NEW JERSEY
New Hampshire National Guard hosts trilateral SPP exchange NEW HAMPSHIRE
about the C-12, a twin turboprop aircraft flown by NHARNG’s Opera- tional Support Airlift, Detachment 18.
Lt. Col. Domingos Correia, the country’s national director of defense, said there are plans for Cabo Verde to acquire a similar plane to support medevac and transport missions. “We want to learn with your operations,” Correia said. “With this first contact, we can see and look at how you operate your aircraft, manage your resources, and its usefulness to help us implement in Cabo Verde.” As with all SPP engagements, cultural exchanges are built in. Col. Saúl Orantes, a Salvadoran helicopter pilot, was especially im- pressed with the NHNG’s military culture.
By Master Sgt. Charles Johnston New Hampshire National Guard | JULY 17, 2023
CONCORD, NH – The New Hampshire Army National Guard hosted Salvadoran and Cabo Verdean visitors for a State Partnership Pro- gram exchange from July 9-11 in Concord. Military guests, seven from El Salvador and three from Cabo Verde collaborated with Guard aircrews at the Army Aviation Support Facility. “This gives us an interesting opportunity to get stakeholders to- gether under one roof, share ideas and collaborate,” said Maj. Mario Rey, director of New Hampshire’s SPP. “We’re talking about themes of aviation maintenance, safety and operations.” The three-day event was pursuant to a Department of Defense program that links state National Guards and foreign countries to facilitate military, government and civilian exchanges. The National Guard Bureau initiative is in its 30th year. New Hampshire first teamed with the Central American nation of El Salvador in 2000. The pairing with Cabo Verde, an island nation off the northwestern coast of Africa, is in its second year.
“I can feel the discipline in your armed forces among Soldiers of all different ranks,” he said through an interpreter.
New Jersey Air Guard flies KC-46 Pegasus Sortie By Mark Olsen New Jersey National Guard | OCT. 4, 2023
Orantes said it was unique to experience such a high level of coop- eration between enlisted and commissioned Guardsmen. He also noted how decisions were delegated more to junior personnel here than he was accustomed to back home.
“It’s a two-ship formation with the call signs Hobey 41 and 42,” said Capt. Brandon M. Johnson, a 141st pilot.
“It’s an unbelievable experience,” Orantes said.
JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, N.J. - The 108th Wing’s 141st Air Refueling Squadron officially flew its first KC-46 Pegasus local sortie Oct. 3. The mission included 16 pilots, boom operators and crew chiefs with the 141st Air Refueling Squadron and a 514th Air Mobility Wing boom operator.
The call sign is a nod to Hobart Amory Hare “Hobey” Baker, a world-renowned Princeton University athlete who served as the commander of the 141st Aero Squadron during World War I. The 141st, one of the Air Force’s oldest units, is part of the 141st Air Refueling Squadron’s lineage. After Baker’s death, the Princeton Tiger was incorporated into the 141st’s squadron insignia. “The Air National Guard, and more specifically the 108th Wing, is a force multiplier because we provide years of experience and confidence to our partners … whether training next to the active duty at home station or side-by-side in battle against an adversary,” said Leonard. “Together, the 108th and 305th will continue to excel through our richness and diversification of culture, experience differences, and determination to provide our piece to national security.”
Moving forward, the state has seven more SPP exchanges planned this year and will host engagements at the state’s annual TAG marks- manship match and the Thunder Over New Hampshire air show. “It’s an excellent environment, excellent people and excellent relationships,” Correia said. “I feel at home. Thank you to the National Guard.”
The sortie marks the continuing evolution of the New Jersey Air National Guard.
The visit was also an opportunity for Cabo Verde to learn more
“The 108th Wing and the 305th Air Mobility Wing are great part- ners and the right choice for a KC-46 association,” said Col. Joseph W. Leonard, deputy commander, 108th Wing.
“This association provides the right capabilities, at the right time, anywhere in the world the Air Force needs,” he said.
The KC-46A is the first phase in recapitalizing the U.S. Air Force’s aging tanker fleet. With improved refueling, cargo, and aeromed- ical evacuation capabilities compared to the KC-135, the KC-46A will provide aerial refueling support to the Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps and partner nations.
Air refueling increases the speed, range, lethality, flexibility and versatility of combat aircraft.
During the mission, the two aircraft refueled F-16 Fighting Falcons and then took turns refueling each other.
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