107th trains Army Guard for Homeland Response Force

  • Published
  • By Senior Master Sgt. Ray Lloyd
  • 107th Airlift Wing
The 107th Airlift Wing, New York Air National Guard provided the 42nd Infantry Division of the New York Army National Guard rapid deployment cargo training here October 20th.

Despite wet and cold weather, the operational company of the 42nd Infantry Division from the Buffalo Masten Avenue Armory arrived ready to train with the 107th's Airlift Wing's C-130 loadmasters. The Army brought all of the mobile equipment they would use for a state emergency when called up by the governor.

"Our unit is the first to set the stage for others when called up for emergencies in the state." said Sgt. Major Edwin Garris 42nd Infantry Division.

The loadmasters briefed the Solders on what the training task would be for the day.

"Use this training opportunity to understand how to load and secure your equipment on the C-130 aircraft," said Master Sgt. Timothy Griffin, 107th Airlift Wing C-130 loadmaster who led the training. "Our loadmasters and crew chiefs are here to assist in you so when you need to respond you're ready," said Griffin.

One of the priority equipment to be loaded is the AN/TSC-185 Satellite Transportable Terminal (STT). The terminal is an optimized, over-the-horizon communications vehicle ideally suited for tactical communications missions with a very short set up time.

"Without this satellite we can't do our job in the field." said Sgt. Holly Lindstorm of the 42nd Infantry Division.

This training mission at Niagara was to test and gauge if all of the 42nd's equipment could fit onto a C-130 aircraft for their Homeland Response Force mission. The Airmen and Solders train together so when a real state or federal emergency happens they are ready to go.

"It's important we have the 107th at Niagara," said Army Sgt. Major Edwin Garris. "We can depend on them to help us respond in short amount of time," he said.

The 107th loadmasters benefitted from this training, as well. They got the chance to work with the Army's equipment and load engine running vehicles, tasks they are required to train in.

"Overall, this was highly valuable training received by all parties involved. Success is the only way to describe what was accomplished," said Griffin.

Plans are being made to provide additional cargo movement training to the Army Guard in the near future.