Defense News: Advancing Barracks Modernization at Schofield Barracks with 500+ New Furnishings

Source: United States Army

SCHOFIELD BARRACKS, Hawaii — U.S. Army Garrison Hawaii is advancing quality-of-life modernization efforts by improving barracks living conditions as the 25th Infantry Division prepares for an increase in incoming personnel.

To support this shift, the garrison has procured more than 500 new bunks, mattresses, and dressers for single enlisted Soldier housing across Schofield Barracks. This effort represents the initial phase of a broader initiative to modernize living spaces and ensure Soldiers have safe, functional, and comfortable environments.

Crews began offloading the first shipment this week, with distribution and installation expected to begin within days. The new items will be strategically placed across multiple barracks facilities to increase occupancy capacity and standardize living conditions.

“This is about taking care of our Soldiers and investing in readiness,” said Travis Ryusaki, supervisor for the U.S. Army Garrison Hawaii Housing Division Furnishings Management Office, Directorate of Public Works. “Modern, functional living spaces directly support our Soldiers’ ability to recover, focus, and perform their mission. As we prepare to receive additional personnel, we are ensuring they have the environments they need to remain mission-ready.”

The initiative aligns with Army-wide priorities to strengthen readiness by investing in Soldier well-being. By upgrading barracks infrastructure, leadership aims to provide a standard of living that supports rest, resilience, and daily recovery.

Ryusaki noted that this is the first step in a phased approach to modernize barracks across the installation. Additional improvements are planned as part of ongoing efforts by the Directorate of Public Works to sustain and enhance facilities that directly impact Soldier morale.

These upgrades position Schofield Barracks to better support the 25th Infantry Division while reinforcing the Army’s commitment to putting People First and building ready, resilient formations.

Defense News: US B-52s, Moroccan F-16s fly overhead during African Lion 26, underscoring Morocco's first JTAC qualification course

Source: United States Army

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U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa

AGADIR, Morocco – A combined flight of two U.S. Air Force B-52H Stratofortress bombers and four Royal Moroccan Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons over Cap Draa, signaled the launch of Morocco‘s first accredited joint terminal attack controller qualification course, April 23.

The flyover was a key component of African Lion 26, U.S. Africa Command’s largest annual joint exercise, led by U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF) from April 20 to May 8. Integrating these aircraft into the multinational exercise demonstrated the ability of the U.S. and its partners to project combat-credible airpower worldwide.

A U.S. Air Force B-52H Stratofortress aircraft flies over a training area during Exercise African Lion 26 at Tan-Tan, Morocco, April 23, 2026. Bomber integration signals the ability to project combat-credible airpower forward, while operating alongside multilateral allies and partners throughout Africa, Europe and the world.

AL26 is U.S. Africa Command’s largest annual joint exercise, designed to strengthen collective security capabilities of the U.S., African nations and global allies. Led by U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF) from April 20 to May 8, 2026, and hosted in Morocco, Tunisia, Ghana and Senegal, AL26 involves over 5,600 civilian and military personnel from more than 40 nations, using innovation to drive partner-led regional security. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Samuel Wagner) (Photo Credit: Petty Officer 2nd Class Samuel Wagner)

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Air Force Global Strike Command bombers routinely conduct sorties around the world to include flights required to maintain crew proficiency and qualification.

“Their visible presence over Morocco, operating alongside Royal Moroccan Air Force fighters, signals credible deterrence and reinforces the U.S. commitment to regional security,” said U.S. Air Force Gen. Dagvin Anderson, commanding general of U.S. Africa Command.

U.S. Strategic Command bomber forces regularly carry out combined theater security cooperation engagements with allies and partners, demonstrating the credibility and flexibility of U.S. forces to address today’s complex, dynamic and unpredictable global security environment.

“The inaugural JTAC qualification course trains Moroccan students to direct combat aircraft, artillery and naval gunfire from forward positions,” said U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Therron Bundick, chief of weapons and tactics for the 165th Air Support Operations Squadron. “These controllers hold the authority to clear airstrikes, ensuring accuracy while avoiding friendly fire and minimizing collateral damage.”

During the exercise, U.S. Air Force JTACs assigned to the 165th ASOS, as well as Detachment 1 of the 2nd ASOS, joined U.S. Marine Corps JTACs with the 3rd Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company to train alongside service members from Canada, Hungary and Morocco. Live and simulated training events give students realistic close air support scenarios, and the diverse group accelerates the development of a professional JTAC cadre through the exchange of tactics and procedures.

The program marks a significant milestone in the development of the Moroccan joint fires capability and a foundational step toward a standardized, internationally interoperable JTAC capability aligned with modern coalition warfare requirements.

1 / 2 Show Caption + Hide Caption – A U.S. Marine Corps joint terminal attack controller awaits the arrival of a Royal Moroccan Armed Forces Aérospatiale SA 330 Puma helicopter during African Lion 26 JTAC training at Cap Draa, Tan-Tan, Morocco, April 23, 2026. The multinational JTAC training enhanced interoperability and demonstrated the ability to project combat-credible airpower alongside allied and partner forces through the exchange of tactics, techniques and procedures.

AL26 is U.S. Africa Command’s largest annual joint exercise, designed to strengthen collective security capabilities of the U.S., African nations and global allies. Led by U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF) from April 20 to May 8, 2026, and hosted in Ghana, Morocco, Senegal and Tunisia, AL26 involves over 5,600 civilian and military personnel from more than 40 nations, using innovation to drive partner-led regional security. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Samuel Wagner) (Photo Credit: Petty Officer 2nd Class Samuel Wagner)

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2 / 2 Show Caption + Hide Caption – A U.S. Marine Corps joint terminal attack controller awaits the arrival of a Royal Moroccan Armed Forces Aérospatiale SA 330 Puma helicopter during African Lion 26 JTAC training at Cap Draa, Tan-Tan, Morocco, April 23, 2026. The multinational JTAC training enhanced interoperability and demonstrated the ability to project combat-credible airpower alongside allied and partner forces through the exchange of tactics, techniques and procedures.

AL26 is U.S. Africa Command’s largest annual joint exercise, designed to strengthen collective security capabilities of the U.S., African nations and global allies. Led by U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF) from April 20 to May 8, 2026, and hosted in Ghana, Morocco, Senegal and Tunisia, AL26 involves over 5,600 civilian and military personnel from more than 40 nations, using innovation to drive partner-led regional security. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Samuel Wagner) (Photo Credit: Petty Officer 2nd Class Samuel Wagner)

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“Morocco’s first JTAC qualification course marks a historic milestone in advancing allied interoperability,” Bundick said. “U.S. involvement ensures a rigorous training environment to establish a lasting foundation for the program’s future.”

Combined live-fire integration also allows U.S. units to test their own tactics alongside trusted partners. U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Michael Chevallier, 1st Brigade air officer assigned to 3rd ANGLICO, emphasized that the training allowed both forces to cross-train and leverage each other’s unique operational capabilities.

A Royal Moroccan Armed Forces Aérospatiale SA 330 Puma helicopter flies over a joint terminal attack controller training site during African Lion 26 at Cap Draa, Tan-Tan, Morocco, April 23, 2026. The multinational JTAC training enhanced interoperability and demonstrated the ability to project combat-credible airpower alongside allied and partner forces through the exchange of tactics, techniques and procedures.

AL26 is U.S. Africa Command’s largest annual joint exercise, designed to strengthen collective security capabilities of the U.S., African nations and global allies. Led by U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF) from April 20 to May 8, 2026, and hosted in Ghana, Morocco, Senegal and Tunisia, AL26 involves over 5,600 civilian and military personnel from more than 40 nations, using innovation to drive partner-led regional security. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Samuel Wagner) (Photo Credit: Petty Officer 2nd Class Samuel Wagner)

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“Combined live-fire training like this allows us to validate our tactics, techniques and procedures under the trusted scrutiny of an allied force,” Chevallier said. “It reinforces that shared commitment to excellence where, as we say, ‘steel sharpens steel.'”

Chevallier said AL26 has provided a valuable opportunity for the Marines of 3rd ANGLICO and its partners in the Royal Moroccan Armed Forces to learn from each other’s strengths and unique capabilities.

The combined employment of U.S. strategic heavy bombers with Moroccan airpower, paired with the launch of Morocco’s first nationally accredited JTAC qualification course, provides flexible options to assure partners and deter potential adversaries across the U.S. Africa Command area of responsibility.

About African Lion

African Lion 2026 is U.S. Africa Command’s largest annual joint exercise, designed to strengthen collective security capabilities of the U.S., African nations and global allies. Co-led by U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF) from April 20 to May 8, 2026, and hosted in Ghana, Morocco, Senegal and Tunisia, AL26 involves over 5,600 personnel from more than 40 nations, using innovation to drive partner-led regional security.

African Lion content can be found on the Defense Visual Information Distribution Service (DVIDS).

About SETAF-AF

U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF) prepares Army forces, executes crisis response, enables strategic competition and strengthens partners to achieve U.S. Army Europe and Africa and U.S. Africa Command campaign objectives.

Follow SETAF-AF on: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn & DVIDS

Defense News: Colors, awareness permeate morning runs throughout USAG Bavaria

Source: United States Army

TOWER BARRACKS, Germany – In four different communities across U.S. Army Garrison Bavaria, Soldiers, civilians and Family members ran through colorful, chalky plumes as part of a broad-ranging awareness campaign during April.

The Army Substance Abuse Program, the Family Advocacy Program and Sexual Harassment / Assault Response and Prevention hosted a run at Tower Barracks April 10, 2026 at Rose Barracks and USAG Bavaria – Hohenfels April 17, and at USAG Bavaria – Garmisch April 24.

In addition to the sponsoring organizations, other on-post organizations came out to support the event, including the American Red Cross, USO and others. The month of April is recognized as Sexual Assault Awareness Month, Alcohol Awareness Month, and National Child Abuse Prevention Month. These monthlong observations promote prevention and awareness in the military by promulgating the causes and sharing the corresponding resources available to service members, Army civilians, and their Families.

During the run at Hohenfels, Angela Lane, the deputy garrison manager for the community, talked with the participants.

“While you’re running, please keep in mind what you’re running for: child abuse prevention, and sexual assault prevention, and alcohol abuse prevention,” Lane said. “Every step you take helps raise awareness and reinforces that no one in our community has to face these challenges alone.”

Clarissa Lamar, the Army Substance Abuse Program manager, talked about the events and why the different organizations were teaming up for them.

“We know there are a lot of harmful behaviors that are affecting our communities,” Lamar said. “When we all come together – especially when alcohol is usually at the root of the other functions that we’re here to represent – we think that a collaborative approach is best.

“We do what we can to spread out our resources and make sure that everybody knows that we’re here,” she continued.

Sgt. Pete Schroeder, 7th Army Training Command victim advocate who is based out of USAG Ansbach, supported the run at Hohenfels.

“It’s an opportunity to bring our community partners together,” he said. “We have so many events throughout the year that we have an opportunity to share our community with. This is just one of those opportunities.”

“Anyone can call our hotline, and whether it’s actually SHARP or whether it’s domestic violence or something else, we’re not going to just, say, hang up on them,” said Steven LaPlume, supervisory sexual assault response coordinator. “We’re going to assist them by conducting a warm hand-off to the appropriate agency.”

“They have community support overall from so many different amazing community partners,” said Schroeder. “We’re here to support them in any way they need, and we’re overall a transparent, supportive team. We all work together, no matter what program it is, you can contact us on any of our hotlines.”

Here are some of the resources USAG Bavaria community members can reach out to in times of struggle:

SHARP (Sexual Harassment / Assault Response and Prevention):

ASAP (Army Substance Abuse Program):

Family Advocacy Program:

  • Prevention phone line: 09641-70-599-1101, DSN 599-1101,
  • Military OneSource: CONUS 1(800)342-9647, OCONUS 00-800-3429-6477, collect with operator assistance OCONUS +1(484)530-5908.
  • USAG Bavaria FAP: https://www.samhsa.gov/.

For further photos from the events, visit:

Defense News: Soldier awarded Soldier’s Medal for rescuing woman from Danube River

Source: United States Army

GRAFENWOEHR, Germany — U.S. Army Sgt. Daniel T. Beltran, assigned to the 809th Multi-Role Bridge Company, received the Soldier’s Medal April 24, 2026, at Tower Barracks, Grafenwoehr Training Area, for rescuing a drowning woman from the Danube River.

The Soldier’s Medal is the Army’s highest award for heroism not involving conflict with an enemy.

Beltran earned the award for his actions Sept. 12, 2024, when he entered the fast-moving Danube River near Ingolstadt, Bavaria, about 70 miles south of Grafenwoehr, without safety equipment during a training event.

Soldiers observed a 79-year-old woman floating face down in the water, unresponsive and drifting with the current.

The river, affected by recent flooding, was moving rapidly in cold conditions, with water temperatures estimated between 50 and 60 degrees.

Beltran said the urgency left little time to act.

“In my mind, it was now or never,” he said. “If I hadn’t jumped in at that exact moment, the current would have carried her farther downstream.”

After receiving approval, Beltran entered the water, swam against the current and brought the woman back to shore.

Once ashore, Beltran directed CPR as other Soldiers assisted, rotating chest compressions while he managed the woman’s airway. She expelled water and began breathing before medics arrived.

Maj. Gen. Michael B. Lalor, commanding general of the 21st Theater Sustainment Command, said the award reflects the Army’s values.

“It’s that combination of personal courage and selfless service, risking oneself to save another and make a difference,” Lalor said.

Beltran said he did not expect recognition for his actions.

“It was more my duty to try to help somebody when the opportunity was there,” he said.

He credited his fellow Soldiers for the rescue.

“It wasn’t just me,” Beltran said. “It was a group effort.”

Defense News: 21st TSC selects top squad for Europe and Africa competition

Source: United States Army

GRAFENWÖHR, Germany — The 21st Theater Sustainment Command selected its top squad following the 2026 Best Squad Competition at the Grafenwöhr Training Area, April 19 to 24, identifying the team that will represent the command at the upcoming U.S. Army Europe and Africa Best Squad Competition.

The winning squad, representing the 7th Engineer Brigade, included 1st Lt. Benjamin Flaherty, Staff Sgt. Jonah Mang, Sgt. Marcus Robinson, Spc. Pedro Cardona, Spc. Matthew Falone and Pfc. Cleopheus Lane.

The squad emerged from a field of competitors representing the 7th Mission Support Command, 21st Special Troops Battalion, 16th Sustainment Brigade, 18th Military Police Brigade and 30th Medical Brigade after completing a week of physically and mentally demanding events designed to replicate conditions Soldiers may face in large-scale combat operations.

“This competition is about identifying squads that can operate and win in a contested environment,” said Maj. Gen. Michael B. Lalor, the command’s commanding general. “The team moving forward has proven it can meet the standard and represent this command at the next level.”

Over six days, squads completed events such as the Army Fitness Test, land navigation, weapons qualification, obstacle and confidence courses, and a 12-mile ruck march, often under limited rest and sustained physical stress across extended training days. Each event tested the fundamentals Soldiers are expected to perform in any environment.

Sgt. Maj. Mitchell Ledet, the command’s G-3 sergeant major and noncommissioned officer in charge of the competition, said the event was designed to reflect real-world operational demands.

“We built the events to reflect real-world requirements,” Ledet said. “Everything was aligned with higher headquarters guidance and focused on tasks Soldiers are expected to perform in large-scale combat operations.”

He said coordination across the formation was critical to executing the competition.

“One of the biggest improvements was making sure every brigade had a voice in the process,” Ledet said. “That shared ownership helped us build a stronger, more effective competition.”

Command Sgt. Maj. Denise M. Malave, the command’s senior enlisted leader, said the competition reinforces standards across the formation and develops leaders.

“We are looking for disciplined teams that are consistent under pressure,” Malave said. “That comes down to adherence to standards, accountability and competence in the fundamentals.”

“This places NCOs in positions where they have to lead in real time, make decisions and be accountable for outcomes,” she said. “It reinforces that NCOs enforce standards, develop Soldiers and drive readiness.”

Malave said consistency is what separates top-performing squads.

“A good squad can complete the task,” she said. “The best squad completes the task to standard, under pressure, every time, while making everyone around them better.”

For the winning squad, success came down to discipline, preparation and trust within the team.

“We focused on the fundamentals and building mental toughness,” said Staff Sgt. Jonah Mang, squad leader for the winning squad. “We did a lot of conditioning and running, and it paid off.”

“The radio was the most challenging part,” Mang added. “We had to work through issues and keep going.”

Junior Soldiers said teamwork made the difference throughout the competition.

“We hold each other accountable, but we don’t take it personally,” said Spc. Matthew Falone, assigned to the 7th Engineer Brigade. “We take the correction and move on to the next task.”

“The rough terrain course was the toughest,” Falone said. “It was constant hills, and there was no place to stop. You just had to keep moving.”

“We didn’t know what to expect going into the rough terrain course,” he added. “We had to adapt as we went.”

Lane evaluators assessed each squad’s ability to execute tasks to standard under pressure.

Staff Sgt. Sammy Rubio, a lane evaluator and cadre member, said consistency across conditions and across the team set the top performers apart.

“We are looking for squads that can perform consistently in any condition,” Rubio said. “The winning squad showed that from start to finish.”

“The top squads were consistent across the board,” he added. “You could tell they had trained together, while other teams had stronger individuals but less consistency.”

Six Soldiers from the second-place 16th Sustainment Brigade team will join the selected squad to represent the command at the U.S. Army Europe and Africa-level competition in August, where they will compete against top squads from across the theater.

“This is about building teams that can operate anywhere in the theater,” Lalor said. “The squad moving forward will represent the command against the best in Europe and Africa.”

Defense News: Army Reserve celebrates 118 years of service, strength and impact in Philadelphia

Source: United States Army

PHILADELPHIA, Pa. — In a city known as the birthplace of American independence, the U.S. Army Reserve marked its 118th birthday at Independence Hall and the historic Betsy Ross House. Highlights of the event included the National Anthem, performed by Army Reserve Chief Warrant Officer 2 and country musician Craig Morgan Greer, a cake-cutting — baked by award-winning Army Reserve chefs — a reenlistment ceremony, and the enlistment of 118 future Soldiers.

Lt. Gen. Robert Harter, chief of Army Reserve and commanding general, U.S. Army Reserve Command, highlighted the significance of the event.

“There’s only one nation that swears an oath of allegiance to its constitution … and that is the United States of America,” Harter said. “There is no Apple computer, no Amazon, no Walmart, no United States of America, without its defenders, without its warriors.

“And that’s who we have standing before you — the next generation of warriors.”

1 / 2 Show Caption + Hide Caption – The U.S. Army Reserve marked its 118th birthday at Philadelphia’s Independence Hall and Betsy Ross House, enlisting 118 future Soldiers in a ceremony that included a National Anthem performance by Chief Warrant Officer 2 and country musician Craig Morgan Greer, a cake-cutting by Army Reserve chefs, and remarks by Lt. Gen. Robert Harter, chief of Army Reserve and commanding general, U.S. Army Reserve Command. (Photo Credit: U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Katherine Devereaux) VIEW ORIGINAL
2 / 2 Show Caption + Hide Caption – The U.S. Army Reserve marked its 118th birthday at Philadelphia’s Independence Hall and Betsy Ross House, enlisting 118 future Soldiers in a ceremony that included a National Anthem performance by Chief Warrant Officer 2 and country musician Craig Morgan Greer, a cake-cutting by Army Reserve chefs, and remarks by Lt. Gen. Robert Harter, chief of Army Reserve and commanding general, U.S. Army Reserve Command. (Photo Credit: U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Katherine Devereaux) VIEW ORIGINAL

These future Soldiers are joining the ranks of the world’s most lethal land force. Nearly half will become part of the Army Reserve — an operational force that currently supports Army and joint force requirements at home and overseas. Beyond these operations, the true impact of the Army Reserve is found in its people. To continue to deliver on that “you go — we go” commitment to the Army, the Army Reserve is working hard to attract the best talent across communities.

Maj. Donald Petty, the Army’s Mid-Atlantic recruiting battalion executive officer, was in charge of assembling the future Soldiers from across New Jersey and Pennsylvania. “Today’s enlistment ceremony is the culmination of the Army Reserve’s recent success in recruiting the next generation of warfighters,” he said. “118 outstanding recruits, comprised of high-demand skills, including cyber professionals, engineers, and medical specialists.”

Those efforts are underscored by the attendance of the Army Reserve’s Private Public Partnership Office. Through employment initiatives, P3 is investing in Soldiers, Families and civilians across the Army Reserve, retaining the force by supporting civilian career growth and expanding access to training opportunities. These efforts are made possible through partnerships with organizations such as UPenn medical and the U.S. Secret Service. Recruiters from those entities were also present at the event.

1 / 3 Show Caption + Hide Caption – The U.S. Army Reserve marked its 118th birthday at Philadelphia’s Independence Hall and Betsy Ross House, enlisting 118 future Soldiers in a ceremony that included a National Anthem performance by Chief Warrant Officer 2 and country musician Craig Morgan Greer, a cake-cutting by Army Reserve chefs, and remarks by Lt. Gen. Robert Harter, chief of Army Reserve and commanding general, U.S. Army Reserve Command. (Photo Credit: U.S. Army photo by Shawn Morris) VIEW ORIGINAL
2 / 3 Show Caption + Hide Caption – The U.S. Army Reserve marked its 118th birthday at Philadelphia’s Independence Hall and Betsy Ross House, enlisting 118 future Soldiers in a ceremony that included a National Anthem performance by Chief Warrant Officer 2 and country musician Craig Morgan Greer, a cake-cutting by Army Reserve chefs, and remarks by Lt. Gen. Robert Harter, chief of Army Reserve and commanding general, U.S. Army Reserve Command. (Photo Credit: U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Katherine Devereaux) VIEW ORIGINAL
3 / 3 Show Caption + Hide Caption – The U.S. Army Reserve marked its 118th birthday at Philadelphia’s Independence Hall and Betsy Ross House, enlisting 118 future Soldiers in a ceremony that included a National Anthem performance by Chief Warrant Officer 2 and country musician Craig Morgan Greer, a cake-cutting by Army Reserve chefs, and remarks by Lt. Gen. Robert Harter, chief of Army Reserve and commanding general, U.S. Army Reserve Command. (Photo Credit: U.S. Army photo by Capt. David Reyes) VIEW ORIGINAL

The event emphasized the distinct role outreach plays in bringing Soldier and Citizen Soldier service to the forefront of people’s minds. While it is the daily the mission of Army Reserve Ambassadors to create a bridge to communities, ARA at Large Jim Bernet said the Army Reserve birthday celebration today was one of the most impactful events he’d seen in his 15 years serving.

“I found myself talking more today than ever about what the Army Reserve is. …” he said. “With hundreds of community members engaging throughout the day, it was the perfect platform to help the community connect the dots between the military and how embedded our Soldiers are locally.”

He was enthusiastic about keeping the momentum going. “We need to multiply what we did today because it is the only way to get our message out about the value and positive return on investment that service brings to the Army — and to communities.”

Defense News: Alaska Army National Guard CH-47 crews support Denali Base Camp

Source: United States Army

TALKEETNA, Alaska — An Alaska Army National Guard CH-47F Chinook helicopter lifted off from Talkeetna with a load calculated down to the pound. Carrying more than 5,500 pounds of cargo and equipment, its destination was Denali Base Camp at 7,200 feet on the Kahiltna Glacier, where there are no runways and little margin for error.

The mission was straightforward in purpose but demanding in execution: deliver critical equipment into one of the most remote operating environments in North America in support of the National Park Service at Denali National Park and Preserve ahead of the climbing season on Mount McKinley.

Sgt. 1st Class Jeremy Maddox, a CH-47 flight engineer with Bravo Company, 2-211th General Support Aviation Battalion, was responsible for every piece of gear loaded onto the aircraft. Before the wheels ever left the ground, weight, balance, and sequencing had to be exact because, once airborne, there is little room to adjust.

“You have to get it right before you go,” Maddox said. “Up there, the aircraft doesn’t give you much extra. The way it’s loaded, how it’s balanced, it all matters more the higher you get.”

In flight, Maddox monitored systems and coordinated with the pilots as the Chinook climbed toward the glacier, where thinner air reduces lift and narrows the margin between performance and limitation.

For Chief Warrant Officer 3 Kevan Katkus, a CH-47 instructor pilot with B Co., 2-211th GSAB, the mission extended beyond delivering cargo. As the lead pilot, he used the flight to train two of the unit’s newer pilots, exposing them to conditions that cannot be replicated anywhere else.

“This is real-world training in one of the most demanding environments we fly in,” Katkus said. “You’re dealing with altitude, changing weather and confined landing zones, all at once. It forces you to stay ahead of the aircraft and make decisions early.”

Snow-covered terrain can obscure depth perception, winds shift unpredictably, and every approach requires a deliberate balance of power and control.

These conditions highlight the Chinook’s heavy-lift capability, moving large amounts of cargo in a single lift while maintaining the stability required for precise operations.

Once delivered, the equipment enables National Park Service personnel to establish and sustain base camp operations for the climbing season, thereby supporting one of the world’s busiest mountaineering routes. The Alaska Army National Guard does not conduct the mission alone.

Active-duty aviators from B Company, 1st Battalion, 52nd Aviation Regiment, also supported the operation with two CH-47 Chinook helicopters, continuing a decadeslong partnership of moving equipment onto the glacier each season. Together, the units bring experience, repetition and coordination to a mission that depends on all three.

Alaska Army National Guard Chief Warrant Officer 4 Ross Wise, 207th Aviation Troop Command safety officer and a CH-47 pilot, served as the lead mission planner, coordinating closely with the National Park Service and active-duty counterparts to align timelines, equipment requirements and flight operations.

“Most of the work happens before the aircraft ever starts,” Wise said. “You’re coordinating loads, working with the Park Service, deconflicting with the active-duty unit and making sure everyone is operating off the same plan. By the time we launch, it should feel routine, but there’s a lot that goes into getting it to that point.”

For the crews, the value goes beyond the delivery.

Each flight to base camp builds familiarity with the terrain, reinforces crew coordination, and sharpens the skills required to operate in Alaska’s most unforgiving environments.

Those gains extend beyond the aircraft.

“One of the biggest payoffs for us is sustaining our working relationships with the National Park Service and the 1-52 units,” Wise said. “Those relationships increase our ability to respond to contingencies, and they challenge us to maintain a high level of proficiency and professionalism.”

It is training layered into mission execution, where the outcome supports a partner agency, and the process strengthens the force.

Related Links

The Official Website of the National Guard | NationalGuard.mil

State Partnership Program | NationalGuard.mil

The National Guard on Facebook | Facebook.com/TheNationalGuard

The National Guard on Flickr | Flickr.com/TheNationalGuard

The National Guard on Instagram | Instagram.com/us.nationalguard

The National Guard on X | X.com/USNationalGuard

The National Guard on YouTube | YouTube.com/TheNationalGuard

Defense News: Nevada Guard maintenance unit deploys to support CENTCOM

Source: United States Army

STEAD, Nev. — The 150th Maintenance Company has deployed to the Middle East to support operations in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, marking the unit’s first deployment.

The Carson City-based unit serves as the primary maintenance element for the Nevada Army National Guard’s 17th Sustainment Brigade and is responsible for maintaining small arms, electronics and wheeled vehicles across the formation.

The unit supports multiple organizations, including the 72nd Military Police Company, 100th Quartermaster Company, 593rd Transportation Company, 1864th Medium Truck Company, 3665th Ordnance Company (Explosive Ordnance Disposal), and the 240th and 777th engineer units.

In recent years, the company has supported state and federal missions, responding to wildfires and floods across Northern Nevada while maintaining equipment readiness across the brigade. That experience has helped prepare the unit to deploy in support of operations in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility.

During the unit’s deployment ceremony at the Washoe County Armory, Brig. Gen. Randy Lau, land component commander for the Nevada Army National Guard, spoke about the important role these Soldiers will play in the sustainment mission.

“Your work may not always be seen, but it makes victory possible,” Lau said. “Armies do not move, do not fight, and do not win without Soldiers like you. You are essential, and you are ready for this moment.”

As the 150th Maintenance Company embarks on its international mission, its dedication and expertise reflect the best of the Nevada Army National Guard. The community, families and fellow service members stand behind the unit, confident in its ability to meet any challenge and looking forward to its safe return home.

Related Links

The Official Website of the National Guard | NationalGuard.mil

State Partnership Program | NationalGuard.mil

The National Guard on Facebook | Facebook.com/TheNationalGuard

The National Guard on Flickr | Flickr.com/TheNationalGuard

The National Guard on Instagram | Instagram.com/us.nationalguard

The National Guard on X | X.com/USNationalGuard

The National Guard on YouTube | YouTube.com/TheNationalGuard

Defense News: HIMARS unit fires simultaneously across 700 miles, three states

Source: United States Army

BOISE, Idaho –On April 17, Lt. Col. Edward Guelfi gave the command for his battalion to fire at a simulated target at the Idaho Army National Guard’s Camp Orchard. Standing just south of Boise, he watched eight M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems fire two rounds each about 800 meters in front of him.

What he couldn’t see were three other HIMARS crews conducting the same firing mission at Yakima Training Center in Yakima, Washington, and another HIMARS crew firing at its own target at Dugway Proving Ground, southwest of Salt Lake City, Utah.

All 12 HIMARS fired simultaneously, despite being located nearly 700 miles apart.

“The ability for us to power project with this weapon system provides us the unique ability to place long range fires in the operations environment at any time and any place of our commander’s choosing,” said Guelfi.

The distance tested the unit’s ability to deliver precision strike capabilities in conditions that replicate the Indo-Pacific environment, where units may be distributed across multiple islands.

Guelfi, the battalion commander for the U.S. Army’s 1st Battalion, 3rd Field Artillery Regiment, 17th Field Artillery Brigade, was one of 300 Soldiers who trained at Camp Orchard throughout April as part of I Corps’ Courage Lethality exercise.

“Courage Lethality is designed to validate how America’s First Corps would deploy, integrate and win the first fight alongside our multinational partners,” said Guelfi. “Long-range fires are fundamental to any decisive operation. They enable us to shape the battlefield, create windows of advantage and extend the reach of the joint force.”

HIMARS uses a three-Soldier crew to fire precision-guided munitions more than 180 miles.

Soldiers spent two weeks in April training at Camp Orchard and Yakima Training Center. On the morning of April 17, a HIMARS and crew traveled from Yakima to Dugway Proving Ground via a C-130 Hercules. The crew and weapon platform returned to Yakima following the successful fires mission.

“Operating in a distributed environment introduces challenges that can’t be solved through traditional methods or proximity-based command and control,” Guelfi said. “We’re learning how to leverage next-generation command and control systems to enable distributed fires without requiring physical co-location. That requires us to operate beyond line-of-sight and integrate new capabilities into our architecture. The gains we’re seeing are significant and they’re worth the friction required to refine and scale them.”

In addition to the battalion’s three locations, the 17th Field Artillery Brigade supported the exercise from Camp Rilea Armed Forces Training Center in Oregon and from its headquarters at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington.

“This exercise is not about simply employing our equipment,” Guelfi said. “It’s about testing systems, leaders and formations under combat-credible conditions that reflect how we expect to fight.”

To simulate combat conditions, the 1-94th Field Artillery Battalion provided opposing forces, and the unit trained alongside an international partner, the Australian Army’s 14th Regiment, 10th Brigade, which began fielding HIMARS in 2025.

“By virtue of HIMARS being a new piece of equipment for the Australian Army, the ongoing relationship between the 1st Battalion, 3rd Field Artillery Regiment and the 14th Regiment has been exceptionally valuable and has provided us with excellent development opportunities,” said Maj. Nathan Imber of the 14th Regiment.

The 1st Battalion, 3rd Field Artillery Regiment returned to Joint Base Lewis-McChord April 22.

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