and highly technical skills, the Air Force aims to ensure its readiness to stay ahead of rapidly advancing threats and safeguard national security interests effectively.”

The history and role of warrant officers
The Air Force dissolved its Warrant Officer Corps in 1958 following the creation of the senior master sergeant and chief master sergeant ranks, who took on warrant officer responsibilities. These SNCOs took on specific technical duties, but were never relieved of their institutional requirements.

The reintroduction of the Warrant Officer Corps career path in the Air Force aims to address critical operational needs, while maintaining highly perishable skills, and leverage the unique expertise and capabilities of warrant officers. They will serve as technical experts, functional leaders, advisors, professionals, and risk managers, contributing to the overall proficiency of their organizations.

Application Requirements

This first cohort of active duty, Air National Guard, and Air Force Reserve candidates must hold the rank of at least staff sergeant and have one year of active federal service. Notably, applicants must meet specific experience and proficiency requirements outlined for each warrant officer specialty, ensuring a highly skilled and capable cohort.

The Air Force created two new Air Force specialty codes for warrant officers, reflecting the critical role these officers will play in the realm of cyber and information technology. The first AFSC, 17W – Warfighter Communications & IT Systems Operations, designates individuals as subject matter experts and trusted advisors on the planning, deployment, employment, and securing of enterprise and warfighter communication systems.

These warrant officers will provide technical guidance to commanders and staff, ensuring the efficient operation and management of communication assets at all echelons. Additionally, they will play a pivotal role in mentoring and developing cyberspace personnel, contributing to the overall cybersecurity posture of the Air Force.

The second AFSC, 17Y – Cyber Effects & Warfare Operations, designates individuals as subject matter experts and trusted advisors on offensive and defensive cyber operations assets and personnel. These warrant officers will be responsible for orchestrating, managing, and integrating cyberspace technical capabilities, delivering critical technical recommendations across various military and inter-agency platforms. Their expertise will extend to integrating cyberspace capabilities into warfighting functions to enhance combat effectiveness and maneuvering strategically in the cyber domain.

Although Airmen in any AFSC can apply, they must meet specific functional technical experience to ensure these individuals possess the requisite skills and experience to excel in their duties, contributing significantly to the Air Force’s technical readiness and operational effectiveness in cyberspace operations.

For the Warfighting Communications & IT Systems Operations (17W) AFSC, applicants must possess a minimum of 24 months of documented operational experience with enterprise IT or warfighter communications systems in areas such as voice and data internetworking, local and wide area networks, including terrestrial, satellite, and aerial systems, as well as network planning. Additionally, all applicants much hold a minimum Department of Defense approved industry certification commensurate with the requirements for the Information Assurance Technical Level II certification or higher.

Similarly, candidates for the Cyber Effects & Warfare Operations (17Y) AFSC must hold senior level proficiency in one or more U.S. Cyber Command work roles as defined in the Commands Job Qualification System, or National Security Agency equivalent. Additionally, for those specifically interested in a Cyber Capability Developer work role, must be a certified U.S. Cyber Command Senior Cyberspace Capability Developer or a Computer Network Operations Development Program graduate or have three years of experience in system level programming, i.e. C, Assembly.

Members are encouraged to read the Personnel Service Delivery Memorandum in its entirety to ensure they qualify to apply.

After Applying

The selection board process, scheduled for June 24-28, will identify top candidates poised to assume critical roles as technical experts, functional leaders, and advisors within their specialized domains. Those selected for the first cohort will be notified in late July.

Candidates will undergo comprehensive training at the Warrant Officer Training School starting in the fall of 2024 or early 2025, which will be located at Maxwell Air Force Base, Alabama, and will focus on equipping them with the necessary skills to excel in their new roles.

Upon graduation from WOTS, candidates will be warrant officers and will be reassigned to operational units across the Air Force. Their assignments will align with operational requirements and member preferences to maximize their effectiveness in enhancing technical readiness and operational effectiveness.

“These are highly in-demand, and also extremely perishable, skills in today’s rapidly-evolving landscape,” said Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force David A. Flosi. “As we navigate the complexities of Great Power Competition, our ability to adapt and innovate hinges on the expertise of our Airmen. Using our Airmen’s full potential is not just a strategic advantage; it’s a necessity for our Air Force’s readiness and effectiveness in the face of a challenging strategic environment.”

For additional information on the requirements of becoming a warrant officer, click here.

Courtesy of Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs

Posted in Air Force, Cyber, Guest Post, Profession of Arms | 2 Comments »

Air Force Stands Up Digital Acquisition Light Reconnaissance Foreign Military Sales Team

Wednesday, April 24th, 2024

WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio – The Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance and Special Operations Forces (ISR & SOF) Directorate, recently put together a digital acquisition team comprised of junior workforce members, to develop a digital light reconnaissance aircraft.

Known as the Digital PAQuisitions team, the team’s goal is to create a digital version of an aircraft and make it available for when a U.S. foreign military partner expresses interest in a light reconnaissance capability. Once the foreign military partner is approved for the capability, the digital model can be taken “off the shelf” and turned into a physical aircraft, ultimately saving years in development, production, and fielding time.

“Digital acquisitions is a large shift from how we’ve traditionally performed acquisitions, where we built physical prototypes and tested those,” said Lt. Col. Christopher Rasor, Materiel Leader for the Directorate’s Light Reconnaissance Foreign Military Sales (FMS) Branch, and lead for the digital acquisition team. “We are looking to build digital prototypes and put those through the paces before we build a production ready asset. As an example, it will take less than 18 months to create a digital prototype of a light reconnaissance aircraft, build the asset and field it to the customer. Currently, using traditional acquisition methods it is taking an average of five years to field assets.”

The Light Reconnaissance FMS Branch is responsible for modifying commercial aviation aircraft for military ISR missions. For example, a Beechcraft King Air 350 could be upgraded with a tactical radio, video and infrared camera, and a sensor operator workstation, then fielded to foreign allies for use. With digital technology, the branch will not only be able to create a new aircraft, but will also be able to better sustain current aircraft.

Currently, the digital acquisition team is working on digital acquisition documentation and planning, as well as conducting market research to understand industry’s ability to integrate with the U.S. Air Force in a digital environment. Next, the team plans to release a request for proposal on its first digital acquisition, employing model-based systems engineering and digital product lifecycle management to create a light reconnaissance aircraft for a foreign military partner in Central America.

“It has been great being part of this team,” said 2nd Lt. Delaney Pollak, CENTCOM and AFRICOM Section Commander with the Branch. “As junior workforce, our goal is to bring a fresh perspective to this digital acquisition project, and create a template that other offices can use.”

“We are focused on delivering a light reconnaissance platform to a partner or ally in a timeframe where that capability is relevant to their mission,” said Rasor. “Digital acquisitions is one way that is going to help us deliver that capability, and not just for foreign military sales, but for the U.S. Air Force as well.”

By Brian Brackens, Air Force Life Cycle Management Center Public Affairs

Posted in Air Force, Aviation, Contracts, Guest Post | Comments Off on Air Force Stands Up Digital Acquisition Light Reconnaissance Foreign Military Sales Team

US Air Force Fully Confirms Satcom Direct RO/RO Ku-band TRASC C-130 Capability Following 26-hour Endurance Test

Wednesday, April 17th, 2024

Melbourne, Florida/ 15 April 2024 – SD GovernmentSDG, the satellite communications provider for global governments and the US Air Force, has successfully tested the Roll-on/Roll-off (RO/RO) Beyond Line of Sight (BLOS) satellite communications (SATCOM) capability SDG developed with Florida-based R4 Integration, Inc. (R4i) in a 26-hour 20-minute mission aboard a Lockheed Martin C-130J-30 Hercules. Following the intense validation flight, the SD/R4i Tactical Removeable Airborne Satellite Communications (TRASC) BLOS solution is now fully available for US Air Force use.

Performed as part of Exercise Gnarly Explodeo, the maximum endurance mission recorded 100% reliability and availability from the TRASC system as it facilitated secure command and control data communications, defense applications, intelligence updates, electronic flight bags, video conferencing, voice over internet and WiFi calls. The equipment connects with the Intelsat FlexAir service, which employs an optimized high-throughput global satellite network to deliver dedicated airtime to government users. The SD/R4i TRASC system supports the commander of Air Mobility Command (AMC), General Mike Minihan, in achieving his intention to have 25% of the AMC fleet connected by 2025.

The SD/R4i TRASC BLOS solution integrates the SD Plane Simple® Ku-band terminal within a Multi-Purpose Hatch System (MPHS) designed to replace the existing C-130 standard upper forward or center fuselage hatches.The SDG team assisted US Air Force maintainers as they installed the system on a 41st Airlift Squadron, 19th Airlift Wing C-130J, at Little Rock Air Force Base, Arkansas.

“This platform enables global command and control, providing our crew with unparalleled situational awareness,” remarked Colonel Denny Davies, 19th Airlift Wing and Little Rock commander, after the mission. “It makes the C-130 much more resilient and capable in the vastness of the Pacific, reinforcing the Air Force’s core tenant of distributed control.”

The turnkey solution mounts the SD Plane Simple® antenna in the MPHS. It includes a compact RO/RO BaseBand kit that integrates a secure enclave, modem, Link-16, airborne router, and power supply. The stand-alone system only requires AC or DC power from the aircraft to operate and distribute real-time BLOS connectivity.

“SD prides itself on rigorously testing all our equipment before we put it into service. The success of this endurance flight exemplifies the power of our advanced technology and its versatility in delivering new capabilities to our forces. We are proud to add this connectivity solution to our growing military portfolio and look forward to supporting the system as it enters into service,” says Hayden Olson, Head of SD Government. “We are already receiving requests for demonstrations of the capabilities of the equipment to USAF representatives, such is the interest in the system.”

www.satcomdirect.com/government

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Special Warfare Training Wing Unveils Maltz Special Warfare Aquatic Training Center

Wednesday, April 17th, 2024

JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, CHAPMAN TRAINING ANNEX, Texas. —

The Special Warfare Training Wing hosts the grand opening of the Maltz Special Warfare Aquatic Training Center at Joint Base San Antonio, Lackland-Chapman Training Annex, Apr. 2, 2024.

“This is a historic day for the Special Warfare Training Wing and the Air Force Special Warfare community as we come together to honor Master Sergeant Mike Maltz”, said U.S. Air Force Col. Nathan Colunga, SWTW commander. “Our ceremony today represents the culmination of years of work from countless individuals who turned the Maltz Special Warfare Aquatic Training Center from an idea into reality.”

The aquatic training center is named after U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Michael Maltz, a fallen pararescueman who made the ultimate sacrifice on Mar. 23, 2003 alongside five other crewmembers of an HH-60G helicopter when it struck a mountain during an aerial refueling attempt on the way to rescue two injured children near Ghazni, Afghanistan, living up to the pararescue motto, “That Others May Live”.

Maltz enlisted in the Air Force in 1978, serving as an apprentice cable splicer before successfully cross-training into the pararescue career field. Maltz earned his maroon beret in December 1985 and was recognized as the class Honor Graduate for his superb leadership qualities and academic excellence.

“Mike was a legend in the pararescue career field, he was admired and respected by all”, said U.S. Air Force Col. Edward “Tre’” Irick, a combat rescue officer and current SWTW deputy commander. “He was the face of pararescue recruiting and became one of the most revered Indoctrination Course instructors of my generation. He forged many of the Special Warfare Airmen who prosecuted the Global War on Terror and I can personally attest to his commitment to develop Airmen because he taught me water confidence skills when I was a young lieutenant. We honor him today by continuing to share stories about his commitment to excellence as we forge the next generation of Special Warfare Airmen.”

First initiated in 2010 and championed by the 21st Chief of Staff of the Air Force, U.S. Air Force Gen. David Goldfein (ret.), construction on the Maltz Special Warfare Aquatic Training Center began in mid-2021, finishing in early 2024. The construction was a collaborative effort between the Air Force Civil Engineer Center, the Fort Worth District of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the 802nd Civil Engineer Squadron, the Special Warfare Training Support Squadron and various contractors.

“We would like to thank all the stakeholders who came together to build the Maltz Special Warfare Aquatic Training Center,” said Colunga. “Your professionalism, speed, and tenacity in helping us build this facility is deeply appreciated. This facility will be used by countless Special Warfare trainees on their journeys to become Air Force Special Warfare operators.

The Maltz Special Warfare Aquatic Training Center is 76,000 square feet, consisting of two enclosed, climate-controlled indoor swimming pools of varying depths geared to meet the training needs for the Air Force’s global combat operations. The aquatic training center will also feature classrooms, restrooms, locker rooms, showers, various medical spaces for treatment and rehabilitation, and a human performance center.

“Today’s ceremony marks a major milestone towards realizing Chapman Training Annex as the home of Air Force Special Warfare training,” said Colunga. “The Maltz Special Warfare Aquatic Center will undoubtedly be a force multiplier in our mission set, and it is only fitting that all of our trainees who will come through this facility must aim to live up to the character of Mike Maltz.”

By Special Warfare Training Wing Public Affairs

Special Warfare Training Wing

Posted in AFSW, Air Force, Guest Post, Memorial, Training | Comments Off on Special Warfare Training Wing Unveils Maltz Special Warfare Aquatic Training Center