Savannah CRTC training 2014

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Shayne Van Horen, assigned to the 169th Logistics Readiness Squadron, directs Staff Sgt. Michael Shelley, assigned to the 169th Communications Flight, during training on an all- terrain forklift course during annual training at the Combat Readiness Training Center in Savannah, Ga., July 16, 2014. This training experience has allowed Airmen to meet their annual requirements outside of the unit training assembly weekend throughout the year. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Airman 1st Class Ashleigh S. Pavelek/Released)

Savannah CRTC training 2014

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Robert Nine, assigned to the 169th Communications Flight, drives a 10k standard forklift during forklift driver training at the Combat Readiness Training Center in Savanah, Ga., July 16, 2014. Nine and more than 180 Airmen from the 169th Fighter Wing, traveled to the CRTC to conduct their annual training. The CRTC offered the Airmen a place to train and complete yearly ancillary training away from their home station. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Tech. Sgt. Jorge Intriago/Released)

Savannah CRTC training 2014

U.S. Air Force Airmen, assigned to the 169th Logistics Readiness Squadron at McEntire Joint National Guard Base, S.C., receive training on a Springfield 10 ton tractor trailer during annual training at the Combat Readiness Training Center in Savannah, Ga., July 16, 2014. This training experience has allowed Airmen to meet their annual requirements outside of the unit training assembly weekend throughout the year. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Airman 1st Class Ashleigh S. Pavelek/Released)

Savannah CRTC training 2014

U.S. Airmen, assigned to the 169th Fighter Wing, attend a Four Lenses personality-type indicator assessment, during annual training at the Combat Readiness Training Center in Savannah, Ga., July 16, 2014. This training experience has allowed Airmen to meet their annual requirements outside of the unit training assembly weekend throughout the year. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Tech. Sgt. Jorge Intriago/Released)

Savannah CRTC training 2014

U.S. Airmen, assigned to the 169th Fighter Wing, attend a Four Lenses personality-type indicator assessment, during annual training at the Combat Readiness Training Center in Savannah, G.a., July 16, 2014. This training experience has allowed Airmen to meet their annual requirements outside of the unit training assembly weekend throughout the year. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Tech. Sgt. Jorge Intriago/Released)

Summer camp at Savannah CRTC

Published July 29, 2014
By Airman First Class Ashleigh S. Pavelek
169th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

Savannah CRTC, Ga. -- Nearly 200 Airmen from McEntire Joint National Guard Base, S.C. traveled to the Combat Readiness Training Center in Savannah, Georgia to complete annual training and ancillary tasks July 13-19.

Airmen attended courses in Self-Aid and Buddy Care, chemical warfare refresher, SharePoint and other technical training to maintain current status for annual requirements.

"With only 16 hours to get things done in a drill weekend, Airmen need to focus on building skills learned in technical school training," said Lt. Col. Allen Stewart, the vice commander of the 169th Mission Support Group.

The CRTC allowed Airmen to complete course training requirements without distraction which will produce more time on UTA weekends for specialty skill building and other important appointments.

Hands-on operation and safety training with heavy mechanical equipment like the Springfield 10 ton tractor trailer and an all-terrain forklift was accomplished as well as classroom training on ancillary and Airmen development.

"We enjoy the opportunity to be out here and have the time to focus on important hands-on training," said Senior Airman Jonathan Curenton, a vehicle operations specialist assigned to the 169th Logistics Readiness Squadron. "This time allows us to keep our skills and our knowledge of the equipment fresh in our minds as trainers and equipment operators."

Swamp Fox Airmen also embraced the opportunity to attend valuable 5-level upgrade training at the CRTC.

"I learned a lot in my training and it will definitely help me move forward in a positive way in my career," said Airman 1st Class Tevin Gainey, a services specialist assigned to the 169th Force Support Squadron.

Stewart commented that McEntire's future goal for CRTC training is to make it an annual opportunity to provide extensive training in a summer camp environment allowing Swamp Fox Airmen to drill and promote success and camaraderie.