Covert training: units hook up to practice skills in the Arizona desert

Members of two 10th Air Force units hooked up in the Arizona desert in late January to take care of some required training they couldn't accomplish by themselves.

An MC-130P aircrew from the 5th Special Operations Squadron, Duke Field, Fla., traveled to Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz., to join with members of the 305th Rescue Squadron for a weekend of training. Members of the 10th AF staff from Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base Fort Worth, Texas, and two instructors from the Advanced Airlift Tactical Training Center, St. Joseph, Mo., also participated.

"Both units had training needs that were not being met and could be met by the other trait," said Maj. Thomas Moffatt, chief of current operations in the Directorate of Operations, 10th AF. "We (members of the numbered air force staff) were in a unique position to see the problem and offer solutions that led to the two units coming together for the mission."

The units conducted night operations training missions, which included aerial refueling of 305th HH-60 Pave Hawks, recurrency training for three of the squadron's pilots, two check rides for another pilot and an instructor pilot check ride. The entire MC-130P crew gained some valuable low-level training using night-vision goggles, while two co-pilots received aerial refueling and terrain awareness training.

"The terrain around Davis-Monthan is much more challenging for low-level flight and also more like that of the terrain we can expect in current real-world operations," said Capt. Chris Gohike, 5th SOS chief of current operations and aircraft commander for the training missions. "The trip was very beneficial in helping us maintain the high skill levels that we obtained from flying in Operation Enduring Freedom combat sorties."

Captain Gohlke said he appreciated the Arizona reservists' hospitality and hopes the rapport the two units established during the weekend will lead to more training opportunities in the future.

"The 5th is invited to come out anytime it wants," said Maj. Jeffrey Macrander, 305th RQS operations officer. "The 305th is always looking for aerial refueling training opportunities."

"We are in the beginning stages of trying to make this mission a regular event," Major Moffatt said. "There will also be an effort to expand the number of units involved and the types of missions performed."

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