The boys
are back in town
Salina, Kan., (November 12, 2009) - Once again the
sky of Salina may be a little louder than usual as military units from
Canada's Air Force and Army return to take advantage of the training
and basing opportunities at the Salina Airport Authority and the Smoky
Hill Weapons Range, through November 25.
The 425th Tactical Fighter Squadron, along with the
3rd Aircraft Maintenance Support Squadron, are set to bring with them
six CF-18 Hornets and two CH-146 Griffons. The bulk of the
troops are scheduled to arrive Monday.
"The Canadian Army is performing forward air
controller training," said Hornet pilot and officer in charge,
Capt. Taylor Evans. "These are brand new FACs going through
their initial training. Once they complete their training, they
are going to Afghanistan. Our mission is to deploy here to train
the FACs."
The Army FACs will be training to serve as the eyes
on the ground for the Air Force pilots. Through a number of
methods, FACs communicate with the inbound pilots, guiding them to
destroy enemy targets and minimize collateral damage.
Salina residents shouldn't need worry about any loud
bangs though; out on the Smoky Hill Weapons range they will be
destroying mock enemies with practice ordinance and will normally be
done by 9 p.m.
The units plan to return to Salina three times a
year for continual training. The airport's close proximity to the
range is key for this type of training. Military units get
"more bang for their buck," pun intended. The less time
pilots spend in the air getting to the training venue, the more time,
and fuel, they can spend over it training the guys on the ground and
sharpening their own skills as well.
"We're glad to have them back," said
Airport Authority manager of operations, David "Gunner" Wiles.
"They watch our back abroad and our northern flank at home.
The close availability of the range and access to the city is a huge
benefit for them, and it's great for the community as well."
The last time the group was here, their economic
impact was measured at more than $885,000. That's not just money
to the airport for rent and fuel. They eat in local restaurants,
stay in hotels, shop and enjoy the local nightlife.
Evans reported that the airmen in his unit have had
nothing but good things to say about their time in Salina.
"It's a great town," he said.
"Salina is very hospitable. The people are great to
us. We have to train each group of FACs at two different
facilities, but if it weren't for that I don't think we'd ever go
anywhere else."
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