388th members visit range communities

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Stefanie Torres
  • 388th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
HILL AIR FORCE BASE, Utah --  The 388th Range Squadron recently sponsored an annual trip to three communities that surround the Utah Test and Training Range Oct. 16-18.

The purpose of the "Moses trip" is to visit the communities near UTTR airspace to develop a good working relationship with the public.

Due to the proximity of the range to the communities, they often hear the aircraft flying overhead, may experience lower flying aircraft or catch radio signals from ground controllers who are training around them.

"In the past, through feedback from the people in these communities, we have been able to address and change some concerns," said Mr. Jerry Angus, the 388th RANS airspace manager. "This tour lets them know about the Air Force's new aircraft, missions and area of operations so they understand the importance of the UTTR."

Speaking with the communities about why the aircraft fly also involves speaking about ground controllers that govern their airspace.

"I think when you talk about the UTTR, the first thing that comes to mind are the airplanes, cruise missiles, and weapon tests -- and you just don't think about all the ground based Joint Terminal Attack Controller (JTACs) and Special Operators who come to the UTTR to train," said Capt. Todd Haley, the U.S. Army Ground Liaison Officer with the 388th Fighter Wing.

Those ground-based military personnel may come face-to-face with people in the communities on the western edge of the UTTR due to proximity of training.

"The UTTR is used to train the Army, Marines, and Special Forces' ground-based assets as well," said Capt. Haley.

The UTTR offers one of the best training environments to prepare JTACs for combat operations in Iraq and Afghanistan.

"The range's vast amount of airspace, availability of air support from 388th FW assets, terrain and climate create a limitless training opportunity allowing JTACs from all services and countries to experience similar capabilities and restrictions they will face in combat. They build experience and confidence here in our controlled environment, which makes them more effective when they deploy," said Capt. Haley.

While UTTR communities may notice signs of close air support training or ground troops, positive feedback was received during the Range Squadron's visit.

The first stop on the tour was a small town of Montello, Nev., about 60 miles northwest of Wendover.

The 37 citizens of Montello who attended the presentation welcomed the group with food, and some locals made requests.

"There is a section of where I live that is a no-fly zone," said Mr. Brian Beyler. "I want that changed so they can zoom right over my house. I can't get enough of the sound of freedom," he said.

The volunteer fire chief asked if there could be some training for local people to assist in the event an aircraft incidence happened in their area.

The second stop in Callao, Utah, isn't a town you can reach by major roadways. The town is a 75-mile drive south of Wendover along a dirt and gravel road.
The meeting was held at a schoolhouse with 11 students total for the past few years. 35 adults attended the briefings and listened to the information presented with interest.

Capt. Haley and Capt. Jamie Nordin, 34th Fighter Squadron pilot, became popular visitors when they let 10-year-olds Chris Reil and Sky Adler volunteer to wear tactical vests and flying gear.

The Range Squadron's outreach tour began ten years ago after residents who live in the outlying communities of the UTTR made numerous noise complaints.

"Now they have contact phone numbers to call in the event of noise complaints or any other concern that we can deal with," said Mr. Angus. Since the "Moses Tour" began, noise complaints have reduced dramatically. "With us showing up, they understand that we care," he said.