News

Force Support Airmen take services to Hawaii for off-station annual tour

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Rachael Garneau
  • 446th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
MCCHORD FIELD, Wash. --  Reservists from the 446th Force Support Squadron left March 13 for Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii to conduct their annual training tour. Eight Airmen from the Services Flight deployed to support the 647th Force Support Squadron in Hawaii during their two-week temporary duty.

The team from McChord is integrating with active-duty Services Airmen, as well as Sailor counterparts, at the joint base. The Navy has the lead on Morale, Welfare, and Recreation functions at Hickam, so the fitness centers, dining facilities, and lodging are all ran by their guidelines, said Master Sgt. Anita Barnes, an air reserve technician with the 446th FSS.

The last time the 446th went to Hawaii was about six years ago, before Hickam implemented the joint base structure.

"This is a really interesting opportunity for us to work with the active duty on a joint base, integrating 'one team one fight.' We have some young troops, so it's great training for them to see how the Navy does business! " said Barnes.

Airman Seth Ruble has only been in Services for about a year as a traditional Reservist, and this Hawaii trip is his first TDY. He says he's excited for the job.

"I've never been to Hawaii, so it's a little bit of excitement about both the trip and the mission," he said. "I'm a little nervous too!"

Occasionally, the Services Flight does its annual training near Fort Wolters,Texas, augmenting security forces Airmen. The in-between years' training is done off of McChord, supplementing Services Airmen around the world. According to Barnes, Services Reserve units make a wish list of the top places to train. Active-duty units can then put in bids for Reserve support across the Services career field. Air Force Reserve Command makes the decision of which units will be going where, and how many Airmen will be needed to augment the missions.

"It's another great opportunity for us to showcase and bring a lot of skill that we have to offer," said Tech Sgt. Lakesha Peterson, a Services team member who has gone on many missions with the 446th FSS, including the last trip to Hawaii. "We are a strong team when we deploy or go TDY, so it's just another feather in our cap to help our active-duty counterparts and get additional training with the Navy, as well."