372nd TRS, Field Training Detachment 23

Unit: Field Training Detachment 23, 372nd Training Squadron

Location: Misawa Air Base, Japan

Mission: Provide world-class instruction to enhance Airman into highly motivated maintainers possessing the knowledge, skills, and technical abilities to “Fight Tonight.”

Vision: Exceptional instructors developing astounding maintainers through unparalleled training, ensuring peace and stability throughout the Asia-Pacific region.

The 372d Training Squadron’s Field Training Detachment 23 is located at Misawa Air Base, Japan.  They support the 35^th Fighter Wing with highly trained maintainers across seven different maintenance career fields.  This small unit consists of eight of the very best Air Education and Training Command instructors, charged with providing F-16 “Fighting Falcon” advanced skills training as well as Aerospace Ground Equipment maintenance across the entire Pacific region.

For Master Sgt. Scott Kio, Detachment Chief, this opportunity to lead Detachment 23 brings his career full circle. “Misawa was my first duty station, I can remember walking the halls as a young Airman unsure of what to expect from the Air Force. As I walk around and interact with the students, I see that same look on their faces, and I know my amazing staff of instructors are helping to guide and mentor those Airman.” 

During this fiscal year, Detachment 23 has conducted 107 courses, providing 8,806 hours of instruction, and graduating 303 students awarding 1,110 CCAF credits.  The detachment has also responded to 10 Mobile Training Team requests this year, sending instructors to Kadena and Osan where they trained another 42 maintenance technicians.  “Having a great working relationship with our host 35th MXG and the surrounding PACAF counterparts we work together to get the training mission done, and done right.” Master Sgt. Kio stated.  “This year our detachment has taken many strides to provide the best training environment possible for the men and women of the 35th Fighter Wing.  The detachment has added three new courses to their catalog as well as acquiring almost $80,000 worth of weapons maintenance equipment and new audio visual aids to enhance the training environment.”

Members of Detachment 23 also find time to be very involved with both the base and Japanese community.  This year alone they have assisted the local schools by participating in career day events focusing on educating today’s youth on future possibilities. The detachment is also very active in the schools reading program assisting with the “Reading Across the Globe” event.  Tech. Sgt. Joe San Agustin F-16 Weapons Instructor puts it like this. “Spending just a couple hours reading to the kids is just a small token of our thanks to a community that supports us in every way.”  Members of Det 23 also find time to be very active in the base intramural sporting program by participating in the base golf, bowling, and softball leagues. Kio said, “Although we might not be bringing home the trophies, we are building a long lasting teamwork environment that is crucial to the success of such a small unit.  I am blessed to have such a motivated team of professionals working alongside me.”