121st Air Refueling Wing (ARW) ESGR

ESGR Familiarization Mission: A Glimpse into the Operations of the 121st Air Refueling Wing at Rickenbacker Air National Guard Base

On the morning of Thursday, April 19, 2007, a unique and insightful event took place at Rickenbacker Air National Guard Base (RANGB) in Columbus, Ohio. The Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) hosted a familiarization mission for local employers, giving them a firsthand look at the incredible work done by the men and women of the 121st Air Refueling Wing (ARW) of the Ohio National Guard.

The ESGR mission aimed to build a deeper understanding of the military’s vital role in national defense and the importance of supporting Guard and Reserve personnel in the workforce. For many of the employers present, this mission was a rare and invaluable opportunity to witness the skill and precision that goes into the complex operations of the Air National Guard.

The Mission

The highlight of the familiarization mission was a KC-135R air refueling flight, which took off from RANGB and flew over the majestic Smoky Mountains. This flight provided the perfect backdrop for the training of both the air refueling crews and the cargo plane crew.

During the flight, the 121st ARW refueled an Air Force C-17 cargo plane that was flying out of Charleston. The C-17 crew and the air refuelers were put through their paces, demonstrating their coordination, communication, and proficiency in one of the most critical tasks in air mobility: mid-flight refueling.

In the cockpit of the KC-135R, two highly skilled pilots, Captain James Bigelow and Major Darrell Scott, guided the aircraft through the skies. Their years of experience and expert training were evident as they carefully maneuvered the aircraft during the complex refueling operation.

Meanwhile, in the boom operator’s position, Marq “Q” Thompson was hard at work overseeing the refueling process. As the boom operator, Thompson was responsible for the delicate task of extending the refueling boom to connect with the receiving aircraft, a task requiring precise timing and coordination.

The Role of the KC-135R and Air Refueling

The KC-135R Stratotanker is one of the Air National Guard’s most important assets, providing air refueling support for all branches of the U.S. military. Its role in air mobility cannot be overstated: by refueling aircraft mid-flight, the KC-135R extends the range and endurance of military planes, allowing them to complete long-range missions without the need to land and refuel.

The operation at hand was a demonstration of just how vital this capability is to maintaining military readiness. The ability to refuel aircraft mid-flight ensures that cargo planes, fighter jets, and bombers can travel great distances and complete complex missions with the support they need, without relying on a network of ground-based refueling stations.

The ESGR Mission: Bridging the Gap Between Employers and Service Members

While the technical aspects of air refueling were certainly impressive, the ESGR familiarization mission also highlighted the importance of collaboration between the Guard and Reserve members and their civilian employers. The ESGR program was designed to foster greater understanding between the military and the civilian workforce, emphasizing the critical role employers play in supporting National Guard and Reserve members.

During the mission, employers were able to see firsthand the dedication and skill of service members, as well as the unique challenges they face in balancing their military duties with civilian careers. The event aimed to deepen the respect and support that employers have for their employees who serve in the Guard or Reserve, ultimately creating a more supportive work environment for those who dedicate their time to both their civilian and military roles.

The Impact of the Mission

For those lucky enough to be a part of the familiarization mission, the experience was eye-opening. Many employers expressed gratitude for the opportunity to learn more about the military’s operational procedures, and the mission provided them with a better understanding of the sacrifices made by their employees who serve in the National Guard.

The ESGR mission was also an important reminder of the critical role the National Guard plays in defending the country. While the general public often focuses on active-duty military forces, the Guard and Reserve members are integral to the overall success of national defense operations. Their expertise, experience, and flexibility make them invaluable assets, and events like the ESGR familiarization mission help ensure that employers recognize the value of supporting their employees who serve.

Conclusion

The ESGR familiarization mission at Rickenbacker Air National Guard Base on April 19, 2007, provided an unforgettable experience for both the employers in attendance and the service members of the 121st Air Refueling Wing. Through the live demonstration of air refueling operations and the opportunity for employers to witness the professionalism of the Guard members, the event showcased the incredible coordination, skill, and dedication that goes into keeping our military forces ready and operational.

By fostering better understanding and communication between the military and civilian employers, the ESGR mission helps to ensure that service members can continue to serve their country while maintaining successful careers in the civilian workforce. Ultimately, this mission underscored the vital role the National Guard plays in the United States’ defense strategy and highlighted the importance of supporting our Guard and Reserve personnel.