SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --
Unit: Detachment
28, 372d Training Squadron
Location: Hancock Field
ANGB, Syracuse, NY
Mission: To provide maintenance training
that continuously improves Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) mission capability
worldwide
Vision: Lead
maintenance effectiveness through education
Motto: Lead by
example
Staff: 14 Air
National Guard/1 Active Duty
What
We Do:
Detachment 28 supports the host
174th Attack Wing and various non-host RPA MQ-9 units with highly trained
maintainers across four AFSCs. Det 28 is
the largest Air National Guard manned detachment with 13 instructors and offers
11 RPA maintenance courses to the Total Force.
“Det 28 is the only training detachment in the 982 TRG to teach the full
catalog of MQ-9 aircraft maintenance courses,” said Det 28 Production
Superintendent, SMSgt Ian Tucker. Since
opening its doors in 2009, detachment personnel have produced over 1,400
students, accrued over 35,000 instructional hours, and hosted international
students from three partner nations.
Accomplishments:
Det 28 has been highly involved in
the improvement of programs across the MQ-9 enterprise, including the evolution
of MQ-9 training and courseware.
Detachment Chief, CMSgt Timothy Campbell said, “Det 28 has been more
than a training detachment to the Air Force, it has been a hub and catalyst of
MQ-9 maintenance development. In fact, 9
of the 11 MQ-9 courses offered across the 982 TRG were written right here in
Syracuse.” At any given time, Det 28 has
numerous course development projects in work.
Two new “Advanced” (5/7-level) MQ-9 courses were written in Syracuse and
recently completed validation. Det
personnel just wrapped up course writing on formal training courses to support
Air Combat Command’s latest additions to the Air Force inventory, the Block 5
and Extended Range (ER) MQ-9. MSgt Scott
Simpson, Det 28 instructor said, “All of our course development efforts wouldn’t
be possible without the constant support of their Sheppard-based 372 TRS MQ-9 Training
Manager and Curriculum Manager, Mr. Jimmy Keen and Mr. Al DeRubbio.”
In addition to internal curriculum
development, Detachment personnel work with the 982 MXS at Sheppard AFB and
have developed Interactive Media Instruction (IMI). IMI are student-controlled software programs
which show the operation of key aircraft systems virtually. The development of IMI for the MQ-9 Propeller
and Fuel Systems have saved the Air Force thousands of dollars in trainer
development costs vs. use of conventional trainers. Det 28 and 982 MXS personnel are currently
producing an additional IMI for the MQ-9 electrical system.
Det 28 personnel actively support
the base and surrounding community. Det
28 personnel directly support and coordinate the host 174th Attack Wing New
York State Fair Exhibit and participate in the annual Salvation Army
Distribution Day, which distributes food to the needy during the holiday
season.