Ellsworth works with SDNG to tackle Golden Coyote

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Hrair H. Palyan
  • 28th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, S.D. --  A broad range of Ellsworth Airmen trained alongside 300 soldiers of the South Dakota National Guard during the 29th Annual Golden Coyote training exercise, June 8 to 22.

The two-week exercise provided Airmen, Guardsmen and other servicemembers from 55 military units representing 11 states and four foreign nations with relevant joint-training opportunities in preparation for overseas contingency operations and homeland defense.

U.S. Army Maj. Jason Kettwig, 139th Brigade Support Battalion executive officer, said the training he underwent allowed him the opportunity to practice valuable tactics, techniques and procedures.

"We primarily conducted combat support and combat service support missions," Kettwig said of the activities on Ellsworth. "When we first got here, we worked with base leadership to set up a FOB (forward operating base) on the flightline to house our logistics team. That was our cornerstone for all of the operations we did in the Black Hills area."

Kettwig explained the extent of cooperation between Ellsworth and the Guard wasn't only in support of establishing an operation center, but Ellsworth helping in a number of other ways to include providing resources and combat provisions.

"It's amazing the amount of help we received," Kettwig said. "From establishing a field kitchen so our staff could eat and keep hydrated, to setting up latrines and establishing other environmental and waste measures that were necessary."

U.S. Army 1st Lt. Chad Brooks, 139th BSB assistant officer in charge of operations, said there are a lot of challenges present when working with members from other services and countries that provided him and others with great experience.

"We partnered with Airmen to complete a patrol lane exercise in a simulated urban environment," said Brooks. "During that particular exercise we tested everyone's ability to respond to threats, whether it be an IED (improvised explosive device) or enemy fire."

Brooks added that training with servicemembers from various backgrounds and specialties provided him and others with vital experience that will be beneficial for years ahead.

"It felt good to overcome the challenges we faced," Brooks said. "We all came together to get the job done. All of us from the South Dakota National Guard really appreciate the help we received from Ellsworth."