64th ARS Airmen share unique experience

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman David Bernal Del Agua
  • 22nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. --  Even though it's a part of McConnell that is geographically separated, the 64th Air Refueling Squadron continues the same mission while building a partnership between the Air Force's active-duty Airmen and their Guard counterparts.

The 64th ARS, created in 2009 through the Total Force Integration initiative, is a critical part of the KC-135 Stratotanker's mission belonging to the 22nd Air Refueling Wing, but integrated into Pease Air National Guard Base in New Hampshire.

While the squadron is separated from the 22nd ARW, it still belongs to the wing and the commander appreciates the work they are doing independently at Pease.

"The Total Force Integration concept enhances the partnership and interoperability between our active-duty Airmen and their Guard counterparts," said Col. Albert Miller, 22nd ARW commander. "Apart from increasing capacities by sharing operations and maintenance functions, it has also provides a unique opportunity to share operational experience with Guardsmen. These Airmen are a critical part of the Global Reach mission, and the value they bring to the nation cannot be overemphasized."

The unique Total Force Integration opportunity at the 64h ARS gives Airmen more responsibilities and a new perspective on the Air Force.

"I've been stationed at two bases prior to moving to Pease," said Senior Airman Dalton Miller, 64th ARS fuels distribution technician. "Normally in Petroleum, Oils and Lubricants, an Airman doesn't step out of distribution or get much experience until later on as a senior airman or after they become a staff sergeant, but at Pease I'm taking on extra duties as well as responsibilities that wouldn't normally fall to me at other bases."

The extra responsibilities apply to everyone since the squadron is the only active-duty component there and a variety of Air Force specialties intertwined together.

"There are notable things that come to mind in giving a brief picture of our day-to-day experience," said Senior Airman Lawrence Laryea, 64th ARS supply technician. "While we manage more than 5,400 line items worth at least $9.6 million and we also manage the readiness kits.

"In addition, we are also in charge of the Inspection program," said Laryea. "We conduct as-required, daily, monthly and quarterly inspections."

According to Pease Airmen, the benefits of being geographically separated from the parent unit outweigh the downside since the opportunity to be more diversified in their duties is given to them on arrival.

"It's been quite an experience working with a Guard unit in such close quarters and can be a challenge some times because of all that has to be done to meet Air Force standards with so few people," said the 64th ARS fuels distribution technician. "Despite that, the mission is completed in a professional and timely manner with little to no incidents or issues. I know I have grown a great deal professionally since becoming a part of a TFI unit."