An official website of the United States government
Here's how you know
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Summer camp at Savannah CRTC

  • Published
  • 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.