372nd TRS, Det 28: Leading by example

  • Published
  • By Lt. Col. Kenneth Shinn
  • 372nd Training Squadron

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.