Show-Me State Times

The 239th Combat Communications Squadron recently collaborated with multiple units from the 131st Bomb Wing to prepare members for future deployments. The preparation involved providing real-world training scenarios, which took place from April 22 to May 2, 2024, at Camp Clark in Nevada, Missouri.

During Exercise Pacific Reign 2024, the 239th established a training opportunity for their members to set up communications in a simulated deployment setting. The goal was to establish communications within 48 hours and maintain the equipment while adapting and overcoming potential challenges they might encounter on the field.

“The criticality of the training we do here directly translates to how we have to operate when the time comes when we are real-world deployed,” said U.S. Air National Guard Maj. David Hood, regional site commander of the 239th Combat Communications Squadron.

Airmen were divided into two teams, Red and Blue, for a friendly competition to see who could set up the equipment fastest within the allotted 48-hour timeframe. During this exercise, Airmen operated under a continuous schedule, working in shifts of twelve hours each while maintaining round-the-clock communication.

Throughout these operations, they adhered to the employment standards of the 254th Combat Communications Group and adapted to insertions in a level four contested environment where adversaries deliberately attempted to disrupt and destroy operations.

“We have to be able to operate in a level four contested environment,” stated Master Sgt. Kathryn O’Brien, mission planner of the 239th Combat Communications Squadron. “To do that, we're going to inject scenarios to create a level four. Some of these injects include weather changes, logistical issues, cyber activity, political problems and host nations not being exactly happy that you're there.”

Approximately eighty personnel participated in this exercise. They expanded their skills with setup and safeguarding expeditionary communications.

“Grit, resolve, guts - those are my tenets,” said Lt. Col. Stacey Roestel, commander of the 239th Combat Communications. “In the Air Force we focus a lot on resilience. Furthermore, my personal priority is making sure Airmen make it home alive. That’s why we train for war, to be ready and to have that mindset. We get down in the dirt, build from the ground up, establish communications and help fight our wars.”