Cover 2006.Ai

The Honorable Kenny C. Guinn, Governor of Nevada Capitol Building Carson City, Nevada 89701

Dear Governor Guinn,

I am pleased to present you with the Nevada Office of the Military biennial report for 2006. This publication provides details of the many significant achievements of the Nevada Air and Army National Guard during the last two years and financial numbers for fiscal years 2005 and 2006. It also provides insight to the organization of the Office of the Military and outlines the goals of the Nevada National Guard pursuant to the state constitution. Recently the Nevada National Guard participated in a ceremony that marked the fifth anniversary of the tragic events of Sept. 11, 2001. Certainly since that date the perception of the National Guard within the state and nation has continued to evolve. Where once the National Guard may have been looked upon as a reserve military component, the Guard is now regarded as a technically and tacti- cally proficient fighting force fully capable of seam- lessly serving alongside its active-duty brethren. Our soldiers and airmen continue to experience the appreciation of the Nevada Guard by the state’s citizens as Nevada’s Guardsmen continue to serve side-by-side with active-duty personnel on military operations around the world. The Nevada National Guard experienced both tri- Nevada Governor Kenny Guinn, umphant and disappointing moments during the past center, flanked by Brig. Gen. Cindy two years. The Nevada National Guard leadership had Kirkland, left, and Tim Tetz, the pleasure of welcoming hundreds of our aimen Nevada Veterans Services director, and soldiers home from worldwide deployments but pause to commemorate the fifth also had the sorrowful task of burying our first three BRIGADIER GENERAL anniversay of the 9/11 events with CYNTHIA N. KIRKLAND a wreath ceremony in Carson City Army Guard combat casualties since World War II on Sept. 11, 2006. with the deaths of Chief Warrant Officer John Flynn, Sgt. Patrick Stewart and Spc. Anthony Cometa. The Nevada Air Guard felt the pressure of having our C-130 aircraft appear on the Department of Defense’s Base Realignment and Closure list and then the subsequent sense of relief when the commission voted to keep the aircraft in Reno. Despite trying times, I am proud of the accomplishments of the Nevada Guard during the past two years. I assure you and the people of Nevada the National Guard pledges to fulfill our commitment to the citizens of the Silver State and the nation in the same conscientious and professional manner we’ve maintained for nearly 150 years.

Sincerely,

Cynthia N. Kirkland Brigadier General, Nevada Military Department The Adjutant General Table of Contents

At a Glance Page 4 Worldwide Deployments Page 6 Air Guard Overview Page 10 Army Guard Overview Page 18 National Guard Programs Page 26 Federal Expenditures Page 32 Economic Impact Page 34 Construction Report Page 35

Environmental Report Page 35 Photo Illustration by 1st Lt. Derek Imig Nevada Guard History Page 36 Soldiers from the Nevada Army Guard’s 1864th Leadership Page 38 Transportation Company stop to pray before beginning a Reference Page 42 mission in Iraq in the summer of 2005. In Memorium Page 44 Nevada National Guard Mission Statement The Nevada Office of the Military has two missions, one federal and one state. The federal mission is to provide trained and ready units to respond to federal mobilizations as directed by Congress or the President. Additionally, both the Army and Air provide daily support to the nation through airlift missions, counterdrug activities and numerous ground support Nevada Air Guard joins Predator mission taskings. Detachment 1 of the Nevada Air National Guard flies and The state mission is to provide a regulated militia maintains more than 50 MQ-1 and MQ-9 Predator for the state of Nevada in support of the state consti- unmanned aerial vehicles. Based at Creech Air Force Base in southern Nevada, the unit performs missions tution and the Governor’s office. The state mission across the globe, most notably in Iraq and Afghanistan. entails protecting the lives and property of the public, The MQ-1 can fly at an altitude up to 25,000 feet and both residents and visitors, during times of emer- carries AGM-114 Hellfire missiles. The MQ-9 flies up to 50,000 feet and carries laser-guided, global-positioning gency, disaster or disorder. It also adds value to our system bombs and inertial-navigation system bombs. Nevada communities through local National Guard activities, programs and events. For information on Detachment 1, turn to Page 16. Goals Provide military readiness with a professional, fully trained and equipped force capable of responding to federal and state mission requirements Recruit and retain highly motivated people reflecting the diversity of local communities Obtain new and relevant missions for the Nevada Air and Army National Guard with an emphasis on southern Nevada Continue and improve a culture of safety, trust State of Nevada, Office of the Military 2460 Fairview Drive,Carson City, Nevada 89701 for leadership and continual improvement 775.887.7252 Maintain a positive and cooperative relationship In accordance with Nevada Revised Statute 412.052 (2) with our local communities

2 Nevada National Guard Biennial Report The National Guard’s balancing act Citizen soldiers, airmen maintain dual status while serving state governors as well as the president

While much has changed since the creation of America’s first citizen-soldier regiments in 1636, a number of the National Guard’s important characteris- tics have remained constant. The National Guard has maintained its unique status as both a federal and state force. Unlike their active and reserve counterparts, the soldiers and airmen of the Army and Air National Guard can be called on to serve two different mas- ters: their state governors and the commander-in-chief, the President of the United States. As a federal reserve in the first line of defense, the National Guard provides ready units for mobilization in time of war and national emergencies. Guardsmen play an increasingly important role in national defense, with some Sgt. Kyle Geller of the 72nd Military Police Company assists civilians in New 100,000 of them deployed overseas in Orleans, La., as they head for safety and embark on helicopter flights out of the convention center area in September 2005. Because of its unique ability to 44 countries, including Iraq, where they respond to both military and civilian contingencies, the National Guard is often the made up more than one-third of the U.S. first organization summoned by officials to respond to catastrophes or civil distur- forces in 2005. bances. As a state force, it provides for the Soldiers and airmen in the Guard law and order. protection of life and property and pre- swear an oath to protect and defend not When ordered to active duty for serves peace, order and public safety. just the Constitution of the United mobilization or called into federal serv- National Guard soldiers and airmen States, but also of the state in which they ice for emergencies, units of the Guard serve as their state militias, available at serve. are under the control of the appropriate the request of their governors in the In peacetime, the Guard is com- service secretary. The militia clause event of emergencies, insurrections, manded by the governors of the respec- reserves the appointment of officers attacks or acts of nature, such as the tive states and territories (the District of and the authority of training the militia multiple hurricanes in Louisiana and Columbia National Guard is command- (according to Congressionally pre- Texas in 2005. ed directly by the President). scribed standards) to the states. This dual status is rooted in Article The National Guard assists civil In 1903, Congress officially desig- 1, Section 8 of the Constitution, which leaders during natural disasters, state nated the organized militia as the states that “Congress shall have the emergencies and civil unrest. Civil laws, National Guard and established proce- power ... To provide for organizing, particularly the Posse Comitatus act of dures for training and equipping the arming, and disciplining, the Militia, and 1878, limit the use of federal troops (to Guard to active duty military standards. for governing such part of them as may include federal reserve components like The 2004 National Defense be employed in the service of the the Army Reserve and the Air Force Authorization Act amended Title 32, United States, reserving to the States Reserve) to enforce the law. United States Code, Section 325 to make respectively, the appointment of the The National Guard, when acting in it possible for a National Guard officer officers, and the authority of training the its capacity as State troops, does not fall to be in command of federal and state Militia according to the discipline pre- under these restrictions and thus can (National Guard Title 32 and State scribed by Congress.” augment civil authorities in maintaining Active Duty) forces simultaneously.

www.nevadaguard.com 3 At a Glance

Nevada Guard ready for state, federal service

The Nevada National Guard is one of the 54 members (50 states, three territories and the District of Columbia) of the United States’ National Guard, an integral part of this nation’s reserve forces. The Nevada Office of the Military provides military organization for the Nevada National Guard, which is comprised of the both the state’s Army Guard and Air Guard. The Nevada National Guard is the organized military force of the state, except when ordered into federal service. Under the National Defense Act, the Army and Air National Guard are reserve components of the United States Army and Air Force. The state’s Guard may also be Nevada Governor Kenny Guinn (left) receives a commemorative coin for his sup- ordered by the governor to serve the port of Company D, 113th Aviation from unit commander Maj. Roger Capps (center) and 1st Sgt. Bryan Soule on Sept. 27, 2006, in Carson City. state by protecting persons or property from either man-made or natural disas- Guard airmen and soldiers in the United ters and suppressing or preventing riot, National Guard States at the end of fiscal year 2006 was insurrection, invasion or violence. Strength by State 451,948. This number included 346,288 The governor is the commander-in- Army Guard soldiers and 105,660 Air chief of the Nevada National Guard 1. Texas 20,076 Guard airmen. and appoints the adjutant general. Since 2. California 20,019 On Sept. 30, 2006, the Nevada June 2005, Brig. Gen. Cynthia Kirkland 3. Pennsylvania 18,512 National Guard was comprised of 2,474 has served as Nevada’s adjutant general 4. Ohio 15,329 soldiers and 1,125 airmen totaling 3,599 under Gov. Kenny Guinn. Kirkland 44. Vermont 3,628 members. That figure denotes an became Nevada’s 28th adjutant general 45. Nevada 3,599 increase of 533 members since Sept. 30, in June 2005 upon the retirement of 46. Montana 3,518 2004, and marks an all-time high for 52. Guam 1,205 Maj. Gen. Giles Vanderhoof. total Nevada Guard soldiers and airmen. 53. Virgin Islands 769 Under the direction of the gover- The 17 percent increase in personnel nor, the adjutant general is responsible during the past two years reflects for the supervision of all matters per- Gonzales and Brig. Gen. Mike Gullihur Nevada as one of the fastest-growing of taining to the administration, discipline, were the assistant adjutants general for the Guard states and territories. mobilization, organization and training the Army and Air Guard respectively. In terms of total National Guard of the Nevada National Guard. Assistant adjutants general Brig. Gen. members, Nevada now ranks 45th The United States Property and Lawrence Cerfoglio and Brig. Gen. among the states and territories, up from Fiscal Officer during 2005-06 was Col. Randall Sayre retired in 2006. 47th in 2004. States with comparable Louis Cabrera. As USPFO for Nevada, Brig. Gen. Robert Fitch was the numbers of personnel include: Montana Cabrera is responsible for the oversight director of the joint staff and Col. Felix (3,518), Alaska (3,732) and Vermont of federal resources in the possession of Castagnola was the chief of staff of the (3,628). the Nevada National Guard. Army Guard. The chief of staff of the Staff reports at the conclusion of At the conclusion of fiscal year Air Guard was Lt. Col. Jim Cumings. the fiscal year revealed that the Nevada 2006, Brig. Gen. Francis “Frank” The total number of National Army Guard stood at 108 percent of its

4 Nevada National Guard Biennial Report Army National Guard Facilities Carson City Elko Ely Fallon Henderson Las Vegas Reno/Stead Winnemurenocca Yerington

Army Aviation Facilities Las Vegas Reno/Stead

Air National Guard Facilities Indian Springs Las Vegas Reno

Nevada Guard Photo by 1st Lt. Derek Imig Headquarters The image of the State of Nevada was Carson City carried worldwide the past two years, seen here on the shoulder of an 1864th Transportation Company truck driver. federally authorized manning (2,292 sol- of six major commands: Joint Forces Overall, the Nevada National Guard diers). The Nevada Air Guard reported Headquarter, 991st Troop Command, maintains a presence in eight of the 102 percent of its authorized manning 992nd Troop Command, 422nd Signal state’s 17 counties. Nevada’s Army (1,101 airmen). Battalion, 1-221st Cavalry Squadron and Guard units occupy 11 armories and In fact, with its 102 percent of the 421st Regional Training Institute. facilities dispersed throughout the state; authorized airmen, the Nevada Air The assistant adjutant general for the Air National Guard occupies a 64- Guard had one of the highest strength the Army ensures mission accomplish- acre site on the southwest corner of the levels in the entire Air National Guard in ment and adherence to Dept. of Reno-Tahoe International Airport in October 2006. Defense, U.S. Army, National Guard Reno and maintains its detachment on At the conclusion of fiscal year Bureau and state military policies with Nellis Air Force Base in Las Vegas and 2006, about 250 Nevada soldiers and air- the support of an active component at Creech Air Force Base in Indian men remained deployed in southwest Army advisor and the Nevada National Springs. About 65 Nevada Guard air- Asia. The majority of these were sol- men work at the southern-Nevada diers in the 593rd Transportation The Nevada National Guard detachment that began operation in Company and 1-221st Cavalry. The sol- grew by 17 percent during 2005. diers currently deployed with 1-221st the past two years. The 92nd Civil Support Team for Cavalry are all volunteers who are assist- Weapons of Mass Destruction, a joint ing the Wisconsin Army Guard’s 121st Guard’s chief of staff. force unit comprised of 22 soldiers and Field Artillery Battalion on security mis- The Nevada Air National Guard airmen that is headquartered in Las sion in Iraq. includes the 152nd Airlift Wing and Vegas, began operation in late 2004 and Traditional guardsmen in the 152nd Intelligence Squadron in Reno promises to be an important resource Nevada National Guard train one week- and Detachment 1 in Las Vegas as well and asset to the state should a domestic end per month and 15 days a year in as personnel assigned to Joint Force chemical, biological or nuclear event their respective military career fields. Headquarters in Carson City. occur. Nevada’s traditional guardsmen are sup- The primary mission of the Nevada Although the Nevada Office of the ported by 474 full-time federal techni- Air National Guard is to provide cargo Military remains focused on the needs of cians, state employees and 314 Active and personnel transportation, aerial the state in the future, it retains its his- Guard and Reserve personnel stationed reconnaissance and imagery analysis torical precedent of the citizen-soldier – at various locations around the state. from a variety of camera and satellite committed to meeting the needs of the Nevada’s Army Guard is comprised systems located throughout the world. community, state and nation.

www.nevadaguard.com 5 Worldwide Deployments

A Nevada Air Guard Extend for Nevada Guard C-130 drops flares over southern Iraq during deployment.

Courtesy Chief Master Sgt. John Graves

he Nevada National Guard currently plays ations assisting the Iraqi people to create conditions a more pivotal role in the layered defense for a transition to a representative self-government. Tof our nation and state than at any time in Some unclassified Air Guard missions supporting the state’s history. It’s involved in a full spectrum of those operations included several hundred personnel operations ranging from the war on terrorism, home- specialists, logistics specialists, aircraft maintenance land defense, foreign partnerships, state security and forces, aerial port specialists, air crew and intelligence natural disaster relief missions. specialists deploying several times over the biennium, Most of the Nevada National Guard’s wartime to Iraq, Kuwait, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates and deployments have been in support of Operations Uzbekistan. Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom. Operation The unit performed airlift, air drop, intelligence Enduring Freedom is defined as operations performed gathering and analysis from multiple types of manned in support of the United States’ war on global terror- and unmanned aircraft as well as numerous support ism. Operation Iraqi Freedom includes military oper- operations.

U.S Senator Harry Reid (in civilain clothes) visits the 1864th during the unit’s deployment. Courtesy Capt. Neil Oscarson

6 Nevada National Guard Biennial Report Nevada National Guard Southwest Asia Duty

1. 1-221st Cavalry Squadron 2. 1864thTransportation Co. 3. 1864thTransportation Co. 4. 152nd Airlift Wing 5. 152nd Airlift Wing 6. 152nd Airlift Wing 7. 152nd Airlift Wing 8. 152nd Airlift Wing 9. 152nd Airlift Wing 10. 152nd Intelligence Squadron 11. 152nd Intelligence Squadron 12. 152nd Intelligence Squadron 13. 152nd Intelligence Squadron 14. 152nd Intelligence Squadron 15. Joint Force Headquarters 16. Joint Force Headquarters 17. D. Company, 113th Aviation 18. D. Company, 113th Aviation 19. Detachment 1, Nev. ANG 20. Detachment 1, Nev. ANG

Deployment logs revealed that during the past two years, Nevada Guard Nevada Guard Deployments airmen completed 30,277 mandays Army 2005-06 while deployed in support of Unit Soldiers Location/Duration Operations Iraqi and Enduring 593rd TC 150 Iraq Freedom. Those days included 20,999 (Deployed July 2006-Dec. 2007) 1-221 Cav 100 Iraq days spent in Southwest Asia. In com- (Deployed May 2006-Oct. 2007) parison, Nevada airmen were deployed Various 35 Various 40,177 days in 2003-2004. (Demobilization dates vary in 2007) 1-221 Cav 424 Fort Irwin Numerous airmen deployed multi- (Deployed Aug. 2004-May 2006) ple times as the Nevada Air Guard con- Co. D, 113th 100 Afghanistan tinuously supported the Southwest (Deployed Jan. 2005-March 2006) 1864thTC 157 Kuwait, Iraq Asian operations for more than one (Deployed Aug. 2004-Oct. 2005) year. Det. 45, OSA 6 SW Asia By October 2006, only a handful of (Deployed March 2005-Oct. 2005) 321st Signal 90 Kuwait, Iraq Air Guardsmen were deployed overseas, (Deployed March 2004-March 2005) but the 152nd Airlift Wing and 152nd 126th Med 15 Fort Carson, Colo. Intelligence Squadron expect to per- (Deployed Jan. 2004-July 2005) form missions in Southwest Asia during Air 2005-06 the winter of 2007. Duty Site Year Total Man Days Six Army Guard units deployed to Courtesy Chief Master Sgt. John Graves Continental U.S. 2005 1,820 combat theaters during the past two International 2005 5,852 Home was far away for the deployed Southwest Asia 2005 11,312 years. Two units, the 593rd airmen serving at Ali Air Base in Transportation Company and the 1- Iraq. The Nevada Air Guard’s 152nd Continental U.S. 2006 166 221st Cavalry, remain in Iraq in October Airlift Wing maintained a rotation of International 2006 1,440 about 40 airmen at the base for the Southwest Asia 2006 9,687 2006. majority of 2005. The 593rd Transportation

www.nevadaguard.com 7 Staff Sgt. Jesse Filsinger of the Nevada Army Guard’s Medical Detachment assists with the medical evacuation and triage of injured New Orleans citizens at the Louis Armstrong International Airport on Sept. 3, 2005.

1,850 Nevada Army Guard soldiers have mobilized in support of Operations Iraqi and Enduring Freedom since 2001. More than 900 of those have deployed abroad into a war theater and are now considered combat veterans. Nine of the Nevada Army Guard’s 14 deployable units, or 64 percent, have deployed since 2001. Four units completed long-term international deployment missions during the biennium. Providing communications between Kuwait and Iraq, about 90 soldiers of the 321st Signal Company returned home in March 2005 after spending more than a year abroad. Concurrently in 2004 and 2005, the 1864th Transportation Company’s primary mission was to provide transportation support for movement of dry cargo, ammuni- tion and equipment by truck throughout Iraq and Kuwait. Nearly 175 soldiers served in the 1864th overseas. During its deployment, the 1864th completed 220 combat missions and covered 3.5 million miles on the roads of Kuwait and Iraq. The unit reported being attacked by insurgents 63 times and its soldiers were shot at 25 times. The unit, named the 1864th because 1864 was the year Soldiers and airmen from the Nevada Army Guard’s 72nd Nevada became a state, appropriately arrived home from its Military Police and the Nevada Air Guard’s 152nd Security deployment on Nevada Day 2005. The 1864th was comprised Forces Squadron patrol the street in front of the convention of soldiers from Las Vegas, Henderson, Ely, Winnemucca, center in New Orleans just days after Hurricane Katrina. Elko, Reno, Sparks, and Dayton, making it one of the most Company is deployed to Iraq carrying out transportation mis- diverse units ever deployed from Nevada. sions across the nation driving medium range trucks hauling Spc. Anthony Cometa of the 1864th died in a vehicle acci- dry goods and liquids with about 150 soldiers. The unit is set dent in June 2005 while on a mission in Iraq. to return home in the fall of 2007. In 2005, six soldiers from Detachment 45, Operational Also, approximately 100 soldiers of the 1-221st Cavalry Support Airlift returned home after serving six months in Squadron are deployed to Iraq assisting in providing convoy Kuwait, Iraq and Afghanistan. The small unit spent their time security for the Wisconsin Army Guard. shuttling equipment and passengers between several locations With the deployment of those two units, Nevada National throughout Southwest Asia, often on small, unimproved run- Guard statistics reveal: ways on the military’s C-12 Huron jet.

8 Nevada National Guard Biennial Report Airmen from the 152nd Airlift Wing and 152nd Intelligence Squadron gather on the final day of their deployment in 2006 in Iraq to mark the take-off of the last sortie mission they would perform during the squadron’s year-long mission in the combat theater.

A Nevada Army Guard Chinnook performs sling-load operations in Afghanistan in 2005, carrying supplies to foward-stationed troops. A Chinook helicopter can carry more than 12 tons of supplies and equipment.

Photos courtesy 152nd Airlift Wing and CW3 Dan Walters

Also in Afghanistan, about 60 sol- Other overseas deployments includ- maintenance specialists from the Army diers from Company D, 113th Aviation ed Air Guard C-130 Coronet Oak mis- Guard repaired fences, roads and sever- deployed to fly cargo and service mem- sions to the Caribbean and South al types of vehicles supporting the U. S. bers around the nation in CH-47 heli- America, Air Guard participation in Border Service. Army Guard helicopters copters. While there, the devastating intelligence exercise Cope Tiger in also deployed to assist. Oct. 2005 Kashmir earthquake diverted Thailand, and Air Guard security force The Nevada National Guard quick- some of their aircraft and crew to per- participation in detainee transportation ly reacted to Hurricane Katrina and was form humanitarian relief missions in missions into and out of Guantanamo among the first to reach Louisiana with Pakistan. Bay, Cuba. Other Army Guard interna- personnel and equipment. After Chief Warrant Officer John Flynn tional deployments included communi- Hurricane Katrina struck on Aug. 29, and Sgt. Patrick Stewart of Co. D were cations and medical missions to the 2005, security forces and medical per- among five soldiers who died when the Balkans, Sarajevo and Kosovo. sonnel from the Army and Air Guard helicopter they were traveling in was There were also numerous smaller were dispatched by Aug. 31. shot down in Afghanistan on Sept. 25, deployments during the biennium. The Nevada’s medical team was the first 2005. locations of these deployments read like military medical unit to reach the Louis Two major domestic Army Guard a travel atlas with duty sites in places Armstrong Airport and assist with triage deployments also concluded in 2005- such as Antarctica, Djibouti, Ecuador, of injured New Orleans’ residents. 2006. The 126th Medical Company’s Germany, Italy, Saudi Arabia, Spain and Nevada’s security force, a combined deployment to Fort Carson, Colo. to Turkey. team from the 72nd Military Police Co. provide medical evacuation capabilities In terms of domestic missions, as and 152nd Security Forces Squadron, to that training location concluded in part of the National Guard homeland was the unit that swept through and July 2005 and 1/221st Cavalry’s two-year security mission, Battle Born restored order to the Superdome and mission to provide opposition forces at Guardsmen deployed to Arizona and convention center. The Nevada Guard the National Training Center at Fort California supporting Operation Jump also deployed intelligence-gathering Irwin, Calif., concluded in May 2006. Start along the U.S./Mexico border. platforms used to help map flood reces- The cavalry deployment included more Civil engineers from the Nevada Air sion and communications vehicles to than 400 soldiers. and Army Guard along with vehicle Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas.

www.nevadaguard.com 9 Air Guard Overview

Air operations remain... In Full

A Nevada Air Guard C-130 prepares for take-off in Afghanistan. Flight Courtesy Chief Master Sgt. John Graves

To “check six” in aviation terms means to constantly keep en eye out for what may be approaching your aircraft from the rear. For the airmen of the Nevada Air National Guard it also means keeping a close eye on the homefront while deployed across the globe. It can entail watching out for the family of someone who’s serving in Southwest Asia, being ready for gubernatorial call-up for emergencies in the Silver State, or sharing upcoming deployment timelines with a civilian employer. Every member of the Nevada Air Guard is responsible for checking the six of their fellow service- men and in the past two fiscal years there has been plenty of opportunity to do so. The Global War on Terrorism is less a new reality for the High Rollers than a common way of life. Ongoing support of Operations Enduring and Iraqi Freedom means everyone in the Nevada Air Guard is not only prepared to, but expects to deploy on a regular basis. Simultaneous support to domestic missions shows the flexibility and responsiveness of the Guard in the Battle Born state. In the last two fiscal years, Nevada’s complement of intelligence and airlift support assisted military missions around the world and saw Guardsmen meeting contingency requirements on six conti- nents. Numerous airmen also deployed domestically in support of major campaigns including the Hurricane Katrina disaster relief effort in Louisiana and Mississippi and U.S./Mexico border security

10 Nevada National Guard Biennial Report Photos courtesy 152nd Airlift Wing

A Nevada Air Guard C-130 Hercules prepares to touch down in Iraq. Capt. Hillary Smith pilots a Nevada C-130 en route to Iraq. for Operation Jump Start. the 192nd Airlift Squadron and handles a majority of the Air Comprised of one flying wing, an intelligence squadron, a Force, National Guard Bureau and Federal Aeronautical headquarters and a Las Vegas-based detachment, the Nevada Administration paperwork tracking flight hours and flight Air Guard was assigned 1,125 airmen at the conclusion of fis- paths. The unit possesses eight C-130 H model aircraft. cal year 2006, 102 percent of its end-strength authorization. From October 2004 until June 2006, the Nevada Air That over-strength number reflects a command willing to do National Guard continued to fly combat missions in its fleet what it takes to keep people motivated and qualified. It also of C-130 aircraft with nonstop rotations to air bases in Kuwait reflects individual Guardsmen’s determination to serve their and Iraq. Tasked by U.S. Central Command to fly intra-theater state and nation, even with the potential of numerous deploy- airlift missions, the unit moved thousands of pounds of ments away from family, friends and civilian employers. equipment and hundreds of troops from supply points to for- Each December the Nevada Air National Guard names ward bases within the combat zone. the winners of competitions for outstanding airmen in four In a joint effort with the Utah Air National Guard, the rank categories. The recipients of the 2005 awards included 192nd Airlift Squadron sent a C-130 with flyers and maintain- Staff Sgt. Lorenzo Nichols, honored as the Nevada ANG ers to Uzbekistan to support the coalition forces fighting in Airman of the Year, Staff Sgt. Joe Brown as the Non-commis- Afghanistan. sioned Officer of the Year, Master Sgt. Greg Bartlett as the From July through October 2005, the Nevada Air Senior Non-commissioned Officer of the Year and 1st Sgt. National Guard was also the lead unit for Operation Coronet Kelly Cavins as 1st Sgt. of the Year. Results for the 2006 Oak in San Juan, Puerto Rico. The squadron deployed up to awards were not available at press time. four airplanes at a time for two week tours, flying airlift and 152nd Operations Group general theater support for U.S. Southern Command. In a The 152nd Operations Group is the flying unit of the combined squadron with other Air National Guard units, the Nevada Air National Guard. It consists of highly visible Air High Rollers flew missions to austere airfields in the Force occupations including pilots, navigators, loadmasters Caribbean to the far reaches of the South American continent. and flight engineers. The 150-member group includes the The Air Mobility Command Inspector General came to 192nd Airlift Squadron and the 152nd Operations Support Reno in June of 2005 for the last event of the 152nd Flight and the airmen sustained an unrelenting pace in support Operations Group’s Operational Readiness Inspection. This of the ongoing efforts in Operations Iraqi and Enduring was the unit’s first ORI since transitioning to the C-130 Freedom during the past two years. Hercules aircraft in 1995, though the deployment and flying The 152nd airmen perform a variety of missions includ- phases of the ORI had been successfully completed more ing the worldwide transportation and airdrop of cargo. The recently. The evaluators also rated the High Rollers’ ability to operations support flight schedules all missions assigned to survive and operate in a chemical warfare environment.

www.nevadaguard.com 11 In an ongoing effort to modernize Members of the group have its aircraft, the Nevada Air National deployed to locations in Afghanistan, installed two new major equipment Uzbekistan, Kuwait, Iraq, Qatar, Spain, upgrades to its C-130 fleet. The 192nd Cuba, Turkey, Antarctica and Ecuador. was one of the first Air National Guard Many members remain involuntarily units to install the AN/APN-241 digital mobilized and continually deploy on a Low Power Color Radar, which replaced rotation cycle in support of Operation a 1950’s vintage navigation radar. For Iraqi Freedom. the first time, the pilots and the naviga- The security forces squadron’s air- tor can use a high resolution radar men continue to deploy supporting the screen with multiple modes to do night Global War on Terrorism. The and all-weather airdrops, enhance air- squadron’s primary deployed mission craft collision avoidance, or dodge Courtesy 152nd Civil Engineer Squadron has been serving as the security element severe weather and turbulence. Firefighters of the 152nd Civil during official detainee movement in The High Rollers were also the first Engineering Squadron perform chemi- Iraq. In addition, several members have C-130 unit to field a new missile defense cal decontamination procedures during been selected to assist in the detainee the Silver Flag exercise at Eglin Air system known as the Large Aircraft Force Base in Florida in 2006. mission, transporting detained persons Infrared Countermeasures (LAIRCM). from Europe and Asia to Guantanamo The LAIRCM greatly increases aircraft 152nd Mission Support Group Bay, Cuba, and most recently, transport- survivability against man-portable In today’s expeditionary, rapid reac- ing those released from U.S. custody infrared surface-to-air missiles which tion, contingency-based Air Force, the back to their home nations. have been frequently used in Iraq and 152nd Mission Support Group includes Domestically, the squadron was Afghanistan against U.S. transport air- the full spectrum of home station and called on to assist in the wake of craft. contingency location functions. At Hurricane Katrina. A few dozen securi- In late summer of 2005 the unit was home in Reno, the focus of the group ty airmen, along with Nevada Army called to transport Nevada National includes local training, the ability to Guard military police, deployed quickly Guard medical and security forces to deploy quickly throughout the globe, to help secure the city of New Orleans. Louisiana to assist in the wake of and the care of airmen following Facing immediate deployment to a loca- Hurricane Katrina. What began as a typ- deployments. At contingency locations, tion with no running water, no electrici- ical personnel airlift quickly turned into primary functions include crisis actions, ty and little in the way of communica- something very different. Believing they load planning, communications and tion or transportation, the airmen were were going to simply drop off the med- information, en route visibility, recep- able to assist local law enforcement and ical and security Guard members at the tion, base/tent city preparation, muni- provide a secure environment for the airport and fly home, the flight crew saw tions site planning and expeditionary citizens of New Orleans. Today, the a need and chose to fill it. They volun- combat support. squadron provides security forces and teered to transport about 70 evacuees Several squadrons and flights make measures in accordance with homeland who needed medical attention from up the support group. They include the security guidance and base defense. New Orleans to Houston. Time on the 152nd Security Forces Squadron, the The 152nd Civil Engineering ground in Louisiana was nil as the crew 152nd Civil Engineering Squadron, the Squadron serves as a construction bat- quickly and professionally reconfigured 152nd Logistics Readiness Squadron, talion for the Air Guard and includes 92 the aircraft and 70 people were flown to the 152nd Communications Flight, the airmen skilled in trades such as engineer- safety as a result of the Nevada National 152nd Aerial Port Flight, the 152nd ing, plumbing, electrical, water treatment Guard. Mission Support Flight, and the 152nd and waste management, and fire opera- As of June of 2006, all 152nd Services Flight. tions. The squadron is responsible for Operations Group personnel returned Since Sept. 11, 2001, and the subse- the Air Guard’s facility engineering to Reno and to demobilize. The flying quent invasion of Iraq, every squadron needs throughout the year. unit anticipates taking advantage of the and flight within the group has been The squadron was deployed for first few months of fiscal year 2007 to affected. The primary focus for the training in the summer of 2006 to a site catch up on training requirements and group has been training and equipping in Florida for the Silver Flag exercise in updating aircrew currencies. the airmen for deployment rotations. preparation for an upcoming deploy-

12 Nevada National Guard Biennial Report ment call to Southwest Asia. The plans and directs military personnel, city of New Orleans. The joint Army squadron received training in areas such education and training activities for the and Air Force emergency medical team as weapons handling, convoy security, wing. Several members of the flight have was the first military medical unit to and other mission essential tasks. In late been deployed to locations in Kuwait arrive at the airport. summer of 2006 the unit was also called and Antarctica and three members have The airmen and soldiers arrived to to the U.S. Mexico border for Operation mobilized to support the deployment find the entire facility without electricity, Jump Start, assisting the U.S. Border and redeployment of hundreds of running water or sanitation facilities. Protection Service in building new roads Nevada Air Guardsmen. The airport was inundated with tens of and maintaining fence lines. The 152nd Services Flight encom- thousands of displaced persons, many The 152nd Logistics Readiness passes five career fields in its wide range with severe, life-threatening injuries and Squadron’s 108 members provided over- of services, including: food service, illnesses. Without typical airport all direction for base logistics processes morale, welfare and recreation, ground support, the joint medical team related to vehicles, cargo movement, Honor/Color Guard, lodging, laundry unloaded the complete C-130 aircraft of passenger movement, personal property, and mortuary affairs. The flight includes personal equipment, provisions, water supplies, equipment, deployment plan- 19 airmen and serves about 400 meals and medical supplies and established a ning and operations, fuels, and logistics plans. Several members of LRS were involuntarily mobilized for more than a Members of the year and continue to support and deploy 152nd Medical Group evaluate a mock in each rotation to Southwest Asia. patient during an The 152nd Aerial Port Flight’s 64 Ability To Survive and Guardsmen have the primary mission of Operate exercise in ensuring effective utilization of loading 2006. An ATSO meas- facilities and equipment to maintain ures the base squadrons’ ability to scheduled movement of aircraft loads. continue their mis- The flight’s expertise was valuable in sions while exposed to training many members of the logistics chemical attack. readiness squadron and intelligence Courtesy 152nd Medical Group squadron in convoy duties and protection prior to their deployments to remote and hostile locations. each day on a typical drill weekend. The billet in a concourse of the facility. The Many aerial port members continue services flight has also supported team immediately joined with FEMA to be involuntarily mobilized for two deployments to Southwest Asia and Disaster Medical Assistance Teams in years, conducting 120-day rotations to assisted a number of organizations treating thousands of patients around various locations in Southwest Asia. including the Boy Scouts of America, the clock for the next three days. There are 43 members in the 152nd Girl Scouts of America and the Civil Air A second contingent of 37 Nevada Communications Flight, including infor- Patrol. The flight also provided food Air and Army Guard members joined mation and mission system and audiovi- services for personnel fighting northern the team September 2, bringing physi- sual airmen. The flight ensures network Nevada fires. cians, nurses and medics plus public integrity through system monitoring and 152nd Medical Group health, bioenvironmental engineering establishing firewalls. The communica- On Aug. 31, 2005, one day after the and veterinary services. Over 10 days the tions flight has been extremely busy sup- hurricane’s landfall in New Orleans and team treated patients, assisted in evalua- porting the major construction projects within 24 hours of notification, twelve tion and correction of bioenvironmental on base as well as keeping up with the members of the 152nd Medical Group and public health issues including water current technology and security require- in conjunction with 11 members of the quality, rescue camp sanitation and food ments. Nevada Army Guard responded to the preparation. A veterinary aid station The 152nd Mission Support Flight Louis Armstrong International Airport treated dozens of injured and displaced consists of 26 members with the pri- to assist with emergency medical care in animals from the storm. With the mary function of acting as the state’s the disaster arena. The airport had been arrival and engagement of the active military personnel office. This flight designated as the evacuation site for the duty Army and Air Force units, the team

www.nevadaguard.com 13 was released to return home. The 152nd Medical Group was also the lead medical unit at the 2005 Patriot East joint Army, Air Force and multina- tional forces mass casualty and disaster training exercise. During the two-week deployment to Volk Field, Wisc., the first seven days were devoted to familiarization and training with the Expeditionary Medical Support unit (EMEDS), a deployable surgical and emergency medical facility. Other training included triage, emergency medical care, air and ground evacuation and safety, chemical warfare and patient decontamination, communications and force protection. The second week culminated with the continuous 96-hour mass casualty Courtesy 152nd Maintenance Squadron training event. Thirty-three scenarios Master Sgt. Mark Gonzales of the 152nd Maintenance Group stabilizes a C-130 were generated with 274 moulaged engine as it was being changed out at Ali Base in Iraq. patients displaying various injuries, including chemical warfare agent expo- ated from the base for a medical emer- lent” category. The Nevada unit is rec- sure, and brought to the EMEDS via gency. ognized as one of the top medical units ground and air travel for triage, initial Lt. Col. Zola Ferguson received the in the Air Force and the Air National care and stabilization. Patients were Association of Military Surgeons of the Guard. then entered into the Air Force theater United States Physician Assistant of the 152nd Maintenance Group evacuation system. Sixty-three U.S. and Year award for 2004. Ferguson deployed The 152nd Maintenance Group 52 Canadian and Dutch medics partici- to Baghdad in the emergency depart- comprised of the 152nd Maintenance pated in the expeditionary medical train- ment of the EMEDS trauma center. Squadron and the 152nd Maintenance ing. Chief Master Sgt. Ken Gray Operations Flight works tirelessly to Three members of the medical received the Association of Military ensure the wing’s eight C-130s are capa- group were deployed to Southwest Asia Surgeons of the United States Senior ble of fulfilling its varied missions in support of the Air Force expedi- NCO of the Year award for 2004. Gray around the world when called upon. tionary requirements for Operations also deployed to Baghdad and was the Over the course of the past two years, it Iraqi and Enduring Freedom. Three senior NCO in charge of the treatment has been called upon numerous times members were also deployed to the U.S. facility there. and has provided outstanding support at Southern Command in support of Master Sgt. Jenelle Kimsey received home and abroad even while maintain- Coronet Oak. the 152nd Airlift Wing Commander’s ing a fleet that has seen several modifica- Several of the squadron’s airmen Award of Excellence for her outstand- tions and enhancements. were recognized with major awards. ing contributions in bringing the dental During this period, half of the Maj. (Dr.) Scott Shepherd received section to compliance with a strict new wing’s fleet was modified with LAIRCM, the Air Force Commendation medal Air Force dental monitoring program. or Large Aircraft Infrared from the wing commander at Ali Al She also received the 152nd Medical Countermeasure defensive system. Also Salem Air Base, Kuwait for his outstand- Group Commander’s Member of the during this period, all eight of the unit’s ing service while deployed there in sup- Year award for 2005. aircraft were fitted with the RN-242 port of Iraqi Freedom. Shepherd was The group completed the Air color radar system. Additionally, the the only flight surgeon available to sup- Force’s five-year health services inspec- maintenance group saw one aircraft go port the entire wing flying program after tion requirement in August 2006 receiv- through a programmed depot mainte- his reserve counterpart had to be evacu- ing a score of 93 placing it in the “excel- nance activity and continued its

14 Nevada National Guard Biennial Report Photos courtesy 152nd Communications Squadron An Eagle Vision antenna searches for a satellite connection allowing it to download imagery from a commercial remote sensing satellite. Airmen from the 152nd Intelligence Squadron erect a USC-60 antenna capable of transmitting and receiving voice signals across the globe. isochronal inspection cycle on each air- unit receiving an “excellent” rating by to humanitarian relief operations. craft while at home. the Air Force Inspector General team as It is comprised of three imagery Even with the numerous modifica- well as receiving a “best seen to date” flights that collect, exploit, and dissemi- tion activities performed on and off sta- rating in reference to equipment harden- nate timely and actionable multi-format tion at depot and with contract field ing. imagery intelligence for delivery to end teams, the maintenance group’s commit- The excellent rating was important, users in both hard- and soft-copy. The ment to the unit and its missions was but more important was the fact that squadron is comprised of 102 airmen evident in the support it provided with true High Roller spirit was displayed as supporting the Deployable Transit- aircraft deployed throughout the world. the inspection came only two weeks Cased System, Scathe View and Eagle Maintainers and operators supported after the announcement that the 152nd Vision. U.S. Southern Command as the lead unit Airlift wing had been listed for realign- On Nov. 11, 2004, the squadron for three Coronet Oak deployment rota- ment on the 2005 Base Realignment and deployed Scathe View to southern Iraq tions with two aircraft deployed to South Closure list. in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. America. The wing was ultimately removed Scathe View consists of an RQ-1 A group of approximately 30 main- from the BRAC list and has seen its Predator sensor turret hard-mounted to tenance personnel and operators also group grow larger in both northern and a modified C-130. The turret is con- deployed to Southwest Asia on several southern Nevada with professional trolled by two onboard airborne imagery 60-day rotations and provided support maintenance personnel providing sup- analysts from a sensor control worksta- of Operations Iraqi Freedom and port to C-130 H and the MQ-1 Predator tion. Enduring Freedom. Additionally, the Unmanned Aerial Vehicle. The analysts can link full motion unit provided aircraft for numerous The 152nd Maintenance Group will video directly to ground units as well as Theater Air Component Commander continue its history of pride and profes- communicate with the forces via secure taskings supporting medical evacuation sionalism as it works to provide out- radios. The system was tasked to provide missions to and from California, Alaska standing aircraft to the Air National full motion video in support of ground and other stateside missions. Guard and to the United States Air forces for a 120-day deployment. Also of significance during this Force. Despite older and less capable optics, period was the maintenance group’s suc- 152nd Intel Squadron the deployment exceeded theater expec- cessful participation with the operations The 152nd Intelligence Squadron is tations, leading to a personal request group in an Air Force Ability to Survive overseen by Air Combat Command and from Gen. John Jumper, Chief of Staff and Operate inspection. Preparations provides imagery intelligence, surveil- of the Air Force, for Scathe View to and exercises began in March 2005 cul- lance, and reconnaissance products to maintain a sustained presence in theater. minating in the actual inspection in June theater commanders and emergency In September 2005, the unit 2005 at the Regional Public Safety responders under the command of the embarked on a one-year, maximum Training Center in Reno. The efforts of Governor of the State of Nevada. The effort deployment rotating people and nearly 70 maintenance personnel and 30 unit’s capabilities span the spectrum equipment in and out of Southerst Asia. operations personnel resulted in the from high intensity combat operations Scathe View once again proved its value

www.nevadaguard.com 15 by providing real-time, full-motion video feeds directly to friendly ground troops engaged with enemy forces. The Airmen of the video feeds were transmitted from 152nd Intelligence Scathe View aircraft directly to the Squadron load engaged ground forces via the Remotely the Scathe View Operated Video Enhanced Receiver workstation onto a C-130. The sys- (ROVER), allowing the friendly forces tem allows the air- to see the numbers and locations of the craft to gather enemy forces. Due to deterioration of video of ground the aging systems, equipment failures led operations and to a deployment halt after nine months immediately send it to military com- of sustained operations and the unit manders on the returned home to reconstitute, re-equip, ground around and incorporate up-graded sensors. the world. In addition to supporting theater Courtesy 152nd operations, a Scathe View system was Intelligence Squadron also deployed to Louis Armstrong International Airport in Louisiana to Detachment 1 support the Hurricane Katrina relief Last but not least, the squadron’s effort. During a two-week deployment, Eagle Vision flight became the first Over the past two years, Scathe View flew missions in support ANG commercial satellite imagery col- Detachment 1 has progressed from a for 82nd Airborne Division patrols uti- lection and dissemination capability to total force initiative combining active lizing ROVER feeds to search for deploy to Thailand in support of duty Air Force and Nevada Guard to a stranded civilians. Scathe View infrared Exercise Cope Tiger 2006 held at Korat large portion of MQ-1 Predator training imagery was also instrumental in moni- Air Base. The flight provided timely, and combat operational capabilities at toring the levees and pump stations dur- large-scale imagery photo maps and Nellis and Creech Air Force Bases. ing the hours of darkness, eliminating enlargement of the various ranges uti- The detachment started with its first the need to send ground forces into lized by more than 300 airmen from the Nevada Guardsman in March 2004, hir- potentially hazardous areas in the dark. Royal Thai and Royal Singaporean Air ing a C-130 pilot from Reno to train in The support provided was translated Forces as well as U.S. Pacific Command the Predator Unmanned Aircraft with into an $18 million plus-up for a robust mission planners. the United States Air Warfare Center. communications capability to allow the The successful deployment resulted Since then, the unit has hired and trained aircraft to broadcast its video signal to in an invitation to return to Cope Tiger more than 60 pilots, intelligence person- ground-receive stations outside the hur- 2007 to provide exercise support to all nel, sensor operators, Predator mainte- ricane damaged areas. participants. nance personnel, command support The remaining 152nd Intelligence The flight also provided support to staff, aggressor pilots and aggressor Squadron flights were equally engaged Hurricane Katrina by augmenting the maintenance personnel. during this two-year period. The Eagle Vision in South Carolina. Two Aggressors replicate the enemy and Deployable Transit-Cased System is a squadron members were integral to their potential actions during training video processing capability that enabled building hydrographic photo maps of activities and the Guardsmen assigned as the unit to process Predator full-motion New Orleans. The color-coded maps aggressors also teach threat capabilities video from the Iraqi theater all from the graphically displayed water depths of the enemy. The detachment also has safety and comfort of Reno. The throughout the city and were used to two traditional Guard pilots detailed to squadron became the first Air National route supply convoys over passable the 53rd Wing to support special com- Guard squadron to support Predator streets. The first graphic produced was partmentalized security clearance brief- theater missions from home station via sent to Washington D.C. and was used in ings for Guardsmen on temporary duty satellite operations. The unit will contin- a Presidential briefing to show the water at Nellis in support of tests and other ue this operation for the foreseeable levels and extent of the flooding follow- missions. future. ing the levee breach. The impact of the unit in support of

16 Nevada National Guard Biennial Report the Nevada federal mission is large and growing daily. The Nevada aircrews are detailed across the active duty 57th advantages Nevada Guardsmen bring include longevity, profi- Operations Group where they can best support the detach- ciency and a high level of training that has resulted in a high ment and Air Guard missions. percentage of Nevadans attaining supervisory positions. Many are in leadership positions from shop chiefs to the Tech. Sgt. Chris Jenkins identified a dangerous problem in assistant operations officer. Maj. Robert Cera was selected to the Predator control software that was overlooked during investigate the loss of more than 150 computer systems over developmental testing. Fixing it prevented a probable loss of the past two years and Maj. Roderick Ricard was chosen as a aircraft. He has responsibility as the unit's suitability flight squadron commander’s representative for an exhaustive unit chief. Several Guardsmen were selected to perform aircraft compliance inspection. acceptance inspections on aircraft being delivered from the The pilots, sensor operators and mission coordinators in manufacturer. the Nevada unit have also been heavily involved in the federal Staff Sgt. Aaron Sackett discovered damaged landing gear mission, volunteering more than 2,800 man-days of federal on an aircraft about to be flown to Creech and this discovery service executing Predator combat support missions. prevented a landing mishap. The unit’s crews have been responsible for locating, mark- Sgt. Marco Trejo developed a complete maintenance training and killing enemy snipers, finding and destroying weapons ing plan used to train California Guardsmen on the Predator caches in Afghan caves, supporting numerous raids, troops-in- system and three of the unit's airmen were selected to train contact situations and combat search and rescue operations. California's initial maintenance team. Combined, Nevada Air Guard Predator pilots have flown The detachment also has a high volunteerism rate for sup- more than 2,500 Predator hours. porting the Global War on Terror. Eight maintainers volun- Two Detachment 1 sensor operators also volunteered to teered and deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan, providing gener- deploy to Iraq to augment Reno’s 152nd Airlift Wing during its ation and maintenance of the entire Predator system including Scathe View mission, providing more than 500 flight hours of aircraft, satellite links and ground control stations. real-time video and photos to coalition ground commanders The operations side of Detachment 1 had a similar impact and battle staffs. on Predator training capacity and combat capability. The 15 The detachment also provided volunteers in support of Predator pilots assigned to Detachment 1 provide an equiva- the New Year's Eve security mission in Las Vegas in 2004 and lent of 40 percent of the pilot manning in the Predator Flying 2005 by providing a liaison with Nellis commanders for base Training Unit, which graduates 120 Predator crews each year. usage and support. BRAC Air Guard recommendations voted down The Nevada Air Guard was dealt a Nevada Air Guard. startling and potentially calamitous blow Thousands sent letters to the inde- by the Department of Defense’s Base pendent BRAC commissioners high- Realignment and Closure Commission lighting the importance of the 152nd in May 2005 when it announced the Airlift Wing. Sen. Harry Reid, High Rollers were earmarked for per- Congressman Jim Gibbons and several sonnel reductions and the base’s C-130 state legislators assisted in emphasizing cargo aircraft were set to be reassigned how vital the Air Guard is to the state’s elsewhere. A Nevada Air Guard C-130 sits among security. Gov. Kenny Guinn also made As the geographically seventh the tons of supplies it carried to an impassioned plea for reconsideration Louisiana. The BRAC commission’s largest state, Nevada depends heavily on decision allowed the Nevada Air Guard before members of the commission the timely, reliable transport the C-130 to retain its emergency supply trans- during a meeting in New Mexico. Hercules provide. Doing away with the portation capability. After three months of continual aircraft, along with the Air Guard’s fire- gency operations. lobbying to save the Nevada Air Guard fighting, supply, fuels, and operations It didn’t take long for the state’s cit- in its entirety, the Nevada Air Guard was personnel would have hampered the izens, first responders and elected offi- spared in August 2005 when the BRAC state’s ability to respond with critical per- cials at all levels to voice their disagree- commision voted against the sonnel in support of homeland security, ment with the Department of Defense’s Department of Defense’s proposed rec- homeland defense and other contin- proposal affecting portions of the ommendations for the High Rollers.

www.nevadaguard.com 17 Army Guard Overview

Army Guard: World in Motion

A Nevada Army Guard Chinnook drops off infantry soldiers in Afghanistan. Courtesy CW3 Dan Walters Nevada soldiers respond globally to call to duty In nearly every military contingency The following soldiers were recognized bat theater in support of Operations situation around the globe during the for their achievements during the past Enduring and Iraqi Freedom. past two years – whether international two years. The Soldiers of the Year were The 1864th Medium Transportation sites such as Iraq, Afghanistan or Spec. Jake Boholst (2004) and Sgt. Company provides a fully trained force domestic locations including New Katheryn Anderson (2005). The Non- capable of conducting a wide range of Orleans or the Mexican border— commissioned Officers of the Year were transportation support activities. The Nevada Army National Guardsmen Sgt. Sandra Flores (2004) and Staff Sgt. unit deployed 150 soldiers in November were on the scene. Harry Schroeder (2005). 1st. Sgts. Darryl 2004 in support of Operation Iraqi More than 1,200 of the Army Keithly and Jared Kopacki received the Freedom throughout Iraq and Kuwait. Guard’s soldiers were deployed during 1st. Sgt. of the Year Award for 2004 and Through October 2005 the unit per- the biennium. At press time, the total 2005 respectively. formed very successful long-haul truck- number of deployed soldiers was down ing and convoy escort missions. Soldiers to 250, but the ongoing situations in Iraq 992nd Troop Command gained hundreds of thousands of miles and Afghanistan as well as an increased The 992nd Troop Command is of real life combat experience and the National Guard presence at the Mexican headquartered in Las Vegas and the bat- unit was designated as the first trans- border almost certainly point toward talion includes the 72nd Military Police portation unit to have an organic convoy more deployments in the near future. Company, the 1864th and 593rd escort platoon assigned to them. An Each year, the Nevada Army Guard Transportation Companies, the 777th additional mission for this platoon arose honors its soldiers who excel in their Engineer Utility Company and a head- in May 2005 when higher headquarters knowledge of military subjects, leader- quarters element. All of the battalion’s identified the 1864th as the organization ship, Army programs and current events. deployable units have served in the com- to test the concept of an entire platoon

18 Nevada National Guard Biennial Report dedicated solely to providing convoy-escort platforms to support the Iraqi express theater containment mission. The organic convoy escort platform soldiers were tasked not only with the security of the 1864th convoy missions but also with external security of other units and transportation convoy missions throughout Iraq. Information garnered during this test will affect the force structure of transportation units in the future. The unit unfortunately endured one combat loss during the deployment. Spec. Anthony Cometa was killed June 16, 2005, in an M-1114 rollover just north of the Kuwaiti border while on convoy operations returning from Baghdad International Airport. Cometa was posthumously awarded the Bronze Star Medal and the State of Nevada Legion of Merit Medal. Nonetheless, during this time of Operation Iraqi Freedom, the 1864th had one of the lowest casualty ratios of any unit. The 1864th was able to successfully complete its mission despite the fact enemy actions occurred on 64 of the 315 missions, including small arms fire, improvised explosive devices and mortars. All told, the Guardsmen drove 1.6 million miles. Unit awards included a Purple Heart Medal, seven Bronze Star Medals, 15 Meritorious Service Medals, 135 Army Commendation Medals (one with Valor), 25 Army Achievement Medals, 125 Drivers Badges, 15 Mechanics Badges, 14 coins of valor and 92 Combat Action Badges. The 593rd Transportation Company (Petroleum, Oil and Lubricants) is headquartered in Reno and has detachments in Winnemucca and Elko. At the time of this publication the unit is deployed to Iraq conducting combat logistical patrols Courtesy 1st Lt. Derek Imig throughout the entire theater. The unit should return in 1st Lt. Derek Imig surveys a convoy in Iraq as the 1864th autumn 2007. As the state shares two transportation units with Transportation Company prepares to move out for yet another mission to transport supplies and goods in the combat many of the same technical capabilities, about two dozen sol- theater during the summer of 2005. diers from the 1864th volunteered to deploy a second time to Iraq in support of the Global War on Terrorism. Department of Defense-trained, non-lethal weapons instruc- The 72nd Military Police Company is the only military tors. The unit provides the primary instructors to all Nevada police company in the state of Nevada and was originally Army National Guard units in civil disturbance training. formed in 1967. It’s been busy ever since. In September 2005, the 72nd Military Police Company From February to November 2003, the 72nd’s mission deployed for support of Hurricane Katrina relief efforts. was to secure the land formerly known as the Abu Ghraib Along with the Nevada Air Guard’s 152nd Security Forces prison and set up and operate an enemy prisoner of war/crim- Squadron, the unit was the primary security element at the inal internee facility. While in Iraq, the unit withstood numer- Morial Convention Center in New Orleans responsible for the ous rocket-propelled grenade attacks, improvised explosive recovery and evacuation efforts of more than 30,000 displaced device convoy attacks, small arms fire, and hundreds of mor- civilians. The unit members were awarded the Federal tar attacks. The unit endured 45 consecutive days of mortar Humanitarian Service Medal and the State of Louisiana attacks during June and July of 2003. Emergency Medal. In 2004 and 2005, the 72nd Military Police Company par- In October 2005, the 72nd Military Police Company con- ticipated in state activations providing security and supported ducted annual training over the course of six weeks at a quick-reaction force in Clark County. The unit is highly Vincenza, Italy. The unit conducted law and order and area trained in non-lethal weapons and ammunitions and has seven security operations there. Unit members were awarded the

www.nevadaguard.com 19 All of Nevada was relieved to see Company D, 113th Aviation conclude its arduous deployment to Afghanistan in March 2006. Clockwise from top, the company waits in formation as the Army Aviation Support Facility hangar door opens to reveal hundreds of family and friends eager to welcome the unit home. Chief Warrant Officer Steve Nielsen received a big embrace from his wife Jeannette when the soldiers were finally reunited with their families and friends. overseas training ribbon. to the unit are electricians, plumbers, built gazebos and concrete walkways in The 72nd Military Police Company carpenters, masonry specialists, and mock Afghani and Iraqi townships at the is undergoing a fundamental change heavy equipment operators, all utilized Combat Maneuver Training Center in from an enemy prisoner of war unit to a during its previous SW Asia deployment. Hohenfels. combat support military police compa- The unit is also equipped with forklifts, In October 2005, the unit planned ny. This change increases the unit size to road graders, dump trucks, compaction and built a new concrete foundation 170 Guardsmen. rollers and all-terrain backhoes. with proper drainage for the guardhouse The 777th, nicknamed the Triple 7, In March 2005, the 777th deployed at the Clark County Armory and sur- provides construction, excavation, and to Germany for an extended annual veyed a one-mile running track for surveying support operations. Organic training period. While there the unit Southern Nevada Guardsmen. Prior to

20 Nevada National Guard Biennial Report The 321st Signal Company was deployed for more than one year assisting in communications and security missions. Staff Sgt. Chris Moreland worked at night with paint shipped in from the United States to complete a huge mural for the soldiers of the 321st.

Photos courtesy Maj. Wilson DaSilva the end of 2005 the Triple 7 replaced Aviation Battalion (MEDEVAC), Secretary of the Department of multiple broken and unsafe sidewalks at 1/189th Aviation Company and the Homeland Defense, the commander of the Henderson Armory. Headquarters and Headquarters the Arizona National Guard, and per- In the spring of 2006 the unit Detachment. sonally by the Governor of Arizona and restored electrical power to several key The 150th has supported numerous the Governor of the State of Sonora in storage facilities at the Henderson state missions including the annual New Mexico. Armory and rebuilt the armory’s stairs Year’s Eve exercise in Las Vegas. The The 1/69th Press Camp to the elevated motor pool. A few 150th has the “on the street” mission to Headquarters performed vital public months later, in order to support the conduct site surveillance of locations affairs missions for the state of Nevada California National Guard’s Engineer determined as potential terrorist targets including media escort duties during the Task Force along the international bor- in the Las Vegas metropolitan area. annual New Year’s Eve exercise and der with Mexico, the 777th deployed to The unit conducted its annual train- serving as the primary conduit for all San Diego for its 2006 annual training. ing in numerous locations in the state of press and media relations for the Joint During its two-week assignment, the Arizona in a highly visible training envi- Thunder exercise in South Dakota. The unit’s heavy equipment section conduct- ronment supporting Operation Jump 1/69th will convert to the 106th Public ed earth leveling, backfilling and trench- Start performing vehicle maintenance Affairs Detachment in 2007 and will ing operations. The unit’s carpenters, for military and U.S. Border Protection assume a broader role as it prepares for masonry specialists, plumbers and elec- Service. future missions. tricians completed drain system rein- Working a non-traditional 21 days of Detachment 1, C Company, 168th forcement, underground pipe re-routing annual training, the unit worked many General Support Aviation Battalion is and electrical conduit sweeps for light long hours establishing themselves as undergoing significant changes in its pole installation. the very first maintenance company in structure with the introduction of new 991st Troop Command the United States to support the robust battalion doctrine for all aviation units. The 991st Troop Command head- border patrol mission. Although it was previously called quarters is located in Reno and the bat- During the three week training Detachment 1, 126th Aviation, the unit talion includes the 150th Maintenance event the unit successfully improved the has been renamed and continues the Company, the 1/69th Press Camp State of Arizona’s overall border patrol same medical-evacuation mission and Headquarters, Detachment 1, C. fleet readiness rate by nearly 20 percent. world-class support. One of the most Company 168th General Support Their efforts were recognized by the versatile and deployed units in the state

www.nevadaguard.com 21 Capt. Randy Lau briefs his soldiers on what he wants to accomplish on the gunnery range during tank gunnery practice in May 2005 at Fort Irwin. Sgt. Leon Paradis, dressed in insurgent garb, conducts a medical evalution of his ‘insurgent’ comrade during opposition forces training. of Nevada, the unit was also called upon of Afghanistan. assigned to the 991st Troop Command to perform real-world MEDEVAC sup- Many of the unit’s missions were in executed a variety of challenging and port to the New Year’s exercise in Las direct support of coalition forces as they successful annual training events, Vegas. During the summers of 2005 and were engaged in direct combat. The unit deployments and mobilizations, and 2006 it was also a pivotal player in the was faced with the dangers of daily real-world support to the citizens of state continual firefighting missions and combat and on Sept. 25, 2005, experi- Nevada. During all of these events the performed numerous firefighting duties enced its first and only losses of life Headquarters and Headquarters throughout northeastern and northwest- when Mustang 22 was shot down by Detachment, 991st Troop Command, ern Nevada. anti-American forces and five soldiers was instrumental in ensuring the success D Company, 113th Aviation spent were killed. Of the five two, Chief of its subordinate units’ missions. approximately three months at the Warrant Officer Three John Flynn and 1-221st Cavalry mobilization site of Fort Sill, Okla. and Sergeant Patrick Stewart, were from the During 2004-2006, 1-221st Cavalry a full year deployed to Afghanistan in State of Nevada. (See Page 44.) spent 22 months mobilized and support of Operation Enduring The loss of these five soldiers didn’t deployed to Fort Irwin, Calif., where it Freedom. The unit was ordered to deter the unit from completing its formed the core of the National active duty in January 2005 and deployed wartime mission and returning to con- Training Center’s Opposing Force nearly 250 citizen soldiers from Nevada, tinue its statside missions. (OPFOR) training brigade combat Oregon and Washington, flying CH-47 After its return in March 2006, the teams from across the nation deploying Chinook helicopters. unit was awarded the Department of the to Iraq in both low- and high-intensity While the unit was based in Army Deployment Excellence award for combat operations. Kandahar, most of the soldiers support- exceeding the standard in all areas relat- While deployed to Fort Irwin, the ed logistical and maneuver operations ed to the logistics of deploying a large Wildhorse squadron helped train 11 throughout the country. These soldiers unit into a combat theater. brigade combat teams, three Marine bat- supported forward operating bases in Since redeploying home the unit has talions, two Navy SEAL teams and every part of the nation. The citizen sol- been actively engaged in yearly summer numerous pilots from the U.S. Navy’s diers of Company D served with dis- firefighting missions throughout the 3rd Fleet. In all the 1-221st Cavalry tinction in several key support roles and state. The unit is called to duty during played a strategic role in training more played an instrumental role in furthering nearly every major fire in northern than 75,000 soldiers, sailors, and the efforts of freedom during a very Nevada to perform water bucket drops. Marines. important rebuilding time for the people During 2005 and 2006, the units As the National Training Center’s

22 Nevada National Guard Biennial Report Before the soldiers from the 593rd Transportation Company departed in July 2006 (below), they completed the first live-fire and simulated improvised explosive device convoy training ever conducted by the Nevada Army National Guard. elite OPFOR, the cavalry’s war-fighting Secretary of Defense and it was one of tactical competence was showcased in the few units extended to nearly two every rotation, including high- and low- years of active duty due to its superior intensity full spectrum operations performance and strategic importance in against numerous brigade combat teams Operation Iraqi Freedom and the in urban combat, orchestrating hun- Global War on Terrorism. dreds of indirect fire attacks, sophisticat- At end of mission at the National ed ambushes, and armored tank and Training Center in May 2006, 105 improvised explosive device attacks. Wildhorse soldiers volunteered for con- On one occasion, the Wildhorse tinued active duty service and deploy- squadron deployed to Fort Carson, ment to Iraq with a Multiple-Launched Colo., in the middle of the winter to Rocket System unit from Wisconsin. At train the 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment the time of this publication those sol- during its home station mission rehears- diers are still in Iraq. al exercise. If a new enemy technique or Since 2001, Wildhorse soldiers have procedure was seen on the battlefield of been continually mobilized and Iraq, the 1-221st Cavalry was adaptive deployed in support of homeland secu- enough to execute it on the NTC battle- rity and the Global War on Terrorism, field almost immediately. performing airport and airbase security The 1-221st Cavalry transformed While deployed at Fort Irwin, missions, training American fighting role play at the NTC and set the stan- squadron troopers drove military vehi- men and women for deployment to Iraq dard for fidelity and realism for rotation- cles more than 200,000 miles between and Afghanistan, and conducting securi- al units, allowing them to employ their Fort Irwin and Nevada without a single ty force operations in Iraq. non-kinetic shaping assets to include accident. The squadron’s focus for post- human intelligence teams, public affairs The performance of 1-221 is well mobilization operations is to transition and humanitarian relief. known at all levels of the Army and the to an armored reconnaissance squadron

www.nevadaguard.com 23 as part of the esteemed 11th Armored the battalion asked for volunteers, these Cavalry Regiment and to prepare for 25 citizen-soldiers quickly packed their future deployment as part of a heavy gear and deployed to New Orleans to separate brigade combat team. assist during the national disaster. The battalion took top honors in 422nd Signal Battalion the state and regional 2006 Philip A. Over the past two years, the 422nd Connelly Army Food Service competi- Signal Battalion has trained to deploy tion for the third time in six years (2001, worldwide as a composite signal battal- 2003 and 2006). In November 2006, ion providing command and control, the battalion will once again compete for personnel, administrative and logistical the national title. The battalion took sec- support for up to five signal companies. ond place honors in the 2001 and 2003 The battalion has units based in Reno national competition. and Las Vegas. In March 2004, the 321st Signal In September 2006, the battalion 1st Lt. Dan Thielen, center, keeps a Company deployed to Kuwait and Iraq transformed to an Integrated Theater close eye on officer candidates during in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Signal Battalion (ITSB). As an ITSB, the training in the Valley of Fire near Las The 321st arrived in Kuwait and imme- organization engineers, installs, operates Vegas in May 2005. The Regional diately began providing inter-theatre and maintains up to three major and 12 Training Institute graduated 10 2nd Lts. from the demanding Officer Candidate communications. After six months of extension command, control, communi- School the past two years. highly successful signal missions, com- cations, computers, and information mercialization was pushed through by technology nodes in support of the gencies. 7th Signal Command and the 321st combatant commanders (up to 16 bat- Over New Year’s 2004-2005, north- became security specialists. talion size command posts), army com- ern Nevada experienced one of its worst The unit provided security at Camp manders, or joint task forces across the snowstorms in more than 50 years. The Buehring for a month and then moved battle space. heavy snowfall left many roads danger- to Doha in Kuwait City. Additionally, a At the time of this publication, the ous and almost impassable. In response, small detachment went to Camp 422nd is the only National Guard ITSB members of the 422nd Signal Battalion NaviStar directly on the border of west of the Mississippi River and will along with several other Nevada Kuwait and Iraq to help provide securi- acquire subordinate units in Arizona and National Guardsmen were called up for ty. From November 2004 until departure Alabama. state active duty. Humvees and drivers in March 2005, the 321st provided secu- The 422nd Signal Battalion con- were provided to local authorities to rity on busses transporting soldiers sup- ducted annual training in June 2006 to conduct surveys of all the weather-relat- porting OIF to and from their leave train and prepare soldiers for the transi- ed damage. Nevada Guardsmen also flights. tion to an ITSB. The battalion deployed provided assistance to citizens who were Since returning from deployment, to Hawthorne in support of Operation trapped on icy roads or who couldn’t get the unit has participated in numerous Grecian Firebolt and installed a network out of their homes. training exercises including Grecian consisting of troposcatter and satellite Members of the 422nd Signal Firebolt in June 2006. The unit contin- systems. The training exercise gave the Battalion were called up once again for ues to train and remains ready for any battalion an opportunity to become state active duty in June 2006 to support mission during the signal battalion’s familiarized with its new equipment. forest fire containment in northern transformation. The 422nd ITSB will consist of a Nevada. Operating from Carson City During the past two years, the 440th headquarters company and C Company High School, Guardsmen from the Signal Company has been training to located in Nevada, A Company in 422nd along with other Nevada Guard stand up as Charlie Company as part of Arizona, and B Company in Alabama. units provided transportation, supplies, the 422nd Integrated Theater Signal Thirty soldiers from the future A and personnel to help contain the Sierra Battalion. With this transformation Company attended annual training with Tahoe Complex Fire that burned more comes new high-tech positions, equip- the battalion. than 7,000 acres. ment and communications capability. In addition to training for the ITSB During hurricane season in 2005, 25 The 440th trained alongside the transformation, the 422nd has been battalion soldiers deployed to Louisiana active duty Army in April 2005 during involved in providing aid to state emer- to assist with security operations. When the 11th Signal Brigade field training

24 Nevada National Guard Biennial Report in Fort Huachuca, Ariz. Eight months later the 440th fielded demanding program has an attrition rate of about 50 percent, the first tactical satellites in the National Guard inventory. so only the best students make it through. These satellites have the capability of providing the Adjutant In 2005, OCS graduates were: 2nd Lt. Marshall Brink, 2nd General and task force commanders in Nevada with a secure Lt. Charles Dickinson, 2nd Lt. Rommel Ferrer and 2nd Lt. means of voice and data communications during special secu- Richard Jordan. The five new officers commissioned in 2006 rity events or emergencies within the state. were 2nd Lt. Daniel Barraza, 2nd Lt. Michael Bordallo, 2nd Lt. In order to maintain technical and tactical proficiency, the Dennis Flynn, 2nd Lt. David Jennings and 2nd Lt. Luis communications equipment is used at every opportunity. In Muruato. June 2006, multiple satellites, switches, and data packages were Various non-commissioned officer courses are also con- deployed during annual ducted for professional training in Hawthorne. The development within the network included voice, enlisted ranks. Starting in data, video teleconferencing 2007, the RTI will offer 31B and helicopter video down- Basic Military Police and link and demonstrated to 88M Motor Transport National Guard leadership Operator courses. The Basic the indispensable tactical Non-Commissioned Officer communications assets con- Course continues to thrive tained within the battalion. with 55 graduates in 2005 More than 40 soldiers and 63 graduates in 2006. from the unit have volun- Additional courses being teered during the past two offered for 2007 include years to augment other units Small Group Instructor deploying in support of Training, Total Army Operation Iraqi Freedom. Courtesy Lt. Col. Brenda Griffith Instructor Training, Medical Detachment soldiers help military pilots unload casual- The 440th was tasked in ties at Armstrong Airport following Hurricane Katrina. Company Level Pre- 2005 and 2006 over the New Command Course, Recruit Year’s Eve holiday to assist the police departments in southern Sustainment, Non-Prior Service Personnel Training, and an Nevada and the Transportation Security Administration to updated Combat Lifesaver Course. secure the terminals and perimeter of McCarran International In fiscal years 2005 and 2006, the 421st RTI graduated Airport in Las Vegas. 643 students from all courses offered. In August 2005 the unit deployed a platoon to New Army Guard, Joint Force Headquarters Orleans to help with security operations after Hurricane Joint Force Headquarters located in Carson City provides Katrina ravaged the city. training, administrative and logistical support to all units of 421st Regional Training Institute the Nevada Army Guard. Joint Force Headquarters has sup- With classes conducted in both Reno and Las Vegas, the ported operations for more than 10 soldier readiness process- 421st Regional Training Institute (RTI) provides leadership ing events and six mobilizations during the past two years. The and military occupational specialty and skill courses for the processing prepares individuals administratively and medically Nevada Army Guard and the Total Army School System. to ensure unit readiness for mobilizations. The unit also sup- At the Stead Training Center in Reno, the RTI can provide ported operations and training in the state and around the concurrent classroom training for about 120 students in six country to include providing forces in support of Hurricane classrooms, including 20 in a distance learning station featur- Katrina in Fall 2005 and the unit provided support for floods ing computer stations and video teleconferencing capability. in the Reno area at the beginning of 2006. The center can also house approximately 200 soldiers in the With about 50 medical and dental specialists, the Nevada barracks and the dining facility can feed 100 people an hour. Army Guard’s Medical Detachment works closely with state Bivouac and soldier common task training can be conducted headquarters to ensure all of Nevada’s soldiers are physically on the center’s 360 acres of training land. prepared for deployment. The Officer Candidate School program at the RTI pro- The detachment proved its mettle in 2005 as it was among duced five new officers in 2005 and five in 2006. The 18- the first militay units on scene to provide medical evaluations month OCS program includes about 30 staff and faculty. The and triage for the citizens of Louisiana.

www.nevadaguard.com 25 National Guard Programs Counterdrug Task Force responsibilities expand The Nevada Counterdrug Task devices. Force is comprised of 66 full-time Army The security and support detach- and Air National Guard soldiers and air- ment, during normal day-to-day count- men operating out of facilities at the er- narcotic operations supporting law Plumb Lane Armory in Reno, the Air enforcement agencies, flew 1,076 heli- National Guard Base in Reno and the copter hours and seized marijuana val- Stead and North Las Vegas airports. ued at $866 million along with nearly $9 Task force operations are divided million in other drugs during fiscal year into four functional missions: the 2005. Aviation Security and Support For fiscal year 2006, the unit flew Detachment (formerly the 1,017 hours and seized about 450,000 Reconnaissance and Interdiction marijuana plants in support of Office of Detachment, or RAID) flying five OH- National Drug Control Policy’s marijua- 58 Kiowa helicopters, drug demand 2006 Seizure Report na eradication initiative. reduction, investigative support, and Item Value Nevada Counterdrug’s drug demand imagery/camera support programs. Currency $10,251,891 reduction program is first rate and will The NVCDTF operates off a base- Property $606,600 represent the National DDR Program line budget of approximately $1.5 mil- Vehicles $472,985 for the second consecutive year at the lion provided by the Department of Weapons $18,720 Pentagon for the Dee’s Red Ribbon Defense. Substantial additional funding Cocaine $6,831,464 Week. has been provided by Nevada’s Ecstacy $65,560 The unit employs 11 Guard mem- Congressional Representatives in Heroin $238,571 bers who teach an integrated curriculum Methamphetamine $4,007,216 Washington D.C. in the form of annual focusing on gateway drugs, drug effects Marijuana- Congressional plus-up. Cultivated $10,579,150 and life skills to early teenage students These additional funds over the past Processed $2,295,902 throughout the state. six years allowed the NVCDTF to grow Through the efforts of these into an entity capable of supporting Guardsmen, the Nevada DDR program state requirements of counterdrug oper- Sentinel. is integrated annually into 22 schools ations, state emergencies and homeland In September 2005, NVCDTF and six community-based organizations. defense. deployed in support of the Hurricane These soldiers and airmen are also The NVCDTF performs as the task Katrina relief effort in New Orleans and integral to the success and future of force aviation command during NVCDTF was charged with command Project S.O.A.R. (Seeking Opportunities Operation Vigilant Sentinel, the annual and control of the reconnaissance task and Accepting Responsibilities), which Las Vegas New Year’s Eve event, pro- force comprised of up to sixteen aircraft offers four week-long resident camps viding and coordinating multiple avia- from eight different states. with follow-on education and counsel- tion assets to support the needs of Las Due to the extensive video down- ing for juvenile misdemeanor offenders Vegas Metropolitan Police Department link and reconnaissance experience, the currently involved with the Clark SWAT, patrol and aviation departments. NVCDTF has been charged to spear- County Juvenile Justice Service. In this capacity, the counterdrug head the state’s imagery initiative. This program graduated 201 stu- task force provides real-time situational This initiative will help link video dents in the last two years. The drug awareness via video downlink from the collection systems from various military demand reduction team is also heavily helicopters to all involved major civilian airborne imagery collectors and allow involved with a similar program in and military commands, some located as them to send wireless images, text and Washoe County called Project far away as Carson City. voice communications to civilian and Walkabout. Throughout the entire event military officials up to 80 miles. This program is an annual nine- NVCDTF facilities are utilized as the Additionally the system will be com- week, military-style camp that has grad- tactical operations center for the entire patible with military and commercial uated 67 students during the past two aviation piece of Operation Vigilant satellites and other communication years.

26 Nevada National Guard Biennial Report Turkmenistan, Nevada continue close partnership The bulk of the activity in the Nevada National Guard International Affairs office focuses on its State Partnership Program that links the Nevada National Guard with its partner country, Turkmenistan, for the purpose of supporting the security cooperation objectives of the U.S. Central Command Turkmenistan Combatant Commander. The program’s goals reflect an Population: 4.86 million people evolving international affairs mission for Area: Total 488,100 sq. km. the National Guard using the unique (Slightly larger than California) civil-military nature of the Guard to Border countries: Afghanistan, interact with both active and reserve Iran, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan The Nevada National Guard and the forces of foreign countries. Climate: Subtropical desert Turkmenistan government worked in The partners actively participate in a conjunction on the construction of a Natural resources: Petroleum, major Turkmen border crossing facility host of engagement activities ranging natural gas, coal, sulfur, salt near Iran. The project is set to be com- from bilateral familiarization and train- pleted in November 2006. ing events, exercises, fellowship-style Median age: 22 years internships, and civic leader visits. All Life expectancy: 62 years fire response and agriculture. activities are coordinated through the Ethnic groups: Turkmen 85%, In fiscal year 2006 the Nevada theater combatant commander, the U.S. Uzbek 5%, Russian 4%, National Guard celebrated its 10th Ambassador’s country teams, and other Other 6% anniversary with Turkmenistan and the agencies as appropriate, to ensure Religion: Muslim 89%, Eastern occasion was marked with the first visit National Guard support is tailored to Orthodox 9%, Other 2% by The Adjutant General, Brig. Gen. meet both U.S. and host country objec- Cynthia Kirkland, to Ashgabat, tives. U.S. government policies. This concen- Turkmenistan’s capital city. In early 1993 in order to avoid send- trated focus allows development of long Additionally, the partnership has ing a provocative signal to the Russian term personal relationships and a mech- grown to 15 planned exchanges, advanc- Federation by assigning active duty anism to catalyze support from outside ing most of the 2005 exchanges. Also in troops to staff the military liaison teams the DoD, complementing U.S. (foreign) 2006 the Nevada Guard hosted a in the Baltic nations of Latvia, Estonia policy. Turkmen delegation in conjunction with and Lithuania, the U.S. European The Nevada SPP continues to flour- Patriot East, a large NATO medical Command Combatant Commander ish as the government of Turkmenistan exercise in Volk Field, Wis. chose to staff the liaison teams with demonstrates genuine interest in the Another particularly successful Reserve Component personnel. The partnership. As objectives are satisfied, exchange was a counter-narcotics high- National Guard Bureau counter-pro- minimal additional resources are way interdiction exchange in posed that Guard members do the job required to execute each engagement Turkmenistan where drug search tech- and the SPP was born. The program and National Guard core engagement niques and procedures of the Nevada thus began as a bilateral military-to-mili- competencies, particularly military sup- Highway Patrol were demonstrated. tary contact program to engage the port to civil authority are heavily incor- Nevada National Guard’s SPP pro- countries of central and eastern Europe porated with Turkmenistan’s Ministry of gram is also the project lead in building and is a direct outgrowth of the U.S. Defense. several security checkpoints along high- European Command’s Joint Contact In fiscal year 2005 there were nine ways crossing into Turkmenistan from Team Program. planned information exchanges with Iran and Afghanistan. The ribbon cut- The value of Nevada’s SPP is its Turkmenistan covering topics including ting ceremony for completion of the ability to focus its attention on a single counter-narcotics, search and rescue, first checkpoint bordering Iran is country, Turkmenistan, in support of hazardous materials, counter-terrorism, planned for November 2006.

www.nevadaguard.com 27 National Guard Programs Civil Support Team personnel, equipment in place One of the main differences The CST also frequently rolled out between Department of Defense mili- on internal exercises to practice tary entities and the National Guard is responding to a CBRNE incident. the Guard’s commitment to the state in In the fall of 2005, the CST sent which it resides. One way the Nevada personnel and equipment to Louisiana National Guard supports and protects and Texas in response to Hurricanes its local communities is through the Katrina and Rita. In Texas, the team 92nd Civil Support Team (CST) for established a communications site for Weapons of Mass Destruction. the Texas National Guard. In Louisiana, The unit is capable of supporting CST personnel searched for and identi- civil authorities at domestic chemical, fied thousands of unmarked containers biological, radiological, or nuclear or to ensure hazardous containers were explosive (CBRNE) sites by identifying properly marked and mitigated. possible chemical, biological, radiologi- The National Guard's cal or nuclear agents or substances, Standardization Evaluation and assessing current and projected conse- Assessment Team visited in February quences, advising on response measures, 2006 to evaluate the CST. and assisting with appropriate requests Throughout the last two years, the for additional support. Capt. Greg Venvertloh of the Civil CST took every opportunity offered to The CST is federally funded, Support Team analyzes a chemical sam- work with first responders, the Clark ple in the unit’s portable laboratory dur- equipped, and trained but falls under the ing an excercise in Sparks in 2005. County Health Department, and the command and control of the state gov- FBI. ernor. The team is based in Las Vegas new facility, and receiving and making In November 2005, the CST partic- and consists of 22 highly skilled, full- mission ready all new equipment. ipated in the Noble Responder Exercise time Army and Air National In April 2005, the CST traveled to in Sparks. This was the first opportunity Guardsmen. Ft. Leonard Wood, Missouri for initial the CST had to work in northern The unit is broken down into six collective lanes training. Nevada and was a fruitful experience. smaller sections: command, operations, The initial training was a resounding One of the most common CST mis- communications, administration and success as evidenced when the evalua- sions is to cover Department of logistics, medical and survey. tors from the 5th U.S. Army stated the Defense designated special security The CST is trained and equipped to unit was already performing better than events. For New Year’s 2006, the CST provide technical capability to “reach many of the existing certified teams. partnered closely with Las Vegas Metro back” to other experts who can assist The CST’s first year culminated with to help ensure the public’s safety. the incident commander. an external evaluation in August 2005 at During the Miss America Pageant in The team can also rapidly deploy to the UNLV Thomas and Mack Center. January 2006 and the Busch and Nextel a suspected or actual terrorist attack, The CST passed all areas evaluated and NASCAR races in March 2006, the team conduct reconnaissance to determine completed the last of its certification operated jointly with LV Metro, Clark the effects of the attack, provide situa- requirements. The CST readiness level County Fire, Bureau of Alcohol, tional understanding, technical consulta- was upgraded to the highest category in Tobacco and Firearms, and the FBI to tion to local authorities on the effects of September 2005 and remains there to ensure the public’s safety. the attack to help minimize impact, and date. In August 2006, the CST deployed facilitate follow-on additional military The unit has also completed more to Hawaii to participate in a Defense support through civilian requests for than 15,000 hours of individual training, Threat Reduction Agency improvised assistance. in addition to their military professional nuclear device exercise. Standing up in 2004, the CST spent development schools, from the National In September 2006, the 92nd Civil the first year hiring all personnel, con- Fire Academy, the Defense Nuclear Support Team participated in another ducting 800-1,200 hours of individual Weapons School, FEMA, and the major reinforcing exercise in Los training, acquiring and moving into a Department of Energy. Angeles and San Diego.

28 Nevada National Guard Biennial Report Family Programs Office offers support network The Nevada National Guard deployed units. The centers are available Family Programs Office promotes fami- to all military members. More than 3,000 ly readiness though improved communi- military members and their families cation, education and the establishment make contact with the centers each of a mutual support network between month. military and family members. Knowing a strong Guard family All National Guard units in Nevada includes every member, the Family have an established family support net- Programs Office sponsors a youth pro- work and as deployments across the gram for children. The Family Programs globe crop up, the office is always pre- office recently established a partnership pared to help. with 4-H of Nevada and the Boys and The office is managed by one full- Girls Club of Nevada. Last year, youth time technician and one full-time Air programs hosted a Safe Halloween Guard Wing Coordinator. In addition, Photo by Staff Sgt. Frank Marquez Night, Easter Egg Hunt and Discover the Nevada National Guard currently Campers at the Purple Camp hosted by Youth Adventures camp. employs nine contractors in the Family the Family Programs Office enjoyed The camp is a week-long event activities such as equestrian rides. Programs office including a deployment offering leadership skills, kayaking, skits youth specialist as well as Army and Air additional military educational informa- and environmental studies in the Sierra Guard volunteers. tion. Nevada Mountains. More than 3,000 Focused on the development of Nevada currently has two Family Guard family members have participat- family support groups, the staff initiated Education Resource Centers equipped ed in Family Programs activities during a unit visitation schedule to promote the with Defense Enrollment Eligibility the past two years. program and to encourage family partic- Reporting enrollment and identification In addition, the Family Programs ipation in the support groups. The goal card abilities. The centers are staffed by Office hosts readiness training, pre- is to improve readiness in regard to fam- contractors trained to provide essential deployment briefings and volunteer ily care plans, identification cards, enroll- services and referral assistance to sol- training. The office also sponsors social ment in the Real-Time Automated diers, families, family readiness groups, trips and a Retiree Appreciation Day Personnel Identification System and retirees and rear detachments of each October. Project ChalleNGe aims for educational success Administered, operated and partially funded by the courses. The key core curriculum of the program allows many National Guard, Nevada is one of 27 states participating in participants to earn their General Education Development Project ChalleNGe, a residential program that provides co-ed diploma and learn job skills that lead to a career. Course top- participants ages 16-18 educational and social skills needed for ics include life-coping skills, educational excellence, job skills future success and employment potential. The program, pri- training, responsible citizenship, leadership, health and marily for at-risk youth in danger of failing to complete thier hygiene, community service and physical fitness. Weekends are secondary education, includes a five-month long residential devoted to field trips and community service projects. phase conducted in a military atmosphere followed by one Students wear a uniform during the course and adhere to rigid year of post-residential mentoring. In recent years, Nevada codes of conduct, standards of appearance and program reg- participants have attended Project ChalleNGe along with ulations. Arizona students at the Arizona Project ChalleNGe site locat- About 30 Nevada students graduated from the program ed in Queen Creek, Ariz. during 2005 and 2006, bringing the total number of Nevada There is a minimal, nominal cost to the student and no students who have graduated from the program since its military obligation to students who enroll in the program. inception in 1993 to about 200. Students enrolled in the program follow a rigorous and About 78 percent of these graduates have earned their challenging daily schedule that begins at 5 a.m. and includes GEDs and about half have either gone on to college or enlist- physical training, academic work and personal development ed into the military.

www.nevadaguard.com 29 National Guard Programs Nevada employers receive national recognition The National Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) is a program designed to advise Guard and Reserve members and their civilian employers about their rights and obligations under the Uniform Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act. The Nevada committee is made up of volunteers from throughout the state, including businessmen and women, retirees and active Guard and Reserve members, and one full- time employee in Carson City. Promoting public and private understanding of the Guard and Reserve, the Nevada ESGR committee receives requests for information and assistance from both Guard/Reservists and their employers. The committee also encourages Guard and Reserve members to request Department of Defense certificates of appreciation to recognize the members’ employers as patriots. Photo by Richard Johnston/Office of the Governor A variety of awards are presented each year by the state Gov. Kenny Guinn signed Nevada’s ESGR Five-Star Statement of Support in Carson City on Sept. 27, 2006, in committee recognizing the state’s top employers. Chosen Carson City. On hand for the historic signing were (left to from employers nominated by their military employee, several right): Maria Zaldivar-Vaught, Nevada ESGR Executive are selected for recognition with the “State Chairman’s Director, Brig. Gen. Cynthia Kirkland, Guinn, John Runner II, Award.” ESGR Program Support Manager and Dr. Dixie Sue Allsbrook, ESGR State Chairwoman. The employer selected as the top employer in the state who went above and beyond the requirements established by and in fact Nevada walked away with two awards. law receives the Pro Patria Award, meaning “For The Nation” In addition to receiving the 2005 Pro Patria award, the Las in Latin. Vegas based MGM Mirage Corporation was one of two National recognition of select employers who support Nevada companies who received the 2006 Secretary of their Guard and Reserve employees are annually presented Defense Freedom Award. The Northern Nevada municipality The Secretary of Defense Freedom Award, the most presti- Sun Valley General Improvement District is the other Nevada gious award in the nation and limited to 15 recipients. 2006 employer that received the award September 21, 2006, in marked the first time a Nevada employer received the award Washington, D.C. Honor Guard events, operations at all-time high The Nevada National Guard Honor The 16-member team performed more than Guard remains one of the busiest sections of 100 events during the biennium, presenting the organization. The Army Honor Guard the national and state colors at funerals, natu- closed 2006 with an all-time high of 566 ralization ceremonies, athletic events, confer- funeral missions performed statewide. That ences and festivals throughout northern number was 222 more than the 344 funeral Nevada. services the honor guard participated in dur- It is estimated the Nevada State Army ing 2005. Honor Guard will participate in over 670 Five-hundred and fifteen funeral missions funeral missions statewide in 2007. were conducted in the southern region and 51 In addition to the funeral missions, the funeral missions were conducted in the north- Nevada State Honor Guard also participated ern region. In total, the Nevada State Army in 74 color guard missions statewide. Honor Guard participated in 640 ceremonies This was a slight decrease in numbers during fiscal year 2006. compared to the previous two years as the Sgt. Ari Morales folds the The Nevada Air Guard’s honor guard was color guard focused more of its resources on U.S, flag at the funeral of just as busy during the last two fiscal years. military funeral honors. state senator Jake Jacobsen.

30 Nevada National Guard Biennial Report Recruiting bonuses lead to improved totals Although national stories in the 506 enlistments in 2005, giving it more media have portrayed the military having than 100 percent of its authorized a difficult time meeting recruiting goals, strength. the Nevada National Guard has a Those positive numbers continued robust, successful recruiting program through 2006 and the Army Guard is that consistently meets and exceeds now at 108 percent of its authorized nationally- and locally-set goals for strength. recruiting and retention of Battle Born The Nevada Air Guard enlisted 128 soldiers and airmen. new members and met 100 percent of To retain and attract high-quality air- its goal for 2005 and it enlisted 118 new men and soldiers, the Army and Air members in 2006 and was at 118 percent National Guard often offer federally- of its goal at the conclusion of the fiscal funded cash bonuses for new enlistees year. The Nevada Air Guard ended fiscal and troops re-enlisting in critically- Elko Mayor Mike Franzoia hops onto the year 2005 at 96 percent of its manning recruiting Climbing Wall during the Elko manned career fields. The bonuses are Armory open house in November 2005. goal and that number rose to 104 per- open to troops who enlist or reenlist for cent by the end of 2006. the maximum extension or enlistment $7,000 bonus for a three year contract. The Nevada Air Guard Recruiting period and meet other criteria. In the Nevada Army National and Retention Team also opened up Additionally, with combat opera- Guard, 157 initial enlistees earned $1.91 their first off-base office in Reno. The tions ongoing, the demand for some million in bonuses and 85 re-enlistees office made it easier for recruits to meet career fields has increased exponentially. received $1.2 million during fiscal year with and talk to an Air Guard recruiter In many cases a new soldier can receive 2005. In 2006, $4.4 million was split with out having to go through the secu- up to a $20,000 enlistment bonus in the among 286 initial enlistees in the Army rity measures required for on base Army Guard; the Air Guard increased Guard and 127 reenlisting soldiers have access. The Nevada Air Guard distrib- the enlistment/re-enlistment bonus to received $1.7 million. uted $300,000 in incentives and student $15,000 for a six year contract and a The Nevada Army Guard recorded loan repayment assistance in 2005. Education services office promotes lifelong learning The Office of the Adjutant General manages several edu- and Army Guard members who enlisted for six years more cational benefits and services for members of the Nevada than $3,500 each year for college course work, industrial National Guard. The Guard’s education services offices also apprenticeships, advanced flight training and/or correspon- assist members with career guidance and education counsel- ding study programs. Hundreds of Nevada National Guard ing, free college entry exams, college course credit exams, members take advantage of the GI Bill each month. graduate level exams, free national certification tests and free The GI Bill Kicker program boosted the monthly GI Bill CLEP tests for military spouses. payments by up to as much as $350 for eligible Guard mem- In October 2005, the state legislature signed into law a 100 bers based on the priority of the member’s unit or the demand percent tuition waiver program for eligible Guard members. of the member’s military occupational specialty. During the 2004-2005 terms (including a trial portion before The Department of Veterans Affairs Administration the bill became law) the program served more than 600 Guard added a new Mobilization GI Bill for Soldiers and Airman members. who have been deployed or called to active duty. A Reserve Over the four-semester biennial dozens of Guard mem- member who serves on active duty and has been called up for bers have obtained associate, bachelor's and master's degrees. deployment on or after September 11, 2001 for at least a 90 According to Nevada National Guard recruiting officials, day contingency/deployment is eligible. The new program is about 85 percent of recruits and interstate transfers consider known as Reserve Educational Assistance Program. federal and state tuition assistance programs a major influence Additionally, the Nevada Air Guard base is a satellite site in their decision to either join or remain in the National for the Community College of the Air Force, an associate- Guard. level degree program offering university transferable credits to During fiscal years 2005 and 2006, the GI Bill offered Air all undergraduate airmen.

www.nevadaguard.com 31 Air Guard pay and allowances near $50 million The Air National Guard Directorate administers the per- Air Guard in 2006. Expenses in 2006 were up nearly $14 mil- sonnel, facilities, training and equipment budgets for the Air lion from 2005; much of that increase can be attributed to the National Guard. It maintains an aircraft and equipment inven- support of the Global War on Terrorism. tory valued at more than $33 billion. The Air and Army Hundreds of High Rollers have been mobilized and National Guard combined receive about 4.4 percent of the whether the airmen deploy internationally or domestically to national-defense $401.7 billion budget. The 2005 budget for sustain an increased operations tempo, the deployments result the entire Air National Guard was $7.1 billion and it increased in cost increases for the Air Guard. Some costs are borne by to $7.2 billion in 2006. Of that amount, about $2.55 billion the state, specifically custodial and utilities, but most are went to personnel accounts (including monies for military pay absorbed by federal entities. Other factors included a nearly $6 and training). million increase in property maintenance, security and utilities Of that national budget, $73.8 million went to the Nevada and a $2 million increase in fuel costs.

32 Nevada National Guard Biennial Report Nevada Army Guard outlays exceed $66 million The Army National Guard Directorate operates in a sim- Expenses in 2006 were up about $3 million from 2005; ilar manner to the Air Guard Directorate and administers the much of that increase is attributed to a nearly $5 million personnel, facilities, training and equipment budgets for the increase in pay and allowances for Army Guard soldiers. This Army National Guard. The Air and Army National Guard increase in pay expenditure can be attributed primarily to the combined receive about 4.4 percent of the national-defense numerical growth of soldiers in the Nevada Army Guard. $401.7 billion budget. The 2005 budget for the entire Army These pay expenditures are commensurate with the overall National Guard was $10.6 billion and it increased to $11.2 bil- growth in numbers of Battle Born soldiers. lion in 2006. Of that amount, about $5.9 billion went to per- Nevada Army Guard recruiting had a banner year in 2006. sonnel accounts (including monies for military pay and train- The state received authorization to increase the overall end- ing) in 2006. The operations and maintenance budget for the strength of the entire organization each of the last two fiscal Army National Guard was $4.51 billion in 2006. years. New units and more soldiers in the state likely means Out of the national budget in 2006, $66.6 million went to more resources will be at the governor’s disposal and a result the Nevada Army Guard in 2006. may be an increased federally-funded budget.

www.nevadaguard.com 33 Economic Impact

Economic influx tops $270 million Numbers reflecting total military pay and expenditures reveal that the Nevada National Guard provided the Silver State more than $270 million in dollar influx over the past two years. The economic impact information on this page reflects the Nevada Office of the Military’s actual expenditures (both state and federal) in each of Nevada’s counties with a National Guard presence. Influx estimates are based on the percentage of total National Guard airmen and soldiers drilling in each respective county. The following is a short overview on the type of military pay drawn by the airmen and soldiers in the Nevada National Guard: Traditional National Guard Pay - Traditional Army and Air Guard training usually entails one weekend per month and 15 days per year. One weekend tour of drills represents a total of four drills. In addition to these minimum requirements, traditional airmen and soldiers frequently participate in positions are funded by the deployments with which their The federal government additional training days in a Departments of the Army unit is tasked. funds all of their pay and pay status and sometimes in a and Air Force and are allocat- Active Guard and allowances. These soldiers volunteer status. The ed by the National Guard Reserve Pay -Army and Air and airmen work an 80-hour National Guard Bureau fed- Bureau. Guard members who per- pay period and also partici- erally funds all of these days. Technicians work an 80- form and receive orders for pate in all weekend and annu- Technician Pay - Full- hour pay period (every two full-time National Guard al training, in addition to time military technicians of weeks) and also participate in duty in excess of 179 consec- deployments. Complete pay the Air and Army National weekend and annual training, utive days are called Active tables can be viewed at Guard receive this pay. These in addition to the many Guard and Reserve members. www.militaryalmanac.com.

34 Nevada National Guard Biennial Report Construction and Environmental Reports New facilities for both Air,

Army Guard The Nevada National Guard continues to update and modernize its facilities. Over the past several years, new construction and refurbished buildings allowed the Nevada Guard to streamline and grow into a better, more efficient force. New construction at the Air Guard base in Reno has rerouted roads, revamped buildings more than 50 years old and allowed airmen to communicate across the globe quickly, securely and effectively. On the Army Guard side, a brand units to one of the fastest growing met- upgrades and new construction are 100 new readiness center is set to open in the ropolitan cities in the country. percent federally funded. spring of 2007 in southwest Las Vegas. The improved and increased num- The new readiness center in south- The new facility will help alleviate bers of facilities proves to be a bargain ern Nevada is a 75 percent/25 percent encroachment issues at the Henderson for Nevadans. All of the Air Guard’s split with the federal government pick- Armory and allow Nevada to bring new and many of the Army Guard’s ing up the majority of the tab. Environmental offices progress on several fronts Three areas of environmental importance have influenced Readiness Center, located off Blue Diamond Road and the the focus of the Army environmental program during 2005 continuing development at the Floyd Edsall Training Center and 2006. resulted in high profile projects. The new Readiness Center is In the north, the continuing efforts at the Swan Lake scheduled for substantial completion in the spring of 2007. Nature Study Area adjacent to the Stead Training Site have Prior to approvals from various agencies, surveys for haz- seen improvement in controlling invasive plants on Guard ardous materials, threatened and endangered species and an property. The program of mowing, spraying, and seeding Environmental Assessment were completed. A 5,000-gallon resulted in the recovery of about four acres of native grass out water truck was also obtained and greatly improves dust con- of a 24 acre Whitetop infestation. Future plans on adjacent trol when ever construction or vehicle activity disturbs native County land calls for the use of goats for weed abatement in soil. wet areas where equipment and spraying is not feasible. An External Environmental Safety Occupational Health Washoe County Parks and Recreation Department has extend- Compliance Assessment Management Program was conducted the wetland boardwalk several hundred yards into the heart ed in April 2006. The Nevada Air Guard base did well with of the Swan Lake bird viewing area. several positive findings. The Air Guard continues to work The Audubon Society designation of Swan Lake as an towards closure of Environmental Restoration Program sites Important Bird Area in 2006 recognized the areas unique fea- in partnership with the Nevada Division of Environmental tures as a high desert wetlands with over 130 species of Protection. Waste minimization and pollution prevention migrating birds. The wet 2005 and 2006 winters resulted in the efforts continue to show exceptional results with overall waste expansion of free standing water from less than 200 acres to generation numbers reduced by 25 percent compared to past about 800 acres in the spring of 2006. base activities. (Complete environmental report available In southern Nevada, development of the new Las Vegas upon request.)

www.nevadaguard.com 35 Nevada National Guard History

All of the photos in this section were taken during Winnemucca Company F, 116th Engineers’ annual training at Camp Merriman near San Luis Obispo, Calif., in 1936. The photos were discovered in the Winnemucca Armory in a scrapbook and forwarded to the Nevada State Historical Records Board and displayed during Nevada Archives Week 2006. Casualties marked sad chapter in Guard history The history of the Nevada National Guard within the ry, the entire Nevada National Guard consisted of two poor- state continues to be a popular topic. In fact, the history of ly equipped Virginia City companies. These units were con- the Nevada National Guard was predominantly featured by sidered social organizations suited only for parades and other the Nevada State Library and Archives during Nevada ceremonies. Archives Week 2006. “Homeland Security 1936” was the In 1906, the Nevada National Guard suffered the humili- theme of archives week and photos from Army Guard train- ation of being disbanded after federal inspections revealed ing in 1936 comprised the bulk of the featured historical arti- the state’s guard fell far short of federal requirements. For cles. the next 20 years, Nevada was the only state in the Union Unfortunately, 2005 will be remembered as a sad chapter without a guard. In lieu of National Guard troops, President in Nevada National Guard history as Theodore Roosevelt was forced to send active-duty troops to the organization suffered its first three Goldfield in 1907 to quell a labor disturbance. Army combat deaths since World War Even without an effective II with the loss of Spc. Anthony guard, though, Nevadans Cometa, Sgt. Patrick Stewart and responded enthusiastically to Chief Warrant Officer John Flynn. calls for troops during the con- According to the Nevada State flicts of the era. During the Library and Archives department, Spanish-American War, Nevada the previous killed-in-action death raised companies A through F of experienced by the Nevada Army the 1st Battalion, Nevada Infantry National Guard was Sept. 21, Volunteers, and Troops A and M 1944, when Corp. Fitch Rowely lost his of the Nevada Volunteer Cavalry. life while fighting on the ground in Holland. He was a sol- Troop M, also known as “Torrey’s dier in the airborne infantry and had fought at Normandy. Rough Riders,” mustered out of Nine Nevada Guardsmen were killed during World War II. Florida on Oct. 24, 1898. Troop A mustered out of San Lt. Frank Salazar of the Nevada Air Guard was shot down in Francisco on Nov. 6, 1898, and arrived in Manila, combat over Korea on Dec. 31, 1952. Philippines, on Dec. 6, 1898, and returned from duty in 1899 The Nevada National Guard can trace its history back to after being stationed at Cavite and seeing action against the 1861. After the Comstock Lode’s heyday, Nevada’s popula- Spanish Army. tion declined, making it difficult for the National Guard to From 1912-1914, several communities attempted to raise and maintain local companies. At the turn of the centu- organize guard units through popular subscription, beginning

36 Nevada National Guard Biennial Report with Lovelock and followed by Reno, Fallon, and was converted, reorganized, and redesignated as the 3d Winnemucca. In 1914, the Nevada National Guard was reor- Squadron, 116th Armored Cavalry Regiment. For the first ganized; however, once again the legislature did not appropri- time since 1889, a cavalry unit returned to Nevada. The 3d ate funds. As a result, the units were never inspected for fed- Squadron consisted of a headquarters in Reno, with units in eral recognition and were never formally inducted into the Elko, Winnemucca, Yerington, Hawthorne, Las Vegas and service of either the state or the nation. Henderson. The 72nd Military Police Company was also Through the efforts of Governor Fred Balzar, the formed with units in Ely and Fallon. Nevada National Guard was finally reformed with the mus- During 1968-69, the Nevada Air Guard – then flying tering of the 40th Military Police Company at Reno, a part of RF-101 Voodoo aircraft – was activated during the Pueblo the 40th National Guard Division, in 1928. Crisis following North Korea’s seizure of the USS Pueblo. As during World War I, Nevadans enlisted and were con- During the crisis, Nevada airmen served in Korea, Japan, scripted into the military during World War II. However, in Vietnam, Thailand, the Philippines and 18 bases within the World War II, some soldiers were able to serve in the state’s United States. guard. Many Nevadans served with the 121st Separate Although a major operation conducted by the Army dur- Battalion of Coast (AA) Artillery. The battalion was ordered ing Vietnam was designated “Nevada Eagle” and resulted in into federal service on June 23, 1941, and was sent to Camp 59 enemy casualties, no Nevada Hahn, Calif., for training, where it lost its Nevada Army Guard units were National Guard organizational identity. deployed to Vietnam. Nevada The battalion was then did lose 143 of its active-com- assigned to the West Coast ponent soldiers, airmen and Defense System and provided sailors during the Vietnam anti-aircraft defense for Los War. Angeles. Some of the battalion’s The Nevada Air Guard components saw action in the served in Bahrain during Pacific Theater in the Ryukyus Operation Desert Campaign. Storm/Desert Shield dur- Following World War II, the ing 1990-91 and flew more National Guard was not reorgan- than 350 combat missions in ized until all National Guard units in the RF-4C Phantom II. The RF-4C aircraft the United States were released from assigned to the state were the last dedicated tactical recon- active federal service on Feb. 6, 1946. naissance aircraft in the Air Force inventory when they were The reorganization of the Nevada National Guard com- retired on Sept. 27, 1995. menced on July 1, 1946, with Nevada receiving an offer of a The Army Guard’s 72nd Military Police Company also state headquarters, headquarters detachment, an Armored deployed to Operations Desert Shield and Storm to perform Cavalry Reconnaissance Squadron and an army band unit. prisoner of war operations. However, reminiscent of troubles earlier in the century, the Since 1995, the Nevada Air National Guard has flown C- 1947 state legislature failed to appropriate the necessary 130H Hercules transport aircraft. The C-130 is an all-weath- funds to support the state’s designated national guard units. er, four-engine turbo-prop aircraft that allows Nevada’s Finally, on Nov. 13, 1947, the citizens of Winnemucca 152nd Airlift Wing to carry out its primary wartime mission donated the necessary funds to begin recruiting members to of providing rapid airlift deliveries of cargo and troops. form and man the National Guard. There was a favorable Today, the Nevada National Guard has more than 3,500 response to enlistment efforts and the guard grew rapidly. airmen and soldiers in its ranks. The Army Guard includes The Nevada National Guard expanded with the creation five battalions and the Air Guard entails one flying wing, an of the Nevada Air National Guard following the National intelligence squadron and detachment. Security Act of 1947. The Nevada Air National Guard was Since Sept. 11, 2001, the Nevada National Guard has based out of the Reno Air Force Base (Stead) and it original- been among the top five states in percentages of airmen and ly flew P-51D Mustang fighters. The unit was activated dur- soldiers deployed in support of the global War on Terrorism ing the Korean conflict from March 1951 through December and Operation Iraqi Freedom. During the past five years, the 1952. Nevada National Guard has deployed soldiers and airmen to On Dec. 15, 1967, the Nevada Army National Guard countries including Iraq, Kuwait, and Afghanistan.

www.nevadaguard.com 37 The Adjutant General

Brigadier General Cynthia Kirkland The Adjutant General Brig. Gen. Cynthia Kirkland became The Adjutant General for the State of Nevada on June 11, 2005, following the retirement of Maj. Gen. Giles Vanderhoof. As adjutant general, Kirkland is the military chief of staff to the governor and is responsible for both the federal and state missions of the Nevada National Guard. She now commands more than 3,500 members of the Nevada Air and Army National Guard. Kirkland was born in California in Brig. Gen. Cynthia Kirkland discusses the training at Fort Irwin, Calif., with 1st. Lt. Christian Wilson at Tiefort City, one of the mock insurgent cities used for training 1953 and graduated from high school in soldiers for a variety of scenarios before their deployment to a combat theater. 1972. After serving an active duty enlistment in the Navy from 1973-1977, she tion as the 152nd Communications In her previous position as standing moved to Reno and subsequently Flight commander. In 1995, she was Joint Force Headquarters chief of staff, received a bachelor’s degree from the assigned as the State Public Affairs Kirkland was the principle management University of Nevada, Reno. Officer for the State of Nevada. liaison between the National Guard She enlisted in the Nevada Air In 2000, she was selected by Bureau and the Nevada Adjutant National Guard in 1982 and was Vanderhoof to serve as the Air Guard General and all assigned Nevada assigned to the 192nd Reconnaissance Chief of Staff. She served in that posi- National Guard components and units. Squadron as an airfield management tion until October 2003, when she was Directed by the National Guard Bureau, technician. She was commisioned as a selected to fill the position as the Joint she oversaw and ensured the implemen- 2nd. Lt. in 1986 and became a full-time Chief of Staff for the newly organized tation of the Nevada Guard Joint Force technician in December 1988 after selec- Joint Headquarters. Headquarters structure in 2003.

Adjutants General of Nevada Col. Louis Cabrera General H.P. Russell 1862-1864 Brigadier General John Cradlebaugh 1865-1867 United States Property C.N. Notware, Secretary of State 1867-1870 James D. Minor, Secretary of State 1871-1874 and Fiscal Officer Brigadier General Jewett William Adams 1875-1883 Brigadier General Charles E. Laughton 1883-1886 Col. Louis Cabrera has been the United Henry C. Davis, Lieutenant Governor 1887-1889 States Property and Fiscal Officer for Samuel Chubbucks, Lieutenant Governor 1889 Nevada since Sept. 1998. As the USPFO for Frank Bell, Lieutenant Governor 1889-1890 Nevada, he is accountable and responsible Brigadier General Charles Henry Galusha 1890 General Joseph Poujade 1891-1895 for all federal resources in the possession of Brigadier General Charles Henry Galusha 1895-1898 Col. Louis Cabrera, seen here at the the National Guard within the state. Brigadier General George W. Cowing 1898 reopening ceremony of the Elko Armory An armor officer, Cabrera received his Brigadier General James R. Judge 1898-1903 in 2005, has been Nevada’s USPFO offi- commission after completing Officer Lineal Allen, Lieutenant Governor 1903-1906 cer since 1998. Candidate School at the Nevada Military Denver S. Dickerson, Lt. Governor 1907-1911 Academy in 1972. Since then, he has served Brigadier General Gilbert C. Ross 1911-1915 in a variety of positions including platoon Brigadier General Maurice J. Sullivan 1915-1926 United States Property Brigadier General Jay H. White 1927-1947 leader, company commander, and chief of Brigadier General Marlowe M. Merrick 1947 and Fiscal Officers staff. Major General James A. May 1947-1967 Lieutenant Michael E. Norton, ARNG 1946-1953 Cabrera graduated from Woodrow Major General Addison A. Millard 1967 Colonel Earl A. Edmonds, ANG 1953-1975 Wilson High School in Los Angeles in 1968 Major General Floyd L. Edsall 1967-1979 Colonel Willis L. Garreston, ARNG 1975-1985 and he subsequently graduated from the Major General William F. Engel 1979-1983 Colonel Charles W. Fulkerson, ARNG 1985-1991 University of Nevada, Reno, with a bachelor Colonel Giles E. Vanderhoof, ANG 1991-1995 Brigadier General Robert J. Dwyer 1983-1986 of science degree in 1981 and a master’s of Major General Drennan A. Clark 1986-2000 Colonel Robert J. Hayes, ARNG 1995-1998 Major General Giles Vanderhoof 2000-2005 Colonel Louis A. Cabrera, ARNG 1998- business administration degree in 1992.

38 Nevada National Guard 2006 Biennial Report Joint Force Leadership

Brigadier General Joint Staff consolidation Robert Fitch improves responsiveness In 2002 the National Guard nationwide Joint Staff Director began consolidating into 54 Joint Force Headquarters, one for each U.S. state, ter- Brig. Gen. Robert Fitch became the ritory and the District of Columbia. The con- Nevada National Guard’s Director of solidation was implemented to ensure the the Joint Staff in June 2005. In his posi- National Guard is more responsive to the wide-ranging missions within the states and tion, Fitch is the principle management with the goal of allowing headquarters per- liaison between the Adjutant General sonnel to provide services, administrations and all assigned Nevada National Guard and command to multi-service forces. components and units. In Nevada, the consolidation has allowed a higher degree of cooperation Fitch was born in Boise, Idaho in among the Nevada Army and Air Guard, as 1950 and graduated from Reno High well as other military services. The head- School in 1968. He enlisted in the quarters is broken down into eight functional areas, augmented by a command and spe- Nevada Air National Guard in 1969 and cial staff. became a commissioned officer in 1982. The J-1 Personnel section is involved in all aspects of manpower management for Fitch graduated from the University of Brig. Gen. Robert Fitch, Director of the the approximately 650 full-time National Nevada, Reno, with a bachelor’s degree Joint Staff, oversees the eight functional Guard staff. in Business Administration with an areas of the Nevada National Guard’s The J-2 Intelligence section is the empahsis in accounting in 1974. His mil- joint staff including intelligence, office that advises the adjutant general on itary education includes the completion operations, logistics and training. all intelligence functions including foreign of Squadron Officer School (1991), Air country in the National Guard’s State intelligence, intelligence policy, programs and special security operations. Command and Staff College (1996) and Partnership Program (see Page 27). The J-3 Operations section provides Air War College (2002). His involvement helped pave the the capability to exercise command and One of the highlights of his early way for the partnership that Nevada control over all assigned, attached, or oper- career came when Fitch was selected to enjoys today. Another highlight occurred ationally aligned forces responsible for homeland defense within Nevada, and sup- represent the Nevada National Guard when he was awarded the Meritorious port civil authority with capabilities and and Nevada in the initial consultations Service Medal for his service during forces for homeland security and domestic talks with Turkmenistan, Nevada’s sister Operations Desert Shield/Storm. emergencies. The J-4 Logistics directorate is com- posed of the surface maintenance, logistics Joint Force Headquarters Staff management and facilities management branches. The Adjutant General Director of Communications, J-6 The J-5 Strategic Plans section over- and Joint Force Commander Lt. Col. Peter Menicucci sees future plans and policies for the joint Brig. Gen. Cynthia Kirkland force headquarters. The section is responsi- Director of Doctrine, ble for strategic planning for current and Director of the Joint Staff Training and Exercises, J-7 future military strategies, developing joint Brig. Gen. Robert Fitch Col. Michael Carlson integration plans, and action plans. The J-6 Communications section pro- Director of Personnel, J-1 Director of Resources, J-8 vides day-to-day communications including telephone, Internet, communication securi- Col. David Cantrell Col. Terry Sullivan ty, teleconferencing, data processing, distance learning and mail services. Director of Intelligence, J-2 Judge Advocate General The J-7 Doctrine, Training and Col. Frank Landes Lt. Col. Richard Blower Exercises section encompasses training, unit readiness and mobilization. The section Director of Operations, J-3 State Chaplain is responsible for monitoring unit training Col. Craig Wroblewski Lt. Col. William Rohrer plans to meet both wartime and domestic mission requirements. Director of Logistics, J-4 State Counterdrug Officer The J-8 Resource section is in charge Col. Alan Butson Lt. Col. Kim LaBrie of resource management. It provides resource planning, capabilities-based analy- Director of Strategic Plans, J-5 State Public Affairs Officer sis, and overall program requirements and Col. Robert Webb Capt. April Conway validation.

www.nevadaguard.com 39 Air Guard Leadership

Brigadier General Command Chief Master Michael Gullihur Sergeant John Ternau Assistant Adjutant General, State Command Chief Commander, Air Guard In May 2005, Chief Master Sgt. John Brig. Gen. Michael D. Gullihur is the Ternau was selected as the seventh commander of the Nevada Air National Command Chief Master Sgt. in the his- Guard. tory of the Nevada Air National Guard. In his position, Gullihur oversees Ternau enlisted in the Nevada Air and manages the duties and activities of National Guard in the more than 1,100 airmen in the 1969 and was Nevada Air Guard encompassing the assigned to the 152nd Airlift Wing, the 152nd consolidated air- Intelligence Squadron, Detachment 1 in craft maintenance southern Nevada, and Headquarters squadron as an Nevada Air National Guard in Carson aircraft navigation City. systems mechan- Gullihur was born in Reno in 1949. ic. In November Brig. Gen. Michael Gullihur became the He graduated from Earl Wooster High John Ternau commander of the Nevada Air National 1970 he was School and has a Bachelor of Science Guard in June 2006. offered a full-time Degree from Regents College of New position as a Navigation Systems York. Militarily, he has completed both career has included operations in the T- Repairman. Air Command and Staff College and Air 37, T-38, RF-4C, C-12J, C-26 and the C- In 1975 he was selected as the War College. 130 aircraft. He has served as an instruc- Navigation Shop supervisor for the Gullihur enlisted in the Nevada Air tor, evaluator, and maintenance check newly-acquired RF-4C. During the next National Guard in 1967. During his nine flight pilot in all unit-assigned aircraft. 20 years, Ternau was promoted numer- years as an enlisted airman, he attained He is a graduate of the RF-4 Fighter ous times and served as the communica- the rank of technical sergeant. In 1976 Weapons School, the C-130 Advanced tions navigation supervisor, radar super- he was commissioned and in 1977 he Tactical Training course and has accrued visor and sensor supervisor until his attended Undergraduate Pilot Training over 6,100 hours of flight time, includ- command chief selection. He has been at Columbus Air Force Base, Mississippi, ing 25 combat missions during the senior enlisted airman on several and graduated with honors. His flying Operation Desert Storm. deployments to Panama and Italy.

Air Guard Senior Staff 152nd Medical Group Col. Jack Schnurr Chief Master Sgt. Kenneth Gray Commander, Air Guard, and Assistant Adjutant General 152nd Mission Support Group Brig. Gen. Michael Gullihur Col. Gary Turner Chief Master Sgt. David Chin State Command Chief Command Chief Master 152nd Operations Group Sgt. John Ternau Col. Michael Williams Chief Master Sgt. Robin Mocabee Chief of Staff Lt. Col. Jim Cumings Courtesy 152nd Medical Group Detachment 1, Nevada Air National Guard State Air Surgeon Cols. Richard Newbold (left) and Jack Lt. Col. Stephen Sikes Col. Richard Newbold Schnurr oversee medical triage operation in New Orleans in 2005. Senior Master Sgt. Ray McCollum 152nd Airlift Wing 152nd Intelligence Squadron Col. Jonathan Proehl 152nd Maintenance Group Lt. Col. Les Gonzalez Command Chief Master Col. Steve Hanson Chief Master Sgt. Rick Scurry Sgt. Raymond Lake Chief Master Sgt. Alan Delsanto

40 Nevada National Guard 2006 Biennial Report Army Guard Leadership

Brigadier General Command Sgt. Maj. Frank Gonzales Stephen Sitton Assistant Adjutant General, State Command Sgt. Major Commander, Army Guard Command Sgt. Major Stephen A. Brig. Gen. Francis “Frank” P. Sitton became the Command Sergeant Gonzales serves as the commander of Major of the State of Nevada on Jan. 6, the Nevada Army National Guard. In 1997. Prior to his assignment as the State his position, Gonzales oversees and Command Sergeant Major, he was the guides the training and readiness activi- command sergeant major for the 422nd ties for all units assigned to the Nevada Signal Battalion in Reno. Army Guard. Sitton was born in 1955 in Tulare, Gonzales became the commander in Calif. He has an Associate Degree from June 2006. He was previously the deputy Truckee Meadows commander of the Nevada Army Guard Community and the brigade commander for the College in Reno. Battle Born Brigade (Troop Command) His various in Las Vegas from 1996-99. assignments Brig. Gen. Frank Gonzales became the include field He has also served as the battalion Commander of the Nevada Army Guard commander for the 121st Chemical in June 2006. switchboard oper- Battalion in Elko and he was the com- ator, supply ser- mander of the 150th Heavy Equipment responsible for the 2,700 soldiers, air- geant, aviation Maintenance Company in Carson City. men, Marines, and sailors employed maintenance sec- Stephen Sitton In February 2006, Gonzales con- across the combat zone contributing to tion chief, avia- cluded a deployment in Iraq where he the reconstruction of Iraq. tion platoon sergeant, detachment ser- served as the Gulf Region Division In his civilian occupation, Gonzales geant and first sergeant. Project and Contracting Office Chief of is the operations executive for the He was assigned as the command Staff and Security in the International Nevada Power Company in Las Vegas. sergeant major for Headquarters and Zone forward operating base. In his current position, he is responsible Headquarters Company, 1/113th As chief of staff, Gonzales oversaw for the transmission and distribution of Aviation in May 1995. He transferred to contractors working on 3,400 projects the energy that powers the lights of the 422nd Signal Battalion as its com- worth $18.4 billion and he was also Nevada's most-populated city. mand sergeant major in June 1996.

Army Guard Senior Staff Director of Army Logistics Army Dental Officer 422nd Signal Battalion Commander Army Guard, Col. Alan Butson Capt. Joyce Anacker Lt. Col. Peter Meniccucci Assistant Adjutant General Command Sgt. Maj. Brig. Gen. Frank Gonzales Director of Army 991st Troop Command Kelly Cusinelli Information Management Lt. Col. Robert Harington Deputy Commander, Army Lt. Col. Peter Mennicucci Command Sgt. Maj. 1/421st Regional Training Col. Robert Herbert John Hefner Institute State Chaplain Lt. Col. Zachary Doser Lt. Col. William Rohrer 992nd Troop Command State Command Sgt. Major Command Sgt. Maj. Lt. Col. Jeffrey Mark Sgt. Maj. Stephen Sitton Darryl Keithly State Surgeon Command Sgt. Maj. Chief of Staff Lt. Col. Andrew Cameron Greg Cook Joint Force Headquarters, Col. Felix Castagnola State Aviation Officer 1-221st Cavalry Squadron Army Deputy Chief of Staff, Lt. Col. Robert Harington Lt. Col. John Cunningham Maj. Chris Patterson Training and Operations Command Sgt. Maj. 1st Sgt. Mark Rogers Col. Michael Carlson Army Public Affairs Officer Robert Reid Lt. Col. Marcy Gower Chief of Safety Director of Army Medical Detachment Command Sgt. Maj. Personnel Judge Advocate General Lt. Col. Andrew Cameron Harry House Lt. Col. Johnny Isaak Maj. Lawrence Irwin 1st. Sgt. Catherine Summers Sgt. Elexia Casteel

www.nevadaguard.com 41 Primary Nevada Guard Equipment

C-130 Cargo Aircraft The Nevada Air Guard has eight C- 130 Hercules cargo planes in its possession. The C-130 has been the Nevada Air Guard’s primary aircraft since 1995, when the Nevada Air Guard transitioned from RF-4Cs. Using its aft loading ramp and door the C-130 can accommodate a wide variety of oversized cargo, including utility A Nevada Army Guard M1A1 searches helicopters and six-wheeled armored for simulated enemy at Fort Irwin, Calif. vehicles to standard palletized cargo and military personnel. In an aerial delivery M1A1 Abrams Tanks role, it can air drop loads up to 42,000 The Nevada Army Guard maintains pounds or use its high-flotation landing 60 M1A1 tanks at three western loca- gear to land and deliver cargo on rough, tions. About 30 of those tanks remain at dirt strips. Fort Irwin, Calif., for training purposes The flexible design of the Hercules A Nevada Air Guard C-130 cruises over and the remainder of the tanks are at enables it to be configured for many dif- Nevada’s scenic Lake Tahoe. Clark County Armory and the Yerington ferent missions, allowing for one aircraft 130 can be rapidly reconfigured for the Armory. The M1A1 is the backbone of to perform the role of many. Much of various types of cargo such as palletized the armored forces and its purpose is to the special mission equipment added to equipment, floor loaded material, air successfully attack and destroy any the Hercules is removable allowing the drop platforms, container delivery sys- opposing armored fighting vehicle in the aircraft to revert back to its cargo deliv- tem bundles, vehicles and personnel or world while providing protection for its ery role if desired. Additionally, the C- aeromedical evacuation. crew in a combat environment. CH-47, UH-60, OH-58 Helicopters At the conclusion of fiscal year 2006, the Nevada Army Guard was in possession of 16 helicopters. Six were CH-47 Chinooks, six were UH-60 Blackhawks and four were OH-58 A Nevada Army Guard CH-47 Chinook Kiowa observational aircraft. flies at sunset in Afghanistan. CH-47D – Staffed by crews from UH-60A, one UH-60L modified to be a Company D, 113th Aviation, the CH-47 fire-fighting specialized aircraft, and one can operate at night and in nearly all HH-60L that is medical evacuation spe- The 593rd Transportation Company in weather conditions. cific. Elko displays its M915 tractors in 2005. The Chinook can accommodate a OH-58 – The Aviation Support and M915 Truck Tractors wide variety of internal payloads, includ- Security unit has four observational hel- ing vehicles, artillery pieces, up to 44 icopters based in Reno and Las Vegas. The Army Guard’s 593rd and troops, or 24 litters plus two medical The OH-58 comes from a family of 1864th Transportation Companies oper- attendants. The aircraft can carry up to “scout” observation helicopters manu- ate 60 M915A3 truck tractors. The 593rd 26,000 pounds externally, including large factured by Bell Helicopter Textron and usually uses its truck tractors in conjunc- buckets of water used for fire fighting. each can carry four passengers. The tion with its M967A2 5000-gallon fuel UH-60 – Det. 1, 126th Medical OH-58’s primary missions are recon- trailers. The now-deployed 593rd did not Company operates four types of naissance, surveillance, and intelligence take its 60 trucks into the combat the- Blackhawks among its six aircraft. gathering. The aircraft are often used in ater; they remain in Nevada available for The unit has three UH-60Ls, one support of civilian law enforcement. state missions.

42 Nevada National Guard 2006 Biennial Report Nevada National Guard Facilities

Joint Facilities Office of the Adjutant General 2460 Fairview Drive Carson City, NV 89701 775.887.7302 Joint Force Headquarters, 150th Maintenance Co., Nevada Air Guard Headquarters

Air Guard Facilities Nevada Air National Guard 152nd Airlift Wing, 152nd Intelligence Squadron 1776 National Guard Way Reno, NV 89502-4494 775.788.4500

Nevada Air National Guard State Headquarters, NVANG The Ely Armory is one of the most remote armories in the contiguous United 2460 Fairview Drive States, located 188 miles from its nearest neighbor, the Elko Armory, and 320 Carson City, NV 89701 miles from the state headquarters in Carson City. The Ely Armory, built in 1959, is 775.887.7235 located on Mill St. and houses Detachment 1 of the 72nd Military Police Company.

Nevada Air National Guard Detachment 1, NVANG Ely Armory Stead Training Site 4370 N. Washington Blvd. Mill Ave. and Mill St. 4600 Alpha Avenue Nellis AFB, NV 89191 P.O. Box 1028 Reno, NV 89506 702.404.2392 Ely, NV 89301 775.677.5214 702.632.0592 421st Regional Training Institute Det. 1, 72nd Military Police Company Army Guard Facilities United States Property and Fiscal Office Army Aviation Support Facility Fallon Armory 2452 Fairview Drive 20,000 Army Aviation Drive 895 E. Richard Street Carson City, NV 89701 Reno, NV 89506 Fallon, NV 89406 775.887.7802 775.971.6097 775.423.3050 Joint Force Headquarters, D Co., 113th Aviation, Det. 1, Det 1, HHT, 1/221 Cavalry Finance and Contracting, 126th Aviation Medical Co. Army Guard Warehouse Henderson Armory Civil Support Team Facility 151 E. Horizon Ridge Parkway Harry Reid Training Facility 4511 W. Cheyenne Ave. Henderson, NV 89002 (Washoe County Armory) Suite 700 702.567.4580 19980 Army Aviation Drive Las Vegas, NV 89032 1864th Transportation Co., Reno, NV 89506 702.643.4271 72nd Military Police Co., 775.971.6031 777th Team Engineer Utilities Team 991st Troop Command, Floyd Edsel Training Facility 422nd Signal Battalion, (Clark County Armory) OSA C-12 Fixed Wing Facility 593rd Truck Company 6400 N. Range Road 20,000 Army Aviation Drive Las Vegas, NV 89115 Reno, NV 89506 Winnemucca Armory 702.632.0519 775.972.2748 735 W. 4th Street 992nd Troop Command; HHT, B, C and D Det. 45, OSA Winnemucca, NV 89445 Troops, 1/221st Cavalry; 775.625.8280 Det. 1, 421st Regional Training Institute Plumb Lane (Reno) Armory Det 1, 593rd Truck Company 685 E. Plumb Lane Elko Armory Reno, NV 89502 Yerington Armory 1375 13th Street 775.348.5120 14 Joe Parr Way Elko, NV 89801 JFHQ Medical Detachment, Yerington, NV 89447 775.778.3003 Counterdrug Headquarters, 775.463.6201 Det. 2, 593rd Transportation Company Recruiting and Retention Offices A Troop, 1/221st Cavalry

www.nevadaguard.com 43 In Memorium

Spc. Anthony S. Cometa CW4 John M. Flynn Sgt. Patrick Stewart 1864th Transportation Co. Co. D, 113th Aviation Co. Co. D, 113th Aviation Co. One day after his 21st birthday on Chief Warrant Officer John M. Sgt. Patrick D. Stewart, 35, was the June 16, 2005, Spc. Anthony S. Cometa Flynn, 36, became a casualty in the chief flight engineer on Company D’s of the 1864th Transportation Company Global War on Terrorism on Sept. 25, Chinook helicopter that was shot down became the Nevada Army Guard’s first 2005, when the Chinook helicopter he by hostile fire on Sept. 25, 2006, about direct casualty as a result of Operation was piloting was shot down by hostile 180 miles southwest of Kabul, Iraqi Freedom. He died in a vehicle acci- fire about 180 miles southwest of Kabul, Afghanistan. dent while on a Afghanistan. Four Four other soldiers, including fellow mission providing other soldiers also Nevada guards- escort protection died in the attack, man John Flynn, in Iraq about 10 including fellow were killed in the miles north of the Nevada guards- crash. Kuwaiti border. man Sgt. Patrick Stewart was a During his 11 Stewart. Nevada native and months in south- Flynn, a resi- graduated from west Asia, Cometa dent of Sparks, Washoe High in John Flynn had participated Anthony Cometa graduated from 1989. He subse- in 16 missions into Reno High in 1988 and he enlisted the quently enlisted in Patrick Stewart Iraq and he had driven more than 13,000 same year in the Nevada Army Guard. the Army and served abroad during miles in the region. He completed warrant officer school in Operation Desert Storm and in Korea. Cometa was a native of Rochester, 1992 and subsequently became an After completing his active duty N.Y. and had moved to the Las Vegas instructor pilot. He recorded more than stint in 1996, Stewart moved to Ohio area in 1999. He graduated from 1,700 hours of flight time and was a vet- where he owned a construction compa- Silverado High in 2002 and enlisted in eran of numerous domestic deploy- ny with his brother. the Nevada Army Guard in 2003. ments including firefighting missions. He returned to Nevada in 2001 and Cometa was recognized as an Flynn, who was also a civilian con- enlisted in the Nevada Army Guard in accomplished musician and he often col- tractor, was married and had two young 2002. laborated with other soldiers to produce children. Stewart married his wife Roberta on original digital music. His guitar was He attended Summit Christian Nov. 22, 2003, in an outdoor ceremony always in safe hands and it was always Church in Sparks and he enjoyed dirt in the Virginia Highlands. He and properly tuned. biking and water skiing. Roberta resided in Fernley.

2006 Nevada National Guard Biennial Report produced by Nevada Office of the Military Public Affairs Office 2460 Fairview Drive Carson City, Nevada 775.887.7252

State Public Affairs Officer: Capt. April Conway Public Affairs Specialist: Sgt. 1st Class Erick Studenicka Contributors: Capt. Shawn Bromley, 1st. Lt. Derek Imig, Tech. Sgt. Roy Harvey, Master Sgt. Brenda Henry, Rick Linares, Jeff Kintop (Nevada State Archives).

All photos by Conway and Studenicka unless otherwise noted. Additional copies available upon request or view www.nevadaguard.com online.

44 Nevada National Guard 2006 Biennial Report